Clearly it is a means.
I think the accounting statement indicates that accounting is merely a tool, or a means, for measuring and determining the state of a business. Accounting is not an end in and of itself. Accounting doesn't define a business' purpose or goal. It's strategy and financing of a business plan that is actually the main purpose.
In an democracy, the means do not justify the ends. Even if a certain end is considered beneficial to the country, the people still have to be consulted.
When a force is by another
The end of the universe means nothing will survive even the universe itself.
It means that the job is only a temporary point where you can make the leap to what career path you choose.
It means that strategy alone is not the end, but the way you use it can make something come to the end. For example: If you commanded a legion of 40,000 soldiers, having a strategy isn't the end, but using it wisely makes it a means to the end.
it means "forever" - without end. The "and a day" suffix is merely a way of emphasizing the idea of "forever".
Proletarian Democracy ended in 1991.
People's Democracy ended in 1996.
Democracy Radio ended in 2005.
Party of Internet Democracy ended in 2010.
Union for French Democracy ended in 2007.