Accounting Principles and Procedures Flashcards
what are the contents of a set of public limited company accounts
- chairman’s statement
- independent auditors report
- income statement (profit and loss account)
- statement of financial position (balance sheet)
- corporate governance report
- remuneration report
- other statutory information
what are company accounts
a summary of a company’s financial activity over a 12 month period, typically prepared at the end of the financial year for Companies House and HMRC.
They comprise balance sheets, cash flow statements and profit and loss statements
what is a balance sheet
statement of the business’s financial position showing its assets and liabilities at a given date usually at the end of the financial year
what is included in a balance sheet
assets and liabilities
- assets - cash, property, debtors and other investments held
- liabilities - can include borrowings, overdrafts, loans, and creditors
what is the purpose of a balance sheet
to provide a snapshot of company’s finances at a given time
what is a cash flow statement
shows the flow of money in and out of a company
why is a cash flow statement important
can be used for forecasting to manage project spend, resources, and ensure liabilities are met
what is a profit and loss statement
summary of income and expenditure over a set period of time
what is included in a profit and loss statement
revenue
costs of goods sold
taxes
marketing and advertising costs
selling, general and administrative expenses
what is the purpose of profit and loss statement
used to calculate gross and net profit
what is the purpose of keeping company accounts
- UK companies, trading or dormant must submit annual financial statements to Companies House - the accounts of trading companies must be sent to the HM Revenue and Custom
- Enables companies to track money coming in and out, so they can have an understanding of whether their liabilities can be met and how this can best be achieved
- enables companies to monitor company performance, for example profit and loss
- companies can use the information to inform future business planning
- enables companies to identify any problem areas in the business
what are the International Accounting Standards (IAS)
first international accounting standards that were issued by the International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC)
- the purpose was to make it easier to compare business around the world, increase transparency and enable investors to make informed decisions about investment opportunities
what are the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
- set of international accounting standards
- provide common accounting rules which makes it easier to compare business around the world increase transparency and enable investors to make informed decisions about investment opportunities
- replaced IAS in 2001
- introduced by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) which replaced the International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC) in 2001
- required for companies whose securities are trading on a UK regulated market (ie public), optional for non-public companies
- UK company accounts must meet either UK GAAP or UK adopted IFRS
who adopted the UK IFRS
UK Endorsement Board (UKEB)
what are Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
- accounting standards which vary depending on location
- in the UK they are published by the UKs Financial Reporting Council (FRC)
- ensures that financial statements are fit for purpose and different companies can be compared fairly and effectively