Lecture 2-Journalizing/Recording Flashcards
What is an account?
is an individual accounting record of increases and decreases in a specific asset, liability, or equity item.
What does an account consist of?
1) a title, (2) a left or debit side (Dr.), and (3) a right or credit side
What is debit and credit?
Debit indicates the left side of an account while credit indicates the right
Debit balance and credit
Debit balance if the total of the debit amounts exceeds the credits whereas an account shows the credit balance if the credit amounts exceed the debit amounts
Double Entry system
the dual or two sided effect of each transaction is recorded in appropriate amounts. This system provides a logical method for recording transactions and also helps ensure the accuracy of the recorded amounts as well as the detection of errors.
When do we capitalize the name?
Whenever we are referring to a specific account
How must both sides be equal?
Increases and decreases in liabilities have to be recorded opposite from increases and decreases in assets. Thus, increases in liabilities are entered on the right or credit side, and decreases in liabilities are entered on the left or debit side.
What do asset accounts show?
normally show debit balances. That is, debits to a specific asset account should exceed credits to that account.
What do liability show?
normally show credit balances. That is, credits to a liability account should exceed debits to that account.
What is share capital?
Companies issue share capital—ordinary in exchange for the owners’ investment paid in to the company.
When does Share Capital increase or decrease?
Credits increase the Share Capital—Ordinary account, and debits decrease it.
More on Share Capital
Knowing the normal balance in an account may help you trace errors. Occasionally, though, an abnormal balance may be correct.
Retained Earnings
is net income that is kept (retained) in the business. It represents the portion of equity that the company has accumulated through the profitable operation of the business. Credits (net income) increase the Retained Earnings account, and debits (dividends or net losses) decrease it.
-Share capital—ordinary, retained earnings and liabilities: Same rules apply for debit and credit and the normal balances.
Dividends
A company’s distribution to its shareholders. The most common form of a distribution is a cash dividend. Dividends reduce the shareholders’ claims on retained earnings. Debits increase the Dividends account, and credits decrease it.
Revenues and Expenses
The purpose of earning revenues is to benefit the shareholders of the business. When a company recognizes revenues, equity increases. The effect of debits and credits on revenue accounts is the same as their effect on Retained Earnings. Expenses have the opposite effect. Expenses decrease equity.
Revenue accounts are increased by credits and decreased by debits. Expense accounts are increased by debits and decreased by credits. Because revenues increase equity, a revenue account has the same debit/credit rules as the Retained Earnings account. Expenses have the opposite effect.