The importance of $4.45

Abstract

Purpose

Reflection on the stress placed on the trivia in accounting within a context of the belief that there is truth in accounting.

Design/methodology/approach

Fictional poem.

Findings

There is often too much emphasis on the minutiae in accounting, while forgetting that much accounting is broad allocations based on unexamined assumptions.

Research limitations/implications

Stimulates thought about the truth of accounting.

Originality/value

An individual comment on assessing the problems of accounting as it pretends to be “truth” in a world of subjectivity and guesswork.

Citation

Gurd, B. (2008), "The importance of $4.45", Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Vol. 21 No. 1, pp. 108-109. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513570810842368