Browsing by Author "Oliveira, Helena Costa"
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- Accounting Standardization in the Municipality of Elvas: stages and challengesPublication . Ventura, Ricardo; Silva, Amélia; Cunha, Ana; Oliveira, Helena CostaThe biggest change of paradigm in the accounting system of the Portuguese public sector, take place in 1997 with the public sector reform, which materialized through the Public Official Accounting Plan. However, despite the important role played by this accounting standard, it could not keep up with international standards or the evolution of accounting in the private sector. These facts along with the multiplicity of accounting systems in the public sector and the strong need for international accounting harmonization, led, in 2015, to the approval of the Public Sector Accounting Standardization System. Thus, the emergence of new challenges in public management was the lever for the most recent reform of public accounting in Portugal operationalized by the Public Sector Accounting Standardization System and the Budgetary Framework Law. This applies to all central, regional, and local government institutions. Among local government institutions, municipalities are the most representative. Their transition from the Official Accounting Plan for Local Authorities to Public Sector Accounting Standardization System was expected to be a long and complex process mainly due to obstacles such as the adaptation of computer systems and the high number of procedures needed. Thus, this study analyzes the conceptual basis and describes the transition stages from the Official Accounting Plan for Local Authorities to Public Sector Accounting Standardization System in a Portuguese municipality. This work follows a qualitative methodology. The case study identified three critical factors for the successful implementation of the Public Sector Accounting Standardization System: human resources with experience and adequate training, adequate information systems, and institutional support from official public entities. This paper contributes to a proper application of the system through theoretical and practical explanation of the processes, at the accounting and technologies levels. By highlighting crucial points in a process of change, this paper also contributes to the success of changing processes in the public sector.
- Exploring Digital Accounting Challenges at Vila do Conde City CouncilPublication . Sousa, Cristiana; Oliveira, Helena Costa; Maldonado, IsabelThe advancement of information technologies in the digital age has significantly impacted human activity and various professional fields, becoming increasingly prevalent in society. Over time, technology has profoundly transformed public accounting, enabling more efficient, effective, and optimized practices. Innovative tools, such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing, have emerged as key drivers of this evolution. This paper aims to analyze the impact of information technologies on the accounting practices of the Vila do Conde City Council, in Portugal. The study identifies the technological systems and the changes due to the Accounting Standardization System for Public Administrations (SNC-AP) and explores the advantages and challenges of these technologies. This qualitative research method uses interviews and documentary analysis. The findings reveal that while the council has already implemented systems such as Enterprise Resource Planning, there are opportunities to introduce more advanced accounting technologies. Issues such as budgetary constraints and cultural resistance to change influence the pace of technological implementation. However, the council has taken a proactive approach in other areas, focusing on service digitalization and community engagement. This study provides a valuable reference for other public entities looking to modernize their processes and enhance community services. Identifying challenges and barriers in implementing technology enables public administrations to anticipate issues and implement effective solutions.
- Fintech perception of cooperation or competition with bankingPublication . Salgado, Flávio; Oliveira, Helena CostaOver the past few years, significant industries have modified their operation mode in the markets due to the substantial emergence of information technologies. The changes occur in the interaction with customers, production processes, or implementing strategies. The banking sector is not an exception, and this study focuses on the digital transformations of banks. This paper aims to understand how financial organizations in Portugal are changing to remain competitive while implementing information technologies. The purpose is to study a fintech, that emerged due to the digital transformation of the bank sector, and to understand its relationship with traditional banks, whether it is of cooperation or competition. This case study follows a qualitative methodology based on a semi-structured interview with the CEO of the fintech company nBanks. The fintech companies and banks can collaborate and work together to develop the financial market in Portugal. The relationship between them can be of cooperation instead of competitiveness.