EMERGENCE OF ACCOUNTING

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the origins and evolution of accounting from ancient civilizations to the present day. It initially presents the historical context of economic transaction recording in Antiquity and the Middle Ages, highlighting accounting’s essential role in asset control and social organization. It then addresses the formalization of modern accounting through the double-entry method introduced by Luca Pacioli in the 15th century. The text also discusses the development of the main accounting schools in Europe and the United States, their influences, and distinctive features. Finally, the study explores the challenges and transformations of contemporary accounting in the face of technological innovations, globalization, and the increasing demand for transparency and sustainability. The bibliographic research shows that accounting has evolved from an empirical practice to a strategic science essential for both public and private management.