The objective of this research is to make a theoretical and empirical investigation into the application of a cashflow accounting system. The theoretical investigation provides a definition for cash-flow accounting; it also examines the major arguments for a cash-flow reporting system. Three hypotheses are proposed for testing. The first states that during periods of changing prices, performance indicators that are based on the conventional accrual accounting will diverge from performance indicators that are based on cash-flow accounting and will continue to diverge over time. The second states that this divergence will disappear if the effects of inflation are partialled out. The third states that cash-flow statements, properly interpreted, will enable users to predict business failure.

The major thrust of this study is to identify factors that contribute to turnover of black accountants in public accounting and to identify the factors that lead to the success or failure of black accountants. This research was limited to the eight largest national public accounting firms in the United States (the Big Eight). Open-ended questions about the reasons for (1) turnover of black accountants in public accounting firms, (2) success of black accountants in public accounting firms, and (3) failure of black accountants in public accounting firms were presented to three groups of respondents. The population includes (1) personnel managers and supervising personnel in Big Eight firms, (2) black accountants who are either presently or were previously employed by Big Eight firms, and (3) accounting faculty members at predominantly black institutions.