IS ACCOUNTING ALCHEMY STILL THE RIGHT MEDICINE FOR FIRM’S EARNINGS AND BOOK VALUE? EVIDENCE FROM SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

ABSTRACT Purpose: A major thread in accounting literature, which has remained a contentious issue, is how accounting alchemy can be modeled. The paper builds on existing accrual models in proposing an accounting alchemy model and tests if it is still the right medicine for earnings and book value of firms. The accounting alchemy model was based on mechanisms of earnings, book value, earnings before extraordinary items, net profit after tax, cash flow from operations, revenue, and total assets. We modified accrual models on the view that accrual models suggest that incomes/expenses are the most manipulated; contrarily, accounting alchemy proposes that assets are alchemized. Originality/value: This paper proposes a new empirical model of accounting alchemy and practically assesses the validity of the model in Sub-Saharan Africa, where there are no studies. The proposed accounting alchemy model can be used in Asia, Europe, and other parts of the world to see if the study results can be replicated. Design/methodology/approach: Ex post facto design was used, and secondary data were obtained for selected quoted firms in Sub-Saharan Africa comprising Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya from 2012 to 2016. A sample of 64 firms was selected in the consumer and industrial goods subsector, and data were analyzed via descriptive (mean, standard deviation, correlation) and inferential (regression, fixed, and random effects) statistics. Findings: Findings indicated that earnings and book value are significantly affected by accounting alchemy. This implies that accounting alchemy is not the right medicine for firm’s earnings and book value. The result has practical application for researchers and the regulatory framework of accounting. RESUMO Objetivo: Uma grande linha da literatura contábil que se mantém como uma questão polêmica refere-se ao fato de a alquimia contábil poder ser modelada. O artigo constrói modelos de provisão (accrual) existentes ao propor um modelo de alquimia contábil e testar se ainda é o remédio correto para os ganhos e o valor contábil das firmas. O modelo de alquimia contábil foi baseado em mecanismos de ganhos, valor contábil, ganhos antes de itens extraordinários, lucro líquido depois das taxas, fluxo de caixa das operações, receita e total de ativos. Modificamos os modelos de acumulados com a visão de que modelos de acúmulo sugerem que renda/despesas são os mais manipulados; ao contrário, a alquimia contábil propõe que os ativos sejam alquimizados