Week 1 Key Concepts Flashcards
accounting
system for measuring a firm’s performance, financial position and cash flows
language of business
double-entry bookkeeping
requires that whenever a business event changes an asset,
liability or owner’s equity amount, at least one other balancing change is made. When the
rules of double-entry bookkeeping are followed the change in owner’s equity will equate
to the sum of all the changes in the net assets (assets minus liabilities).
Double-entry bookkeeping is a method of recording financial transactions where every entry has two corresponding parts: a debit and a credit. This system ensures accuracy and maintains balance in accounting records.
accounting transaction
n is a business activity or event that affects any element in the
balance sheet equation (Assets = Liabilities + Owners’ Equity). Recording a transaction
changes at least two accounts to keep the equation always balanced.
assets formula
assets = liabilities + owner’s equity
cash accounting
To determine net income (Revenue - Expenses) revenue is recognized
when cash is collected and expenses are recognized when goods and services are paid for.
the account
the individual record of increases and decreases in specific assets, liabilities, owner’s equity, revenue and expenses is the basic component of the formal double-entry accounting system
journals
Journals contain chronological records of accounting activities:
- It is the first place an accounting transaction gets recorded
- General journal describes accounting events with debits and credits using journal entries
- The B/S equation is inviolate… every transaction must confirm
Ledger
Collection of accounts
posting to the general ledger is to transcribe the debits and credits in each journal entry to the
appropriate general ledger accounts.
assets
probable future economic benefits
liabilities
probable future economic sacrifices
owner’s equity
what you invest in the firm
increased by further investment (decreased by divestment)
increased by net income (decreased by net loss)
4 financial statements (in sequence)
- Income Statement
- Statement of Retained Earnings
- Balance Sheet
- Cash Flow Statement
Income statement
Net Income = Revenues - Expenses
matching principle is applied to know operating performance for a period
Statement of Retained Earnings
A detailed accounting of Owner’s Equity
Shows the increase in equity from profits and investments and distribution of assets to its owners
Are owners withdrawing resources or investing resources
(how this equity balance has been changed over a period of time)
Balance Sheet
A list of assets and liabilities and owners residual interest at end of reporting period.
Need: Will the firm do well in the future? What are its assets and liabilities
Cash Flow Statement
account of cash position and cash activities over a period of time. Reports the change in cash inflows and outflows from operating financing and investing activities.
Objective: enhance informativeness of financial reporting
further breakdown of cash balance
Need: does the firm generate enough cash to be self-sustaining? If not where does it get cash to survive? What happens to excess cash?
Annual report