0
Why is the accrual basis of accounting generally preferred over cash basis?
Wiki User
∙ 16y ago
The need for this method arose out of the increasing complexity of business transactions and a desire for more accurate financial information. Selling on credit and projects that provide revenue streams over a long period of time affect the company's financial condition at the point of the transaction. Therefore, it makes sense that such events should also be reflected on the financial statements during the same reporting period that these transactions occur. For example, when a company sells a TV to a customer who uses a credit card, cash and accrual methods will view the event differently. The revenue generated by the sale of the TV will only be recognized by the cash method when the money is received by the company. If the TV is purchased on credit, this revenue might not be recognized until next month or next year. Accrual accounting, however, says that the cash method isn't accurate because it is likely, if not certain, that the company will receive the cash at some point in the future because the sale has been made. Therefore, the accrual accounting method instead recognizes the TV sale at the point at which the customer takes ownership of the TV. Even though cash isn't yet in the bank, the sale is booked to an account known in accounting lingo as "accounts receivable," increasing the seller's revenue.
Wiki User
∙ 16y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What is accrual basis of accounting?
Accrual basis accounting:Recognizing non-cash circumstances as they occur.
Is a change from the cash basis to the accrual basis a change in accounting principle?
Yes it is a change in accounting principle. And a rather drastic change. Accrual Basis of accounting is the most fundamental accounting assumption which is regarded throughout the world. Thus if a person either departs or adopts the accrual basis its a change in accounting principle.
Is the matching concept related to the cash basis of accounting or the accrual basis of accounting?
Matching concept is the basis of accrual accounting system under which all expenses to earn revenue should be match within same fiscal year so it is part of accrual accounting system
Accrual basis accounting vs Cash basis Accounting?
Under accrual basis of accounting, transactions are recorded when they actually occurred while in cash basis accounting transactions are recorded when actual cash is paid. Accrual accounting follows the matching concept according to which all revenues in one period should be match with expenses.
Is the matching and accrual concepts similar?
Matching concept is the basis for accrual accounting system so Yes they are same.
What is accrual basis of accounting?
Accrual basis accounting:Recognizing non-cash circumstances as they occur.
Is a change from the cash basis to the accrual basis a change in accounting principle?
Yes it is a change in accounting principle. And a rather drastic change. Accrual Basis of accounting is the most fundamental accounting assumption which is regarded throughout the world. Thus if a person either departs or adopts the accrual basis its a change in accounting principle.
Is the matching concept related to the cash basis of accounting or the accrual basis of accounting?
Matching concept is the basis of accrual accounting system under which all expenses to earn revenue should be match within same fiscal year so it is part of accrual accounting system
Accrual basis accounting vs Cash basis Accounting?
Under accrual basis of accounting, transactions are recorded when they actually occurred while in cash basis accounting transactions are recorded when actual cash is paid. Accrual accounting follows the matching concept according to which all revenues in one period should be match with expenses.
For the modified accrual basis of accounting what would be the entry to record the purchase of an building?
For the modified accrual basis of accounting what would be the entry to record the purchase of an building?
What is cash basis of accounting?
a system that recognizes revenue and expenses on a cash basis, not an accrual basis
Is the matching and accrual concepts similar?
Matching concept is the basis for accrual accounting system so Yes they are same.
What is types of accounting?
In Accounting, there are two types. There is Cash Basis Accounting and Accrual Basis Accounting. With Cash Basis, transactions are considered to have happened when cash is exchanged, ie. a cash sale or cash payment. In the Accrual Basis, transactions are considered when the event happens. For example, a sale happens when an invoice is given. A debt happens when a bill is received.
What is accrual basis accounting system?
the method that measures the performance and position of a company
What are the different bases of accounting?
There are 3 basis: Cash basis, Accrual basis and Tax basis Free information online at www.etcwa.com
What is sales accrual?
Accrual is a form of record-keeping. Usually, businesses record sales on a cash or accrual basis. Accrual accounting is when sales are recorded when they are made instead of when payment is received.
Which accounting principle requires that transaction should be recorded in the period they occurred?
There is no one accounting principle that requires that a transaction be recorded in the period it occurs (commonly referred to as accrual basis accounting). There is a conceptual statement that the Financial Accounting Standard Board has issued with regard to the use of accrual accounting. The Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING CONCEPTS NO. 6: ELEMENTS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS which states in paragraph 134: Items that qualify under the definitions of elements of financial statements and that meet criteria for recognition and measurement are accounted for and included in financial statements by the use of accrual accounting procedures. The basis of accounting, whether cash basis or accrual, should be disclosed in the notes to the financial statements so that the financial statement reader is aware which method of accounting is in use. Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) does require the accrual basis of accounting; nevertheless, businesses can present their financial statements on a cash basis as long as proper disclosures are made. The financial statement opinion rendered by the external audit firm would also disclose that the cash basis of accounting is being used.
