THE IMPORTANCE OF “AULA DO COMÉRCIO” IN THE HISTORY OF PORTUGUESE ACCOUNTING

Abstract

The determination of "Marquês de Pombal" was essential for the inauguration of the "Aula do Comércio" (Portuguese School of Commerce), in 1759, constituting this a landmark in the Portuguese Accounting History because of the pioneering in teaching Double-Entry Bookkeeping in Portugal. In virtue of its importance, the study of this public educational establishment it is the objective of this work, more concretely the analysis of the reasons and the objectives of its creation, relating them with the contemporary social and economic environment, making more understandable the historical context which led to the its foundation, as well as getting deeper in issues such as its functioning rules, its first professors, the subjects taught and the its importance for the development of Accountancy in Portugal. On this last aspect, it will be concluded that the "Aula do Comércio" contributed for one better application of the Double-Entry Bookkeeping and for its spreading in Portugal, being equally determinative for the sprouting of qualified Portuguese accountants, finishing, thus, with the existing outdated knowledge and commercial techniques.