Quantum Information and Accounting Information: Their Salient Features and Applications 1

Introduction In this paper, we explore the nature of quantum information in order to search for promising conceptual applications to accounting. After first introducing salient features, such as quantum superposition, randomness, entanglement, and unbreakable cryptography, we examine the research methods in quantum information and evaluate useful possibilities in accounting. In particular, we conclude that important lessons can be derived from quantum information’s attention to the fundamental laws of the discipline, consistency with past principles, causality of events, and ways to cope with a paradigm shift. We then draw parallels to double-entry information through a discussion of the work of nineteenth century mathematician Arthur Cayley. He developed important mathematical concepts, such as matrix algebra, that later became indispensable for quantum mechanics. In addition, Cayley wrote a small booklet on double-entry bookkeeping and praised the system embedded in double-entry bookkeeping as an “absolutely perfect one.” We describe the parallels made by Cayley between Euclid’s ratio theory and double-entry theory and conclude that Cayley was able to give such high praise to accounting because of the isomorphism he saw between the