Accounting for Industry Change, A Case Study on the Use and Development of Vernacular Accounting Systems in the Branches of a Swedish Bank

Sammanfattning: This thesis explores the use and development of locally produced, self-generated accounting information systems, also known as vernacular accounting systems (VAS), by branch managers in a Swedish bank. The phenomenon is analysed through earlier literature's theoretical identification of different manifestations, and we find that many of these are used in practice. The dynamics of the systems are analysed through the lens of industry-wide developments, primarily increased regulatory burdens and digitalisation and digitisation of bank services. We find that the branches, along with the industry at large, are under heavy regulatory burdens directly impacting the use of VAS. However, since the motives for such systems remain, they continue to exist, albeit in more subtle and supportive forms. Digitalisation and digitisation have had an indirect impact on the use of VAS, primarily through the connection to increased centralisation of the bank through the closure and consolidation of bank branches.