What does accounting refer to in the context of information technology?

In the context of information technology, accounting refers to the systematic recording and reporting of access to resources. This encompasses various activities, such as tracking who has access to particular systems, data, and resources within an organization. Proper accounting helps ensure that access is appropriately managed, which is critical for maintaining security and compliance with regulations.

While creating financial statements is an essential aspect of accounting in a general business context, it is not directly related to the specific responsibilities associated with IT. Tracking software licenses pertains more to software asset management, which, while important, falls under a different aspect of IT management. Managing hardware inventories relates to inventory management rather than the specific accountability aspect of access within technology. Thus, the focus on recording access to resources aligns directly with IT security and governance objectives.