Principles of Financial and Managerial Accounting Flashcards
(170 cards)
Accounting
The study of quantitative information, primarily financial, that is useful in decisions that can help change what happens in the future
The 4 steps in a decision-making process
- identify the issue
- gather information
- identify alternatives
- select the best option
Capital
The money used by a business to get resources they need - also known as financing
The 3 sources of capital
- Investors (owners)
- Creditors
- The business itself in the form of earnings
What do accountants do in a business?
- measure and report the results of business activities
- advise on company’s actions on how to structure activities to achieve business goals
What are the 2 types of accounting?
- Managerial
2. Financial
What are the 2 major categories of reports?
- Internal
2. External
Internal reporting
Used by those who direct day-to-day - the info needed for planning, implementing plans, and controlling costs
External reporting
Used by individuals and organizations that have an economic interest in the business but are not part of management
Financial accounting is summarized in 3 primary financial statements
- Balance sheet
- Income statement
- Statement of cash flows
Balance Sheet
Reports the resources, liabilities, and the owner’s equities of a business
Income statement
Reports the amount of net income earned during a specific period
Statement of cash flows
Reports the amount of cash collected and paid out in operating, investing, and financing
Lenders
Only care about being repaid with interest
Investors
Want info on what the future potential profit will yield
Competitors
What to review the relative profitability of other businesses to identify strategic opportunities
The 3 Structural elements of accounting
- Accounting organizations
- Ethics/ethical standards
- Technology
FASB
Financial Accounting Standards Board
-a private group that set the accounting standards rules in the USA
GAAP
Generally accepted accounting principles
GASB
Governmental accounting standards board
-sets the accounting/financial reporting standards for state and local governments
Other organizations that affect accounting standards
- SEC
- AICPA
- IRS
- IASB
SEC
Securities and Exchange Commission
- federal agency that has legal authority to set accounting rules in the US
- regulated financial markets and stock exchanges
AICPA
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
-the professional association of CPA’s
IRS
Internal Revenue Service
-collects and regulates income taxes