Financial statements prepared based on sound accounting principles provide relevant and reliable information about the company's financial performance. These statements include the balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement, and statement of changes in equity. 

With proper analysis, management can evaluate the company's financial position, identify trends, and assess the efficiency and effectiveness of operations. For example, through income statement analysis, management can understand the main revenue sources and identify areas that require cost savings.

Moreover, managerial accounting provides detailed internal data, such as production costs, cost per unit, and cost-volume-profit analysis. This information is crucial in operational decision-making processes, such as determining product pricing, planning budgets, and evaluating departmental performance. Managerial accounting also enables management to engage in strategic planning, such as forecasting capital needs and determining strategies for business expansion or diversification.

However, it is important to note that accounting is not the only tool in decision-making. Management also needs to consider other factors, such as market conditions, government regulations, and industry trends. Therefore, accounting should be seen as part of a broader decision-making process, where financial data is combined with non-financial information to provide a comprehensive view.

Mistakes in interpreting accounting data or an inability to see the bigger picture can lead to poor decisions. Thus, it is crucial for management to have a good understanding of accounting and to work with competent accounting professionals. In this way, the company can utilize accounting information as an effective tool for planning and control, thereby achieving strategic goals and enhancing shareholder value.

Overall, accounting plays a vital role as a decision-making tool for corporate management. By providing accurate and relevant information, accounting helps management in planning, controlling, and evaluating company operations. In this information age, the ability to process and analyze accounting data is key to making effective business decisions.

Additionally, in the current era of digitalization and globalization, the role of accounting is increasingly evolving with the adoption of information technology. Computer-based accounting systems enable faster and more accurate data processing, providing real-time access to financial information. Technologies like big data and data analytics allow companies to gain deeper insights from financial data, such as predicting customer behavior and identifying market opportunities.

Management can leverage these technologies to make quicker and better decisions, thereby enhancing the company's competitiveness in the global market. Thus, the integration of technology in accounting not only improves operational efficiency but also opens up new opportunities for business innovation and growth.

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*) Oleh : Silmi, S.E., M.Ak., Dosen PNS Akuntansi Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis, Universitas Andalas.

*)Tulisan Opini ini sepenuhnya adalah tanggungjawab penulis, tidak menjadi bagian tanggungjawab redaksi timesindonesia.co.id

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