Module 1 Intro to Accounting Flashcards
Finance Governing Bodies
FASB: financial accounting standards board SEC: Securities and Exchange Commission IASB: international accting standards board
What policies provide practices and guidelines surrounding financial statements?
GAAP:
Generally accepted accounting principles
- basis to convert business transactions to accounting entries
- different rules exist outside of US
Define FASB and what role they play
Financial Accounting Standards Board
Body of professional accountants - not government agency
Source of the GAAP
Applies to non government entities
Define the SEC and role it plays
Securities Exchange Commission
Confirms standards set by FASB
Requires publicly owned companies to Provide financial info to shareholders using GAAP
Responsible for enforcement/penalties
Define IASB and it’s function
International Accounting Standards Board
Issues international financial reporting standards
Companies that operate internationally impacts expense and profit associated with comp and benefits
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 20002 - define
Federal Law regulating accounting oversight, corporate responsibility, financial statements, documentation and reporting
Sarbanes-Oxley Provisions
Reporting structure: company must structure reports and processes according to external auditors requirements
Senior Management: must accept responsibility for the effectiveness of internal controls and reporting
Goal: improve accuracy of financial statements for investor reliance
What does Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance require company’s to do?
Document existing controls
Analyze Gaps - design appropriate controls
Correct material weaknesses when identified
What are the 5 Major Groups of Accounts?
Assets Liabilities Equity Revenue/Sales Expenses
What are Assets?
What a company owns
What are liabilities?
What a company owes
What is Equity in terms of accounting
What owners/investors have put into the business
Define Revenue/Sales
Money generated from the sale of goods or services provided
Define expenses
Cost of doing business
Which major accounts are on the balance sheet?
Assets
Liabilities
Equity