Abstract:
The objective of this research was to study guidelines for managing current accounting systems and financial reports of the temple and then the data were developed for the accounting software and financial reporting manuals. The sample consisted of 16 Thai temples. The study was qualitative research and mixed methods used for data collection consisted of the analysis of data and related documents, fieldwork trips for in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, including the tryout of accounting software and financial reporting manuals. Data analysis was done using the NVivo computer program. The results of the research of the guidelines for managing accounting systems and financial reporting preparation for the temples were as follows:1) the document management including a standardized document format, document path charts, and document storage systems; 2) accounting system management including assigning the person responsible for accounting, determining the accounting period, setting accounting program and accounting procedures; 3) audit and follow up including approval in the process of financial disbursement and assigning auditors; and 4) the management aspects including organizing monthly and annual meetings, grouping temples by their sizes, studying from learning resources for accounting and financial reports, and applying the mentoring system. The manual for the preparation of financial reports should include 1) a description of the interconnection of each accounting report, 2) charts of the accounting document path, 3) operating procedures, 4) the samples of financial reports set by the National Office of Buddhism, and recording method, 5) system of document storage, 6) schedule of accounting reports, 7) various rules and notices, 8) examples of problems and solutions, 9) account codes and their explanations, 10) income and expenditure classification, and 11) procedures of the use of an accounting program. In addition, the accounting software and financial reporting manual were used to try out, and the findings revealed that it was more convenient and time saving when the program was used in the preparation of financial reporting. Accounting charts and accounting periods were linked with the forms for recording daily income-expenditures. The database system was reliable. The system could be used to calculate and process accounting information accurately and quickly. The program could also issue financial reports as needed. The accounting program and the manual of this study were useful for the temples accounting, and this would lead to transparency in the future temples financial management.