Chapter 1 Flashcards
In your own words, what is Accounting?
- The language of business
- The information system that measures business activities, processes the information into reports, and communicates the results to decision makers
- Used every day to help make business decisions
Who are the typical users of Financial Accounting information?
- Provides information for external decision makers
- Outside investors, lenders, customers, and the federal government
Who are the typical users of Managerial Accounting information?
- Focuses on information for internal decision makers
- Company’s managers and employees
Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
- A privately funded organization that oversees the creation and governance of accounting standards
- Works with governmental regulatory agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- Also works with congressionally created groups and private groups
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- US governmental agency that oversees the US financial markets
- Oversees those organizations that set standards like Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
- The guidelines for accounting information
- The main US accounting rule book and is currently created and governed by the FASB
- Rests on the conceptual framework that identifies the objectives, characteristics, elements, and implementation of financial statements and creates the acceptable accounting practices
Sole Proprietorship
- A business with a single owner
- Small business, owner is personally liable
- Owner pays tax on the earnings
Partnership
- A business with two or more owners, not organized as a corporation
- Personally liable
- Not taxed, partners pay tax on their share of the earnings
- Professional organizations such as attorneys, accountants, or physicians
Corporation
- A business organized under state law that is a legal separate entity
- Not personally liable
- Pays taxes
- From small business to multinational businesses
Limited-Liability Company (LLC)
- A company in which each member is only liable for his or her own actions
- Members are not personally liable
- LLC is not taxed, members pay taxes on their share of earnings
- An alternative to the partnership
What is the Sarbanes-Oxley Act?
- Intended to curb financial scandals
- Requires management to review internal control and take responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of their financial reports
- Made it a criminal offense to falsify financial statements
What is the accounting equation?
-Assets=Liabilities+Equity
List 3 examples of Assets
- An economic resource that is expected to benefit the business in the future
- Cash, Merchandise Inventory, Equipment, Land
List 3 examples of Liabilities
- Debts that are owed to creditors
- Accounts Payable, Notes Payable, Salaries Payable
What is Equity?
-The owner’s claims to the assets of the business; the company’s net worth