Empowerment and Strengthening Accounting Training for Fashion MSMEs

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FORMOSA NEWS - Jakarta - Accounting Training Based on SAK-EMKM Helps Jakarta Fashion Business Improve Financial Management and Profit Accuracy. Researchers from Universitas Tarumanagara have successfully implemented a standardized accounting training program designed to help fashion micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in West Jakarta manage their business finances and accurately measure profits. The initiative was conducted by Rousilita Suhendah, Aurelia Janet Kwelju, and Isuan Jayanti from Universitas Tarumanagara and published in 2026 in the Asian Journal of Community Services. The findings matter because financial illiteracy and improper record-keeping frequently cause small enterprises to stagnate, whereas adopting the Financial Accounting Standards for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (SAK-EMKM) enables business owners to evaluate financial performance, maintain sustainability, and secure funding from commercial banks.

The Challenge of Financial Management in Small Enterprises

Micro, small, and medium enterprises serve as a vital pillar for economic growth and employment absorption in developing economies like Indonesia. Despite their economic importance, many fashion MSMEs struggle to achieve long-term growth due to persistent operational hurdles, including capital constraints and limited financial management skills. A primary issue faced by small business owners is the reliance on single-entry accounting. Most entrepreneurs record cash inflows and outflows together in a basic daily diary without separating personal household expenses from business operations. This practice obscures the actual financial condition of the enterprise, making it nearly impossible for owners to calculate true profit margins, assess total assets, or track liabilities. Overcoming this knowledge gap through structured education is essential for transforming informal trade into sustainable commercial enterprises.

Practical Accounting Methodologies for Small Business Owners
To address these financial record-keeping challenges, the team from Universitas Tarumanagara applied a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach. This methodology emphasizes active collaboration between researchers and community partners, allowing participants to acquire practical knowledge directly from real-world experience. The project partnered with Fortune Season Collections, a women’s fashion store located in West Jakarta. The program was executed through three structured phases:

• Initial Assessment: The researchers conducted interviews and direct observations to assess the partner’s existing recording habits and financial structures.
  
• Module Development: The research team created simplified, user-friendly instructional modules and visual presentations covering fundamental SAK-EMKM accounting concepts.
  
• Hands-on Training: The team conducted two offline training sessions, each lasting approximately two hours. The sessions focused on business financial management principles, double-entry bookkeeping, and the hands-on creation of standardized financial reports.
  

Key Results and Financial Statement Outcomes
Following the training intervention, the business owner transitioned from rudimentary single-entry notebook entries to compiling structured SAK-EMKM financial statements. Key outputs generated during the training included:

• General Journal and Ledger Setup: Systematically categorized daily transactions involving cash, accounts receivable, inventory, capital, sales, cost of goods sold (COGS), and utility expenses.
  
• Statement of Profit or Loss: Summarized revenue and operational expenditures to reveal true operational performance. For the period ending March 30, 2025, the partner recorded total sales of IDR 3,500,000 against a COGS of IDR 2,100,000 and electricity expenses of IDR 200,000, yielding an accurate net operating income of IDR 1,200,000.
  
• Statement of Changes in Equity: Tracked capital growth, showing an increase in total equity from an initial capital of IDR 10,000,000 to an ending balance of IDR 11,200,000 as a result of retained net income.
  
• Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet): Balanced total business assets of IDR 11,200,000 (comprising IDR 5,800,000 in cash, IDR 1,500,000 in receivables, and IDR 3,900,000 in inventory) against liabilities and owner's equity.
  

Real-World Impact and Economic Implications
The implementation of SAK-EMKM accounting practices delivers significant advantages for local businesses, economic policymakers, and financial institutions. Separating personal finances from business operations gives enterprise owners a clear view of profitability, enabling data-driven decision-making and strategic planning. Furthermore, standardized financial reporting serves as a critical prerequisite for small businesses seeking formal credit. Financial institutions require transparent financial statements to evaluate creditworthiness before approving loans. By mastering basic accounting, fashion MSMEs can bridge the gap between informal commercial activities and formal financial services, unlocking expansion opportunities and boosting resilience.

Author Profiles
Rousilita Suhendah, S.E., M.Si., Ak., CA. is a senior lecturer and researcher in the Faculty of Economics and Business at Universitas Tarumanagara, specializing in financial accounting, SAK-EMKM standards, and community service initiatives.
Aurelia Janet Kwelju is an academic researcher at Universitas Tarumanagara focusing on financial reporting and accounting systems for small businesses.
Isuan Jayanti is a faculty member and researcher at Universitas Tarumanagara with expertise in community empowerment and enterprise finance.

Source
Rousilita Suhendah, Aurelia Janet Kwelju, Isuan Jayanti. Empowerment and Strengthening Accounting Training for Fashion MSMEs. Asian Journal of Community Services (AJCS), Vol. 5, No. 6 (2026), hal. 477-492
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/ajcs.v5i7.51
URL: https://journalajcs.my.id/index.php/ajcs