Usage of Accounting Information among Malaysian Bumiputra Small and Medium Non-Manufacturing Firms

This paper reports the results of a descriptive study which investigates usage of accounting information and computerized accounting information system (AIS) among non-manufacturing bumiputra small and medium sized firms (SMEs) in Malaysia. Using mail questionnaire survey, data was collected from 136 firms. Findings from this study suggest that uses of accounting information among the firms are varied, while uses of computerized AIS is minimal. Only a very small percentage of firms that prepared accounting information internally use computerized AIS. Furthermore, very few firms seek financial advice from accounting firm. This study provides important insights into the practice of financial management among bumiputra SMEs, which has received little attention thus far from academic, governmental and professional bodies.