OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING

Faculty of Economics Brčko, University East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina

Faculty of Economics Brčko, University East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina


Abstract

Contemporary digital technologies are reshaping the business environment, creating opportunities for innovation while challenging traditional models of governance and financial reporting. In this context, blockchain technology constitutes an innovative distributed ledger infrastructure that provides a secure, cryptographically protected, and shared platform for recording and exchanging accounting information. This paper examines the transformative potential of blockchain in financial accounting through a systematic review of the relevant academic literature, aiming to identify prevailing research trends and assess the practical implications of its adoption. The analysis focuses on the core attributes of blockchain and their effects on data integrity, process efficiency, and the reliability of financial reporting. The findings suggest that blockchain may function as a platform for the voluntary disclosure of financial and non-financial information, thereby enhancing stakeholder trust and reducing information asymmetry in the short term. Over the long term, the integration of blockchain and smart contracts may reduce errors, improve the quality, timeliness, and comparability of accounting information, and streamline reconciliation and auditing procedures. The study also addresses key implementation challenges, including regulatory uncertainty, privacy concerns, scalability limitations, and the costs of integration with existing systems. Although blockchain holds significant innovative potential for financial accounting, its sustainable implementation requires a strategic approach and strong institutional support.

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