ERP Systems (Enterprise Resource Planning)
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is business process management software that allows an organization to use a system of integrated applications to manage the business and automate many back office functions related to technology, services and human resources.
In the early years of my banking career, an analyst or accountant would request a report generated on a mainframe computer and it would be delivered the next day. (In my world, this was Sarah's job....and she ruled it like a queen). You got what you got.....and were grateful for it.
Now, the power of report-writing is in the hands of the user, open-source databases and built-in functions for designing and delivering the information desired, and how it looks / how it's organized.
Cloud-based information systems, retention and access....data is hosted by third-parties, and is in their hands.
GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles)
Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) are a common set of principles, standards and procedures that companies must follow for presenting financial statements. It is a combination of authoritative standards and commonly accepted ways of recording and reporting accounting information.
I remember researching GAAP in my step-dad's offices, a full library of printed books in burgandy covers.....hours in the library, and in his conference room.
GAAP was codified and has a revised topic numbering and reference system. A good portion of it is online, by subscription, and research takes place like common search engines in use, text strings and phrases in the search area usually take you to the appropriate topic.
The Tools
Of course, the Microsoft Suite of products rules my work environment now, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word, Access.....have all come about since I began using ledger books, small computer systems (Compaq 386!) and lots of pencil to paper.
While my office is certainly not paperless, data is more integrated, uploaded, downloaded, scanned and available on a screen instead of paper.
Physical Presence, Offices
Remote, online and tele-commuting are popular (but unheard of at the start of my professional career). Working off-site, from home and available 24 hours a day. The ability to work closely with others from anywhere in the world....use of digital signatures and documents.
