The return of paper prophets a social critique of mainstream accounting: up-to-dated by Professor Sy

The African Journal of Accounting, Auditing, and Finance extends its scope to publishing work that deals with general classical theories. AJAAF has published the contribution of Professor Abraham Briloff. In the same spirit, the editor of the journal has considered Professor Tinker’s PAPERS PROPHETS. The chapter chosen is an introduction to the Tinker’s book. The book is concerned with explaining the most complex problems of the accounting profession. Accounting cannot be explained without its social elements. These include, but not limited to, the historical background of human organisations. Who is familiar with Tinker’s writings understands that he is a Marxist. What matters most to Karl Marx is history, as it explains the complex connections in the struggles that underline capitalism. The paper has been updated to include the origins of accounting and bookkeeping in Africa.