A course in accounting systems is usually offered by a university which permits students to specialize in accounting. The subject, "Accounting Systems," is at the same time one of the most difficult and the most valuable that the student specializing in accounting is called upon to master. Its difficulty and also its value lies not so much in its content as in its method. A good course in accounting systems is perhaps the most rigorous and comprehensive test to which a student's knowledge of accounting principles may be subjected. From the standpoint of methods followed in teaching accounting systems, there are no doubt many approaches in present use. No study has been made, in so far as is known, of the methods pursued in teaching courses in accounting systems in the various schools of business. In the opinion of the author, however, there are at least three possible approaches. In the first place, one may present the subject as a course in methodology. That is, from the standpoint of the method which should be followed by an accountant in undertaking the preliminary investigation and subsequent installation of an accounting system.

The article focuses on the Clark Plan of retail accounting. In March, 1934, the Board of Directors of the National Retail Dry Goods Association voted favorably on the adoption of the Clark Plan, embodying what have been called radical changes in Retail Accounting. The plan as finally adopted is not as radical a departure from present methods as was the original plan proposed by a controller, Carlos B. Clark. While the Clark Plan is optional, every inducement will be made to have stores adopt it. Since the Clark Plan is thought by some to be a revolution in retail accounting, comparing in importance with the adoption of the retail inventory system some years ago, accountants and particularly teachers of accounting should be somewhat familiar with it. The following comments, while not an exhaustive treatment of the subject should serve to clear up some misconceptions and also to define some of the issues involved. The effect upon business generally of recent laws and administrative policies of the government at Washington D.C. has been far-reaching.