Guidelines for Developing the Community Product Accounting System for the Talat Nuea Women’s Group, Talat Nuea Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket Province

Abstract

This research article aimed to 1) study the current status of operations and the accounting system for community products; (2) investigate problems and obstacles in establishing the accounting system, and 3) explore appropriate approaches to develop an accounting system suitable for the community product group’s operations. Data were collected through observation and interviews with seven key informants from the executive committee. Data analysis was conducted using content analysis.

The findings revealed that 1) the current operations and accounting system of the community product group were established to form a professional group generating additional income for community members. The group has seven committee members but lacks a formal management structure. Accounting was done informally through basic record-keeping without supporting documentation; 2) Problems and obstacles included: lack of knowledgeable personnel to manage accounts; absence of a formal accounting and financial information system; limited cooperation and coordination due to most members having primary occupations; challenges in learning and using technology because many members are elderly; and the lack of a main supervising agency to provide ongoing support; and 3) Suggested approaches for developing the accounting system included 3.1) establishing a clear organizational structure with defined roles and responsibilities, 3.2) implementing essential accounting documents such as receipts, cash withdrawal slips, raw material payment slips, and goods receipt notes, 3.3) maintaining various accounting books and registers, including cash receipts, cash payments, daily cash balances, general journals, asset registers, and packaging registers, 3.4) preparing cost and profit reports, and 3.5) instituting internal controls and document filing systems.