Today was the launch of Accounting Chat. Below is a transcript of today’s chat. Topics included:

• T1 Web Literacy: How prepared for the 21st Century is the profession (CPAs, Corp. Accountants, faculty, etc.)? #AcctgChat
• T2 Accounting Software User Experience: What key elements of user experience are a *must*? #AcctgChat
• T3 Influence of Big Four: How has consolidation affected the profession (standards, ethics, practice) over these 20 years? #AcctgChat
• T4 Promulgation & Political Compromise: How big a factor is political compromise in FASB (or foreign analogues)? #AcctgChat

You can view the slideshare below (open in Full Screen for best viewing) or visit AcctgChat’s slideshare:

You can follow @AcctgChat on Twitter to keep up-to-date on the latest. The next chat is Thursday 11/19/2009 at 8:30pm EST.

Twitter. And Accounting? What in the world would accountants be doing on Twitter? Are there even any accountants on Twitter? Yes, and they’re doing remarkable things with the micro-messaging service.

Accountants, auditors and other financial professionals are using media like Twitter to connect with other, exchange knowledge, share experiences, acquire information and find the latest news pertinent to their area of expertise. Although the accounting industry has yet to catch up with others in its adoption and use of public two-way media, there are enough leaders who have extracted value out of these novel online services. Two notable examples are Dennis Howlett and Francine McKenna. There are many others, which is one reason for starting a chat on Twitter dedicated to hosting and spurring conversation among professionals in accounting and related disciplines.

Accounting and auditing are among the most important duties of any economy. The general public may not recognize the vital role accountants and auditors play, which is one reason public discussion about the issues critical to our economic health is sorely needed. In my opinion, Twitter offers one simple way to instantly and briefly bring professionals from around the world and different echelons together.

Thus, #AcctgChat was formed for the purpose of convening the brightest professionals for their benefit, for students who wish to follow experienced professionals and for the public at large. Follow @AcctgChat for up-to-date news about what’s happening. The first chat will be announced soon. This blog will serve as a repository of news and information concerning #AcctgChat and transcripts of conversations for review by those unable to attend the chats.

For more about #AcctgChat and Twitter chats in general, please play the following slidedeck:

Why am I doing this? Because I started my career out in accounting and watched a financial world lose its disciplined focus on the core values that binds our economic order together. Although I no longer practice accounting, I do have a strong appreciation for the field and believe that newer media – if used intelligently – can help to cultivate a communal sense of professional pride, resource and connection.

My goal is to hand over the moderating of the Accounting Chats on Twitter to other passionate accountants, auditors or other financial professionals.

Stay tuned to developments by subscribing to this blog.