The Risks of Using Computerized Accounting Information Systems in the Jordanian banks; their reasons and ways of prevention

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the risks of computerized accounting information systems in the Jordanian banks, their reasons and ways of prevention. To achieve this, a questionnaire was designed and distributed to a sample consisted of 63 respondents who work as assistants of the general managers, managers of  departments, branch managers and their assistants and the employees in the Jordanian  banks. After data was analyzed using SPSS, it was concluded that there were risks threatened the security of the accounting information systems in the Jordanian banks; regarding the employees as the employees’ entry of bad data intentionally, risks regarding viruses’ entry into these systems, risks regarding the internal control as the unauthorized to see the outputs, and risks regarding natural and unnatural disasters done by human. And the study concluded that one of the most important for having these risks is the bank’s employees’ lack of experience in keeping the information’s security which are represented in lack of employees’ training on using the means of protecting the accounting systems before starting their work and the lack of a suitable system of recruitment that appoints the appropriate person in the appropriate place.

The study recommended  some procedures to be used by the banks to reduce the effects of the risks of the computerized accounting systems as the administration of bank’s updating the means of protection according the technological development continuously and keeping substitute copies of information in a safe and far places, carrying out procedures to protect the computerized accounting information system by insuring a close and fire-resistance place (physical protection) and developing and implementing a system of internal control characterized by strength.

The study also recommended the following: the necessity to increase the Jordanians’  banks interest in developing effective internal control systems of the computerized accounting information systems, the necessity  of the Jordanian banks to keep up with the continuous technological developments, and to hold continuous training courses to the new and old employees; to show the importance of their commitment to the control procedures regarding the safety and security of the computerized accounting systems and to train them on these procedures.

Keywords: The computerized accounting information systems, The internal control, The risks of the accounting information systems, The security of the accounting information systems.