Accounting and Auditing Research, 11th Edition

1Introduction to Applied Professional Research

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this chapter, you should understand:

• The importance of research in the daily activities of the professional accountant.
• The definition and nature of professional accounting research.
• The navigation steps to narrow one’s research.
• The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s view on the importance of research.
• The role of research within a public accounting firm or within an accounting department of a business or governmental entity.
• The basic steps of the research process.
• The importance of critical thinking and effective communication skills.
• The role of data analytics, including AI, in accounting and auditing research.
• The changing role of research on the U.S. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.

Today’s accounting professionals, like other professionals, are witnessing a major transformation due to changes in the law, services, and technologies, and an ever-increasing number of professional standards. In the altered accounting and auditing landscape brought about by these dramatic changes, understanding how to perform accounting, auditing, tax, and business research is more important than ever. To develop effective skills in research and analysis, students and professionals need to apply their knowledge of research to everyday practical problems. In addition to accounting, auditing, and tax compliance, accountants are involved in such services as attestation reviews, forensic ...