GAAPs etc Flashcards
(128 cards)
Business entity concept
The accounting for a business or organization is kept separate from the personal affairs of its owner, other business or organization.
Going concept concern
Assumes that a business will continue to operate unless it is known otherwise
Time period concept
Accounting takes place over specific time periods known as fiscal periods. The fiscal periods should be equal length when used to measure the financial progress of the business
Monetary Unit Assumption
Accounting measures and reports the results of economic activities in terms of a stable monetary unit
Principle of conservatism
Te accounting for a business should be fair and reasonable. The results should not overstate nor understate the affairs of the business.
Objectivity principle
The accounting will be recorded on objective evidence. Different people looking at the evidence will arrive at the same value for the transaction.
Revenue recognition convention
Revenue should be taken into account at the time the transaction is completed.
Expense recognition convention
Expenses are recorded when benefit is used up to generate revenue.
Matching principle
Each expense related to revenue earned must be recorded in the same accounting period as the revenue it helped them earn.
Consistency principle
Accountants should apply the same methods and procedures from period to period. When changes are made, they must be explained clearly on the financial statements.
Materiality principle
Accountants are required to use GAAPs except when to do so would be expensive or difficult and where it makes no real difference o the decisions of users of financial statements.
Full disclosure principle
Any and all information that affects the full understanding of a company’s financial statements must be included with the financial statements.
Why do we need accounting?
- accurately record and report finances
- assess financial positions and make educated decisions
- hold accountable to shareholders, etc
- record day to day financial activities to find trends
- summarize and report information in financial statements for analysis and decision making
Who uses accounting?
- shareholders
- CEO ans CFOs
- financial decision makers
- consumers
- trade unions
- creditors
Define sole proprietorship
-you are sole owner of the business and are personally responsible for debts
Advantages of sole proprietorship
- easy and inexpensive to start
- direct control of decision making
- tax advantages
- all profits go to you directly
Disadvantages of sole proprietorship
- unlimited liability
- higher tax bracket if business is profitable
- lack of continuity if you need to be absent
- difficult to raise capital on your own
- limited talent pool
Define partnership
Business owned by two people, often for service type businesses
Advantages of partnership
- easy to start up
- start up costs shared
- equal share in management, less workload
- skill sets increase
- possible tax advantages
Disadvantages of partnership
- unlimited liability
- hard to find suitable partner
- possible conflict with partner
- lack of continuity if either one needs to be absent
- held responsible for the decisions your partner makes
Corporation
- a separate legal entity that is owned by its shareholders
- accountable under federal law
Advantages of corporation
- limited liability
- ownership is transferrable
- continuous existence
- easier to raise capital
- possible tax advantages
- specialized management team
Disadvantages of corportation
- closely regulated
- more expensive
- extensive corporate records required
- possible conflict between shareholders and board of directors
GAAP are what
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles that make sure companies are reporting fair data