Finance, Accounting and Business Analysis

Volume 8 Issue 1, 2026

http://faba.bg/

ISSN 2603-5324

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37075/FABA.2026.1.04

Cloud Accounting Implementation and Electronic Accounting

Disclosure: Testing Perceived Relationships in the Accounting–

Finance Community

Aram Mohammed-Amin Qadir

Department of International Trade, Law and Administration College, University of Halabja, Halabja, Iraq

Info Articles

Abstract

History Article:

Submitted 31 January 2026

Revised 24 April 2026

Accepted 27 May 2026

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the

implementation of cloud accounting and the perceived quality of electronic

accounting disclosure as perceived by accounting and finance professionals and

academicians. The rationale is to fill the gap of empirical evidence on the

relationship between cloud-based accounting systems and disclosure quality

from a multi-stakeholder perspective.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The study uses a two-phase design. Initially,

a descriptive approach is employed to conceptualise cloud accounting (execution

of accounting functions and data management by means of cloud platforms) and

electronic accounting disclosure quality (digital distribution of accounting data

with a focus on user-perceived quality). Second, a cross-sectional survey is

conducted among accounting and finance practitioners and academics. The data

collected are coded and analysed using SPSS software (Version 28). JASP is used

to test the statistical association between the use of cloud accounting and the

quality of electronic disclosure.

Findings: The results show a significant positive association between the

implementation of cloud accounting and the perceived quality of electronic

accounting disclosures. However, the findings show an association rather than a

causal relationship, as the survey data are cross-sectional and are based on the

subjective views of the participants. But the greater reported use of cloud

accounting is associated with greater perceived quality of electronic disclosure

by the surveyed professionals and academics.

I Practical Implications: Organisations that are considering or that currently use

cloud accounting may expect to see improvements in the perceived quality of

their electronic disclosures. In turn, this can improve transparency, stakeholder

trust and the utility of decision making. These results also add to the literature

by informing accounting practitioners and standard-setters of the potential non-

financial benefits of cloud adoption. Academics and trainers can use these

insights to adapt curricula to changing digital practices.

Originality/Value: This study provides new empirical evidence in favour of a

positive association between cloud accounting use and the quality of electronic

disclosure. Its unique contribution is to bring together the perspectives of

professional accountants and academic researchers, two groups rarely sampled

together. The findings provide a particular evidence-based perspective on the use

of cloud-based accounting practices and disclosure outcomes, while openly

admitting the limitations of cross-sectional data.

Paper Type: Research Paper.

Keywords:

Cloud accounting,

accounting information

systems; Electronic financial

reporting; accounting

disclosure quality; Digital

transformation in

accounting;Technology

adoption

JEL: M41, M15, O33, D82

Address Correspondence:

E-mail: ram.qadir@uoh.edu.iq

A. M-A. Qadir / Finance, Accounting and Business Analysis, Volume 8, Issue 1, 2026.

INTRODUCTION

In the context of rapid technological advancements reshaping economic paradigms, the adoption of

modern accounting technologies has become increasingly significant for organisations aiming to update their

operational models and improve overall performance. Specifically, cloud accounting involves the use of

internet-based, remote platforms for the processing, storage, and distribution of accounting data to

authorised users. These systems, fundamentally, can accelerate the dissemination of financial information,

simplify report generation, and reduce administrative burdens. Moreover, they provide support for more

efficient data storage and retrieval, a crucial benefit as organisations manage growing volumes of digital

records, potentially aligning accounting practices with the informational needs of financial statement users

and other relevant stakeholders.

Digital transformation efforts, frequently driven by heightened competitive pressures and the advent

of novel technologies, often correspond with enhanced resource allocation and bolstered organisational

competencies. Nevertheless, the realisation of these advantages is contingent upon specific contextual

factors, such as robust infrastructure, effective internal controls, and a workforce possessing requisite skill

sets. In light of the swift technological advancements, numerous organisations have embraced electronic

accounting data processing and broadened their utilisation of electronic disclosure techniques.

Consequently, cloud accounting is often touted as a means of enhancing transparency and accounting

efficiency, thereby improving the quality of electronic accounting disclosures.

Furthermore, it can potentially bolster an institution's ability to furnish secure, prompt access to financial

data—an effect that, when coupled with appropriate governance, can facilitate more informed decision-

making by both management and external stakeholders. In accordance with this premise, the present study

formulates its research problem around a core question: Does cloud accounting statistically significantly

contribute to the strengthening of electronic accounting disclosure? From this, three subsidiary questions

emerge: (1) whether accounting and finance professionals and academics perceive cloud accounting

implementation as highly important; (2) whether the same groups perceive electronic accounting disclosure

as highly important; and (3) whether cloud accounting is perceived to have a statistically significant effect

on enhancing electronic disclosure. Consistent with these questions, the study proposes three hypotheses:

that respondents view cloud accounting implementation as highly important; that they view electronic

accounting disclosure as highly important; and that cloud accounting significantly enhances electronic

accounting disclosure. The importance of this research is clear from both theoretical and practical

perspectives. Theoretically, the study aims to clarify how digital transformation, particularly cloud

accounting, can improve transparency and streamline the efficiency of accounting information. This is

achieved through the electronic presentation, sharing, and analysis of financial data. Practically, the research

highlights the importance of digital transformation in accounting, showing how cloud accounting can

strengthen electronic disclosure and enable more informed decision-making by those who use financial

statements. However, this approach implicitly assumes that the respondents' views accurately reflect actual

disclosure practices and the quality of information. This assumption requires careful consideration in the

study's design and later interpretation.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Cloud computing is the backbone of many modern IT applications, like cloud accounting (Salem et

al. 2021). The idea of 'computing as a utility' is often linked to John McCarthy, who in the 1960s imagined

computer resources being delivered as a service instead of owning physical infrastructure (McCarthy 1960).

Today, cloud computing means having easy, on-demand access to a shared pool of resources — such as

networks, servers, storage, applications, and services — that can be quickly set up or taken down with little

effort or need to contact the provider (Cattarino et al. 2016). This shift changes how businesses operate by

reducing the need to buy and maintain their own hardware and software, and by encouraging the use of IT

services from outside vendors, usually through subscriptions or pay-as-you-go plans.

Moving to cloud computing can lower upfront costs and make operations more flexible. But to get these

benefits, organizations need reliable internet connections (Yang 2023), strong cybersecurity, good contracts,

and compliance with their own rules and regulations (Browne et al. 2022).

Cloud computing services usually fall into three main types. Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) offers basic

resources like virtual servers, networking, and storage, but clients still manage their own operating systems

and applications (Musaddiq et al. 2018).

Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) presents a managed environment for application development and

deployment, thereby reducing the need for infrastructure administration. Conversely, this approach may

concurrently increase reliance on vendor-specific tools and configurations (Fellner and Grünbacher 2025).

A. M-A. Qadir / Finance, Accounting and Business Analysis, Volume 8, Issue 1, 2026.

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) delivers complete applications via the internet, usually accessed through a web

browser, with service providers overseeing operations, updates, and system uptime (Gonzalez et al. 2014).

Furthermore, contemporary research delineates several "as-a-service" paradigms, encompassing Storage-as-

a-Service (StaaS), Security-as-a-Service (SECaaS), Testing/Environment-as-a-Service (TEaaS), and

Business-Process-as-a-Service (BPaaS). These classifications frequently overlap and can vary across different

service providers (Gzik 2020). In this framework, cloud accounting, also known as cloud-based accounting,

integrates cloud technologies into accounting operations. This is achieved by leveraging remote servers for

the storage and processing of financial data, which is then accessed via internet-based interfaces, as opposed

to local software installations.

The Software as a Service (SaaS) model is, in essence, broadened to encompass accounting

functionalities (Sadighi 2014). Transaction processing, reporting, and data management are conducted on

infrastructure under the provider's purview, with users accessing the system remotely (Border 2007).

Proponents contend that this architectural design can enhance accessibility and collaboration across diverse

geographical locations and temporal zones, particularly when the timely availability of financial data is

crucial. Nevertheless, these advantages are contingent upon dependable service availability, appropriately

managed user access protocols, and robust data security and privacy safeguards—all of which are not

guaranteed and necessitate proactive monitoring (Han et al. 2024).

Cloud accounting reduces reliance on on-premises infrastructure, thereby enabling automated

updates and flexible storage options. Prominent cloud accounting solutions include Oracle NetSuite,

QuickBooks, FreshBooks, Wave, Xero, and Zoho (Ma et al. 2021). The adoption of these solutions hinges

on factors such as organisational preparedness, the robustness of internal controls, vendor dependability,

and adherence to regulatory requirements (Yusuf et al. 2023). Therefore, an evidence-based approach is

essential for differentiating between the theoretical advantages of cloud architectures and the tangible results

achieved by organisations, considering disparities in governance capabilities, risk management approaches,

and implementation quality (Al-Okaily et al. 2022).

Leading Cloud Computing Companies and Their Associated Software Platforms

The proliferation of commercial platforms demonstrates the evolution of cloud accounting from a

conceptual framework to a broadly adopted suite of practical applications. These offerings, typically

delivered as Software as a Service (SaaS), empower organisations to manage functions such as invoicing,

payment reconciliation, expense tracking, and report generation via online platforms, thereby circumventing

the need for localised systems (Santhosh Chitraju 2025). This paradigm is predicated on the premise that

accounting processes can be both standardised and securely administered on external servers, with users

consenting to vendor-driven updates and service management in exchange for enhanced convenience,

scalability, and accessibility.

Numerous providers are often cited as illustrative examples within the cloud accounting domain.

2ndsite Inc., founded in 2004, provides online services that facilitate financial and accounting processes,

such as payment and invoicing tools, specifically targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (Klychova

et al. 2021). FreshBooks is a well-known SaaS solution for small businesses, concentrating on billing,

expense management, payment processing, and integration with other applications; its core value lies in

streamlining everyday financial activities (Modugno et al. 2022). NetSuite Inc., a U.S.-based firm established

in 1998 and subsequently acquired by Oracle in 2016, furnishes cloud-based enterprise resource planning

(ERP) solutions that merge financial management with wider operational modules. QuickBooks, a product

of Intuit Inc., is marketed as a cloud-based accounting package for small businesses, incorporating invoicing,

expense tracking, payroll support, and reporting capabilities (Surateman et al. 2025).

Sage, a UK firm founded in 1981, is often associated with products like Sage Business Cloud Accounting.

These products are marketed as accessible solutions for small businesses and as tools to help business owners

and external accountants work together (Sugahara and Kano 2025). In contrast, SAP S/4HANA Cloud is

typically presented as a cloud-based ERP platform for large organisations, designed to integrate financial

and operational data.

These examples show that cloud accounting includes a wide range of products, each with different

users, features (from basic tools to complete ERP systems), and governance needs (Yu 2020). Therefore, a

thorough assessment of cloud accounting requires separating marketing claims from proven results and

clearly defining the specific platform and the type of organization being discussed (Liu 2021).

Electronic Disclosure under the Framework of Cloud Accounting

The growing prevalence of the internet in contemporary accounting practices reflects a wider trend

towards technology-facilitated transparency and the more effective communication of financial data. In this

context, electronic accounting disclosure has emerged as a crucial tool for providing pertinent accounting

information to stakeholders in a prompt and readily available format (Seale et al. 2020). Electronic

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accounting disclosure is characterised by the employment of contemporary digital communication

technologies, specifically internet-based platforms, to publish and disseminate accounting information and

outcomes pertinent to a company's operations. This typically includes financial statements, supplementary

reports, and other accounting data that users rely upon for making economic judgements (Ausat 2023). The

definition is predicated on the assumption that electronically disclosed information is dependable,

comparable, and easily comprehensible. These attributes are contingent upon the calibre of disclosure, the

efficacy of internal controls, and adherence to pertinent reporting standards.

Electronic disclosure is deemed beneficial within the frameworks of corporate governance and capital

markets (Nerlinger and Utz 2022) for several key reasons. Initially, it improves accessibility to both financial

and non-financial data, allowing investors and other stakeholders to acquire information without the need

for physical reports or protracted requests (Perdana et al. 2023). Furthermore, it has the potential to mitigate

information asymmetry by diminishing the disparity between the information accessible to internal decision-

makers and that available to external stakeholders, thus cultivating a more balanced informational landscape

for investors (Moro et al. 2015).

Thirdly, electronic disclosure serves as a direct communication avenue, facilitating the transmission

of timely updates regarding performance, strategic initiatives, and future projections between firms and

market participants. The efficacy of this channel is contingent upon the credibility, specificity, and decision-

making relevance of the disclosed information (Yan et al. 2019). Furthermore, electronic disclosure has the

potential to diminish distribution costs by curtailing expenditures associated with

Electronic disclosure, beyond its functional benefits, can shape external perceptions of a company (Durand

and Gouvard 2022). Studies suggest that improved accessibility to disclosure can boost corporate visibility

and reputation, potentially drawing in investor interest and easing access to wider capital markets, including

international ones (Hafez 2024). Nevertheless, these potential reputational advantages warrant careful

consideration. Such benefits are not assured and are contingent upon the consistency, integrity, and decision-

usefulness of the disclosed information, alongside stakeholders' trust in the firm's reporting practices

(GARRETIn summary, electronic accounting disclosure can be a valuable instrument for improving access,

communication, and transparency, provided it is supported by strong governance, robust security protocols,

and a consistent dedication to high-quality reporting (Bhandari et al. 2021).

Elements of Electronic Accounting Disclosure

More companies are using electronic accounting disclosure, relying on the internet to share financial

information that meets both their goals and users’ needs (Heo et al. 2023). This method assumes that broader

and faster access makes information more useful for decisions. Still, strong controls are needed to keep

disclosures credible, complete, and reliable (Santa 2013).

In practice, online disclosure usually covers more than just basic accounting numbers. Companies

often share a full set of financial reports, like the balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement,

statement of changes in equity, and notes explaining the figures (Tichavakunda et al. 2024). They may also

add extra details to help stakeholders understand performance and future plans, such as information about

products, competition, dividend policy, investments, expansion, online services, and company values (Odei-

Appiah and Owusu 2025). Some companies also provide links or interactive tools on their websites, giving

users quick access to related information or letting them take actions like making requests for online services

(Sandhu and Arora 2020).

The effectiveness of electronic disclosure also depends on the technologies and organizational systems

used to present and manage information. Internet-based tools enable firms to reach broad audiences at

relatively low distribution cost (Mustafa et al. 2025). Some organizations also develop secure internal

networks and structured databases to support timely retrieval, control, and management of disclosed

information (Abdulrahman and Abdul Rahman 2025). When designed well, these infrastructures can

support not only external users but also internal teams responsible for preparing and publishing disclosures,

helping standardize publication processes and strengthening the perceived reliability of reported information

(Svedberg et al. 2016). These benefits, however, are not automatic. They depend on effective governance,

strong information security, and the extent to which online disclosure is integrated with validated accounting

records rather than treated as a stand-alone communication activity (Dias et al. 2024).

There are several ways to present accounting information online. One is the 'electronic paper' method,

where reports are posted as files similar to traditional documents, often made with Word, Excel, or PDF

tools. Another is publishing information as web pages using HTML, which organizes content on company

websites and allows easy navigation with links. A third approach uses XML, a structured format often

combined with HTML, to standardize business communication and data sharing between organizations and

users (Hauser et al. 2020). These methods show that electronic disclosure involves different design choices

that affect how easy the information is to access, use, and compare across companies (Chondrakis et al.

2020).

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RESULT AND DISCUSSION

This section outlines the methods and tools used to meet the study’s goals. It covers the research

design, who was studied and how they were chosen, the data-collection tool, how validity and reliability

were checked, and the main statistical methods used to organize and analyse the data. The study uses a

descriptive and analytical approach. The descriptive part explains the main topic, which is how cloud

accounting helps improve electronic accounting disclosure, by defining key ideas and showing how they

work in real situations. The analytical part looks at the data to see if the patterns match what the study

expected. This approach works well for research that wants to describe current views or practices and test

links between different factors in a specific group.

At the same time, this approach rests on important assumptions. This approach is based on some key

assumptions. It assumes that the topic can be clearly measured using the available data and that the main

tool, usually a structured survey, gives valid results. The trustworthiness of the findings depends on how

well the concepts are defined, how carefully the survey is designed, and how well the data is analysed. If

these steps are done properly, this method can give a clear understanding of the topic and support

conclusions that fit the study’s design and data collection tool. The instrument was designed to be clear,

comprehensive, and aligned with the study objectives, with wording accessible to respondents in the

accounting and finance community. It comprised two sections. The first collected demographic and

professional information—such as academic qualification, occupational role, and years of experience—

given that these factors may influence how respondents perceive cloud-based accounting practices and

disclosure issues. The second section contained the core measurement items and was organized into two

dimensions reflecting the study variables. The cloud accounting dimension included 22 statements capturing

respondents’ perceptions of implementation and its implications. The electronic accounting disclosure

dimension included 18 statements assessing perceptions of disclosure practices and disclosure quality in an

electronic reporting environment. All items used Likert-type response scales to measure levels of agreement

or disagreement.

This design assumes that respondents can accurately report their perceptions and that such

perceptions can be measured consistently. Therefore, the strength of the results ultimately. This approach

assumes that people can clearly share their views and that these views can be measured in a reliable way.

So, the quality of the results depends on how clear the questionnaire is, how consistent the answers are, and

how well validity and reliability are checked.

Table 1. Likert Scale Interpretation

Response option

Code (Weight)

Mean score range

Interpretation level

Strongly Disagree

1.00–1.80

Very Low

Disagree

1.81–2.60

Low

Neutral

2.61–3.40

Moderate

Agree

3.41–4.20

High

Strongly Agree

4.21–5.00

Very High

Class interval length (category width) = (5 − 1) ÷ 5 = 0.80.

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Figure 1. Job Category

Figure 2. Years of Experience

Figure 3. Gender Distribution

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The study included account controllers and chartered accountants registered with professional bodies,

as well as academic researchers from KRG universities who specialize in accounting and auditing. The

questionnaire was given in both paper and electronic formats, resulting in 59 valid responses for statistical

analysis. Most respondents were male (71.2%). Nearly half had 5 to 10 years of experience (47.5%), while

27.1% had more than 10 years and 25.4% had less than 5 years. The largest group was academic researchers

in accounting or finance (55.9%). Smaller groups included accounting and finance officers, chartered

accountants, and certified accounts controllers. There is a minor inconsistency in the occupational sub-table.

Table 2. Normality Test Results:

Scale/Dimension

Kolmogorov–Smirnov

Statistic

Sig. (p-

value)

Decision at α = 0.05

Axis/Dimension

0.096

0.200*

Approx. normal (fail to reject

normality)

Axis/Dimension

0.104

0.173

Approx. normal (fail to reject

normality)

The Kolmogorov–Smirnov normality test was used to check if the respondents' scores followed a

normal distribution, which would allow for the use of parametric statistical methods. This test is usually

recommended for samples with more than 50 observations. As shown in Table 03, the significance values

for both measured dimensions were above 0.05 (Axis 01: p 0.200; Axis 02: p = 0.173). Consequently, the

null hypothesis of normality was not rejected, and the distributions were deemed approximately normal for

subsequent analysis. In light of these observations, parametric statistical methods, including descriptive

statistics (means and standard deviations) and inferential techniques (such as Pearson correlation and linear

regression), were employed alongside frequency and percentage summaries. It is crucial to acknowledge that

normality constitutes only one assumption and should be assessed in conjunction with other diagnostic

procedures, including the identification of outliers and the evaluation of homoscedasticity.

Evaluate the quality of the questionnaire

Prior to initiating the principal analysis, the questionnaire's validity and reliability were ascertained.

Initially, accounting professionals reviewed the questionnaire items to assess their clarity, pertinence to the

study's objectives, and the appropriateness of the utilized scale. Their feedback was incorporated to enhance

content validity. Following this, internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha, which produced

a value of α = 0.915, thus indicating strong item consistency.

A high alpha coefficient, while not a definitive indicator of the questionnaire's precise construct

measurement, does signify the stability and consistency of the responses. Moreover, internal consistency

was assessed via Pearson correlation coefficients, which were calculated based on the relationship between

each individual item and its corresponding dimension's overall score. These correlations were positive and

statistically significant at the 0.05 level, implying a robust alignment between the items and their respective

dimensions, and that they substantially contribute to the overall measurement. Consequently, these

combined methodologies lend support to the questionnaire's use in subsequent analyses, although it is

essential to acknowledge that validity is context-dependent and influenced by the study's design.

Statistical findings and hypotheses are evaluated

The subsequent section details the statistical outcomes of the investigation, elucidating the structured

and transparent methodology employed to assess the hypotheses. Initially, the analysis encompasses

descriptive statistics derived from the questionnaire data, concentrating on the items categorised within the

instrument's initial two dimensions. This preliminary phase aims to encapsulate the participants' perspectives

and dispositions by presenting pertinent indicators, such as frequencies, percentages, and measures of central

tendency and dispersion. Consequently, this approach furnishes a lucid empirical representation of the

sample's evaluation of the study's variables.

Following this descriptive overview, the subsequent section undertakes inferential analysis to evaluate

the study's hypotheses. Specifically, subsequent to the identification of overarching data trends, the analysis

seeks to ascertain the degree to which the statistical findings align with the hypothesised relationships,

thereby enabling the hypotheses to be either substantiated or refuted based on predetermined significance

thresholds.

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Table 3. Descriptive Statistics for Cloud Accounting Benefits:

Item

Mean

Std. Deviation

Interpretation (based on mean)

4.24

0.468

Very High

3.80

0.714

High

4.34

0.633

Very High

4.49

0.504

Very High

4.61

0.558

Very High

4.46

0.678

Very High

4.32

0.753

Very High

3.92

0.677

High

3.97

0.694

High

3.80

0.664

High

3.93

0.553

High

4.47

0.598

Very High

3.95

0.775

High

4.20

0.738

High

4.34

0.685

Very High

3.95

0.775

High

4.32

0.571

Very High

4.15

0.582

High

4.36

0.713

Very High

4.36

0.580

Very High

4.14

0.540

High

4.19

0.508

High

Overall

4.19492

0.353710

High

Table 3 provides a descriptive summary of the participants' views regarding the benefits of cloud

accounting. The aggregate axis achieved a mean score of 4.19, accompanied by a standard deviation of 0.35.

This indicates a significant level of agreement and a relatively low degree of variability in the responses,

thereby suggesting a predominantly positive assessment among the professionals and academics who

participated in the survey. Moreover, at the level of individual items, most statements received ratings falling

within the High to Very High range.

This suggests that the participants tend to recognise multiple advantages associated with cloud accounting,

rather than concentrating their endorsement on a single aspect.

The most positive assessments are observed in items with mean scores surpassing 4.21 (e.g., Item 5 = 4.61,

Item 4 = 4.49, Item 12 = 4.47), while even the least favourably rated items (Items 2 and 10, both 3.80) are

still categorised as High. These results strongly support the interpretation that participants perceive cloud

accounting as beneficial across various dimensions; however, considering that these evaluations are based

on perceptions, they should be interpreted as reflections of expressed attitudes rather than conclusive

evidence of tangible performance improvements.

Table 4. Descriptive Statistics for Electronic Accounting Disclosure:

Item

Mean

Std. Deviation

Interpretation (based on mean)

4.27

0.552

Very High

4.27

0.552

Very High

4.05

0.705

High

4.07

0.763

High

4.27

0.715

Very High

4.37

0.584

Very High

4.07

0.666

High

3.93

0.807

High

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Item

Mean

Std. Deviation

Interpretation (based on mean)

3.86

0.819

High

4.36

0.580

Very High

4.08

0.566

High

4.25

0.575

Very High

4.12

0.745

High

4.32

0.655

Very High

4.10

0.687

High

4.36

0.713

Very High

4.19

0.572

High

Overall

4.17348

0.410811

High

Table 4 provides a summary of the participants' viewpoints on electronic accounting disclosure,

specifically addressing its perceived benefits, its differences from traditional disclosure methods, and its

impact on information quality, transparency, and accessibility. The item means, which varied between 3.86

and 4.37, demonstrated a consistent level of agreement, ranging from high to very high, across the entire

scale. The overall mean for this area was 4.17 (SD = 0.41), suggesting a largely positive and relatively stable

perspective among the professionals and academics who participated in the survey.

The most positive evaluations are associated with items exhibiting particularly elevated means (e.g., Item

28 = 4.37, Item 32 = 4.36, Item 38 = 4.36, and Items 23, 24, and 27 = 4.27), thus reinforcing the assertion

that electronic disclosure enhances the accessibility and utility of accounting information. Although several

items are categorised as "high" rather than "very high" (e.g., Item 31 = 3.86), none indicate weak agreement,

which suggests that respondents generally view electronic accounting disclosure as a credible and

advantageous instrument — while recognising that these findings reflect perceived benefits rather than direct

evidence of tangible improvements.

Addresses hypothesis testing

This section addresses hypothesis testing, beginning with the first hypothesis concerning respondents'

appraisal of cloud accounting implementation. The substantive (research) hypothesis is that cloud

accounting is perceived as highly important to implement, as judged by a sample of accounting and finance

professionals and academics. Because the evaluation is conducted at a conventional significance level of α

= 0.05, the research proposition is translated into a formally testable pair of statistical hypotheses.

Accordingly, the null hypothesis (H₀) states that there is no high level of perceived importance attached to

implementing cloud accounting among the surveyed professionals and academics at the 0.05 level. In

contrast, the alternative hypothesis (H₁) states that a high level of perceived importance is attached to

implementing cloud accounting among the same respondents at the 0.05 level. Framing the hypothesis in

this way makes explicit the decision rule underlying the analysis: empirical results will be evaluated against

α = 0.05 to determine whether the data provide sufficient statistical evidence to reject H₀ in favour of H₁,

while recognizing that such inference pertains to the sample-based evidence and the measurement approach

used.

Table 5. One-Sample T-Test Results for Hypothesis 1

Axis

Mean

Std.

Deviation

Relative

Weight

(%)

Mean

Difference

t-value

(One-

Sample)

Sig.

(p-

value)

Result at α

= 0.05

Interpretation

Axis

4.19492

0.353710

83.89%

1.194915

25.949

0.000

Statistically

significant

High

agreement

Table 5 shows that the participants strongly agreed with the statements related to Axis 1. The average

score for this axis was 4.19492, with a standard deviation of 0.353710. This indicates that the responses were

not only positive but also consistent among the participants. The one-sample t-test results showed a

statistically significant difference between the average observed value and the expected value (Mean

Difference = 1.194915, t = 25.949, p < 0.05). Therefore, the null hypothesis (H₀) was rejected, and the

alternative hypothesis (H₁) was supported. As a result, the findings support the conclusion that, according

A. M-A. Qadir / Finance, Accounting and Business Analysis, Volume 8, Issue 1, 2026.

to the surveyed professionals and academics, the implementation of cloud accounting is considered very

important, as shown by the relative weight of 83.89%.

Figure 4. The majority of respondents' ratings:

Figure 4 illustrates that the majority of participant assessments concerning the perceived significance

of cloud accounting implementation are predominantly situated at the upper end of the Likert scale. A visual

examination reveals that the responses are largely concentrated within the range of 3.40 to 5.00, indicative

of high and very high levels of agreement. This observed trend supports the conclusion that, according to

the surveyed professionals and academics, the implementation of cloud accounting is generally perceived as

highly important. Given that the figure reflects perceptions rather than direct operational results, the findings

should be understood as indicative of strong attitudinal support, rather than as conclusive evidence of

achieved organisational enhancements.

This segment of the investigation is restructured to facilitate statistical validation at the standard

significance threshold of α = 0.05. The core research hypothesis posits that cloud accounting enhances

electronic accounting disclosure, as assessed by the accounting and finance professionals and academics

surveyed. Given that this assertion is subject to statistical inference, it is operationalised through the

formulation of two opposing hypotheses. The null hypothesis (H₀) maintains that cloud accounting's

influence does not yield a statistically significant effect (at the 0.05 level) on the improvement of electronic

accounting disclosure, according to the study's sample.

Conversely, the alternative hypothesis (H₁) posits a statistically significant effect (at the 0.05 level)

stemming from cloud accounting's role in improving electronic accounting disclosure, as perceived by the

same group. This formulation of the proposition clarifies the decision rule: the empirical analysis will

ascertain whether the observed evidence is adequate to reject H₀ in favour of H₁ at α = 0.05. It is crucial to

note that, given the study's reliance on respondents' perceptions, any "effect" identified should be understood

as a statistically supported relationship within the collected data, rather than as definitive proof of causal

impact across all situations.

Table 6. Simple Linear Regression Results:

Statistic

Value

Pearson correlation (r)

0.796

Coefficient of determination (R²)

0.633

Model F (ANOVA)

98.43

Sig. (p-value)

0.000

Table 6 shows the results of a simple linear regression analysis that looked at the link between

perceived cloud accounting use and perceived electronic accounting disclosure. The analysis found a strong

positive correlation between these variables (r = 0.796), and the regression model was statistically significant

(F = 98.43, p < 0.05). The model explained about 63.3% of the variance in electronic disclosure scores (R²

= 0.633), which suggests there is a strong relationship in the sample. The estimated slope coefficient is

positive and significant (B = 0.534, t = 9.921, p < 0.05), implying that higher cloud accounting scores are

associated with higher electronic disclosure scores; specifically, a one-unit increase in the cloud accounting

measure corresponds to an expected 0.534 increase in the disclosure measure, on average, within the

observed data. On this basis, the null hypothesis (H₀) is rejected, and the alternative hypothesis (H₁) is

supported at α = 0.05—while noting that, because the measures are perception-based and observational, this

A. M-A. Qadir / Finance, Accounting and Business Analysis, Volume 8, Issue 1, 2026.

result should be interpreted as evidence of a statistically supported association rather than definitive causal

impact.

CONCLUSION

Drawing from the theoretical underpinnings and empirical observations of this research, a number of

conclusions and practical suggestions emerge. Initially, the findings reveal a positive and statistically

significant correlation between cloud accounting utilization and the quality of electronic accounting

disclosure, as reported by accounting and finance professionals and academics surveyed for this study. Given

that the study's conclusions are based on the evaluations of the respondents, this result should be interpreted

as indicative of a robust perceived relationship, rather than definitive proof of causation across all

organizational settings. Furthermore, the analysis indicates that cloud accounting is widely perceived as a

mechanism that improves the efficiency and quality of accounting processes, with the capacity to enhance

transparency and facilitate stakeholders' access to financial data, provided it is implemented with suitable

governance frameworks.

Consequently, several recommendations are put forth in light of these findings. Organisations should

invest in advanced digital solutions, particularly cloud accounting applications, while simultaneously

prioritising system security and operational reliability. This approach demands strengthening cybersecurity

measures to safeguard cloud-stored data from potential threats. Furthermore, institutions are advised to

implement ongoing training programs for accountants and related staff to ensure the competent and efficient

use of cloud accounting systems. Such training should focus on developing practical technological

proficiencies and keeping personnel updated on new developments and implementation challenges.

Consequently, the adoption of cloud accounting is recommended to promote more timely and transparent

electronic disclosure, thereby improving stakeholder access and supporting decision-making based on

accurate and easily accessible accounting information.

Acknowledgments

The author wishes to acknowledge any individuals, institutions, or organisations that contributed to this

research but did not meet the criteria for authorship. This can involve technical assistance, administrative

support or general contributions which helped to complete this study.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Data Available Statement

Not applicable.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

AI Tools Statement

The authors confirm that no AI tools were used in the preparation of this manuscript. but used Grammarly

to enhance grammar and clarity

Author contribution (as applicable):

Not applicable.

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