Propensity to use global solutions of creative and aggressive accounting - in the light of accountants’ opinions

University of Economics, College of Finance, 1 Maja 50, 40-287 Katowice, Poland

^* Corresponding author: aleksandra.szewieczek@ue.katowice.pl

Abstract

Research background: The processes of globalization contributed to the unification of accounting principles through their standardization and harmonization. However, there is rapid and frequent permeation of innovative and complex transactions and as a result, the area and scale of implementation of creative and aggressive accounting practices are increasing. There is also a new issue of forensic audit, whose task is to prevent economic crime by mainly detecting financial crime and fraud. A research field that requires deepening is the analysis of the perception, understanding, and propensity of accountants to adopt creative and aggressive accounting solutions and their attitude toward forensic audit.

Purpose of the article: The main purpose is to analyze the degree of knowledge and adoption of internationally known creative and aggressive accounting solutions and to investigate the propensity of people involved in accounting to commit fraud.

Methods: The article employed survey methods and techniques (within an accounting students’ group and among accounting professionals) as well as literature analysis, synthesis, and inference.

Findings & Value added: The results indicate that the degree of knowledge of creative accounting is the highest among the issues considered. The most important factors influencing the propensity to commit fraud are pressures caused by third parties (in particular superiors), financial benefits, and the fear of losing a job. Knowledge of the issues of forensic audit is low. It is necessary to conduct promotional activities to increase awareness of the issues studied and to shape appropriate ethical attitudes among accounting professionals.