A study to determine the financial literacy levels of accounting professionals of the TRB1 region

In order to keep up with the globalizing world economy, the interest in the concept of finance is increasing continuously. Financial literacy is defined as the ability to master the terms related to finance and analyze the effects of these terms in their usage areas. The financial statements are formed as an output of financial transactions and events and they help us to get an idea about the financial situation of the enterprises. Financial statement literacy is needed to interpret financial statements that summarize the economic status of enterprises. Therefore, financial literacy and financial statement literacy may seem like different terms but they are complementary to each other. Besides, the professional proficiency of accounting professionals should be at high level because they act as a bridge between the state and its taxpayers and they are an important partner of the commercial life. Accountants are in touch with many group of people such as shareholders, investors, managers, officials of banks and the governments, so they are guiding many decision makers. So, It is very important to be able to analyze the financial statements of enterprises which are created with financial literacy due to the accounting profession. In this context, this study emphasizes that it is very important for financial advisors to agree with the forms of theories about the finance and financial statements. As a result of obtained financial awereness, accountants would update their level of knowledge, improve their service quality and contribute to the welfare of the society. The aim of this study is to determine and compare the financial literacy levels and financial statements of accounting professionals operating in the provinces of Elazığ, Tunceli, Bingöl and Malatya in the TRB1 region. A survey was conducted with accountant professionals, including questions about demographics, finance and financial statements. The survey includes multiple choice questions and the results has been analyzed with the S.P.S.S. package program. The survey has been conducted face-to-face and online in some provinces due to the pandemic. Totally 200 accountant professionals are participated and contributed to the study.As a result of the study, it has been determined that the financial statement and financial literacy levels are above the average in the region. This study is considered to have contributions to the scientific area because of its outputs and this is the first time such a research is conducted in the TR1 region. Keywords: Financial Literacy, Financial Statement Literacy, Professional Accountant