Prototype of Semantic Accounting and Audit Working Papers (Draft #9)

In my blog post, Big Idea for 2025: Semantic Accounting and Audit Working Papers, I mentioned the idea of what amounts to modern accounting and audit tools. This is a part of the "fundamental reorientation of the state of affairs" for and the "new physics" of accountancy.

To help me think about this idea, communicate this idea to other accountants, but more importantly to help move the OMG's Standard Business Report Model (SBRM) and XBRL International's update to the Open Information Model (OIM) in the appropriate direction; I have created an updated semi-working prototype of such semantic accounting and audit working papers.

The easiest way to see the very basics of what is going on is to use this basic viewer. The following is a summary of the significant additions for this iteration:

  1. Putting representations for the transaction level, the mezzanine level, and the financial statement together in one "document".
  2. Built out an increased amount of the detailed schedules by taking existing prototypes and merging the separate "systems" into one combined "system".
  3. Everything is represented using the global standard XBRL and everything is 100% valid per the XBRL technical specifications.
  4. Representations for 9 different namespaces are used together in this one system.


Where is all this going? Well, this blog post explains my best guess and where I am personally pushing this reorientation. I am trying to minimize the legacy oriented baggage brought forward into the future.  I call my approach the Seattle Method. My approach aligns with what OMG and XBRL International are doing.

You know, Excel had a good run.  And electronic spreadsheets will always be an important tool for professional accountants.  But professional accountants need better tools to help them thrive in this new era of accountancy.  Modern tools.

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