1.1    OVERVIEW OF THE SUBJECT STUDY
The world is moving from manual accounting to a computerized  one, thus, the significance of accounting packages in facilitating their accounting processes which include collection of larger data cannot be over emphasised. Accounting firms offers wide range of services from basic book-keeping to more complex issues such as tax return, helping client create budget, perfecting financial statement, preparing local, state and federal tax return.
Accounting firms also offer audit and business valuation service, monitor depreciation of asset, help client in determine cash flow. Some go as far as specializing in setting up computer accounting system.
All these functions performed by accounting firm necessitate the use of accounting packages as this will go a long easy in providing accuracy, eliminate waste of time as manual work tends to make the work full of paper work which in turn make the work bulky, waste time and increase cast.
However, packages like CCH, Lacerta Tax, Sage So, Quick books etc. provides remarkable helping hand in facilitating their activities.
1.2    STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
It is sadden that most accounting firms still carry out their functions in the manual way. This shows down the level of work to be done and affects the time frame set out for the task. Also as a result of the manual processes, most firms run into trouble in meeting customer’s expectation and keeping good account of their financial activities.
Other problems associated with this study include:
1.3    RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1.4    PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
1.5    SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The significance of this research work cannot be over-emphasized. The research will not only be of benefit to the sector concerned i.e. accounting firm but also other relevant agencies and even the public, as it will give an insight study into the significant role accounting packages plays in accounting firm’s operations.
The research will also serve as a basis for subsequent research work as this will serve as reference material for student who will be carrying out research work on similar area of study.
With the research result, accounting firms using old methods in their operations. Will be encouraged to adopt the modern computerized methods such as accounting packages.
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1.6    SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
Scope of the study
The scope of this research work includes access to textbooks and project materials. The researcher also made use of internet facilities in order to get himself acquainted with the latest findings.
The researcher was also able to obtain information relating to the significance of accounting packages in an accounting firms.
Limitation of the study
In the course of the researcher work, the researcher encountered a lot of challenges. These challenges includes restricting the study to few field of relevance due to financials inadequacy to explore other relevant field. Non availability or easy access to sufficient and efficient data to aid the research and the time frame of the research.
The study suffered set back as a result of some of the following:
Financial constraints: the research has to work within his financial capability. Its insufficiency shows a remarkable effect on this research work.
Time: the study has to be conducted sometimes with haste as a result of limited time frame. This leads, the researcher into leaving out some stones unturned.
Data collection: distribution and collection of questionnaire prove evasive as some of the targeted audience co-operated not. Also, there was difficulty in accessing some relevant literature and materials.
Inadequate and outdated source centres: during the gathering of research literature review and information, the researcher encounter difficulties due to the inadequate information from research centre, little found and most are remote and no longer contains recent information and contemporary issues