DEVELOPING AN ACCOUNTING MODEL TO IMPROVE THE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY OF TEMPLES IN BANGKOK YAI DISTRICT, BANGKOK

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the general state of financial accounting management in public temples in Bangkok Yai district and to propose improvements to such management. This qualitative research used purposive sampling and found that the temples' financial and accounting management has strengths due to their central role in the community and cooperation from the monastic community and related agencies. However, it faces weaknesses in personnel, outdated documentation systems, and uncertain income. Opportunities for improvement are found through technology and support from the government and education. Nevertheless, the remained obstacles include trust, changing donation patterns, a declining number of monks, and economic conditions. Therefore, developing an innovative and appropriate accounting system for religious institutions is necessary. In-depth interviews revealed that temples maintain traditional accounting methods, manually recording entries in a single ledger. Furthermore, the temples lack asset registers, and accounting records are outdated. Additionally, accountants lack basic knowledge of the accounting cycle and continuous accounting training. Therefore, the developed system comprises income and expenditure accounting forms, an asset register, and an annual budget summary table in Microsoft Excel format. This system is designed for ease of use, simplicity, and alignment with the temples' operational needs, emphasizing ease of accessibility.
The research also focuses on developing an income and expenditure accounting system, an asset control system, and guidelines for financial and accounting management in Bangkok temples. In accordance with Ministerial Regulation No. 2 (1968) issued under the Sangha Act of 1962, this measure will enable temples to manage their finances and accounting correctly, legally, transparently, and efficiently.