ABSTRACT
Accounting is a subject that is capable of generating a whole gamut of emotions and reactions-from the standard declarations of accounting as a boring and incredibly tedious, technical function to accusations of politicization and concerns that as a function it is capable of being, among other things: a major contributor to the current global fi nancial crisis; something that gives lifeblood to secretive, offshore fi nancial centers; a challenge to, or fundamental facilitator of, democratic leanings in developing nations; a much needed tool for delivering more effi cient public services and bringing public fi nances under control; or a guaranteed money earner for commercially oriented, global ‘professional service’ fi rms that are less and less tied to traditional notions of accounting professionalism.
