USER PERCEPTIONS ON THE ADOPTION OF BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY IN ACCOUNTING PRACTICES IN NIGERIA.

Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize accounting practices by providing enhanced transparency, security and efficiency. This study explores the perceptions of accounting professionals regarding the adoption of blockchain technology in accounting practices, while also identifying factors influencing such adoption. The study evaluates the current level of awareness and understanding of blockchain technology among accounting professionals as well as the perceived benefits of its adoption in the practice of accounting. The study employed descriptive surveys approach to interact with accounting professionals from members of the two professional accounting bodies in Nigeria, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), across states in the North Central Region of Nigeria and the FCT. The study's approach ensures comprehensive understanding of perceptions and adoption factors. The study elicited data from its sampled population using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire, developed to measure responses of respondents based on the five scales with the following score: Strongly Agree (5), Agree (4), Undecided (3), Disagree (2) and strongly Disagree (1). The data generated from the questionnaire are subjected to descriptive analysis using frequency distribution, expressed in percentages and means and standard deviation. A total of 384 questionnaires were administered and used for this research work. The finding provides that accountants in Nigeria are very much aware of the existence and use of Block Chain Technology in accounting practices in Nigeria, and that Block Chain Technology provides a lot of benefits to its users, though with some challenges.