Accountants use software in their jobs every day. Accounting software programs include spreadsheets, ratio calculators and balance sheet templates. A thesis in accounting software engineering could examine the effectiveness of accounting software, or could even develop a theoretical framework for a new generation of accounting programs. For example, an accounting thesis could lay the theoretical groundwork for a new generation of spreadsheets that transfer spreadsheet data to balance sheets automatically.
Databases are very important in accounting. Accounting databases must store thousands of financial statements so they can be easily retrieved by an accountant. Thus, these databases must be organized (categorically, numerically and alphabetically) and easy to access. A thesis in accounting databases could critique an existing algorithm used by electronic database software to retrieve financial statements, or could develop an entirely new data retrieval algorithm from scratch.
Auditing systems facilitate the auditing process through software programs, filing systems and procedural codes. Auditing is the process of reviewing an organization's financial statements for accuracy. An auditing system is not a single program; rather, it is a network of programs and documents that facilitate the auditing process. A thesis in auditing systems could deal with the theory of these systems, the practice of auditing with technology or the functionality of auditing systems.
Networking is the science of managing connections between computers on a network. Networks can be local (e.g., an office LAN), regional or global (e.g., the Internet). In accounting, networks are used to transmit and store financial data. A thesis in networking essentials could deal with security (e.g., using encryption to keep online files confidential), data sharing or online financial documents.