Paper I: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting PDF

Paper I: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting Fundamentals of Financial Accounting CERTIFICATE IN ACCOUNTING TECHINICIANS Paper-I STUDY NOTES Directorate...

Paper I: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting Fundamentals of Financial Accounting CERTIFICATE IN ACCOUNTING TECHINICIANS Paper-I STUDY NOTES Directorate of CAT The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (Statutory body under an Act of Parliament) CMA Bhawan, 3-Institutional Area, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 Ph.: +91-11-24666131, 24666134, 24666167, Telefax: +91-11-43583642 HQ : CMA Bhawan 12, Sudder Street, Kolkata-700016 E-mail : [email protected]; Website: www.icmai.in Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT)  Paper I: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting New Edition : September 2021 Published by : Directorate of CAT CMA Bhawan, 3-Institutional Area, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 Printed at : B. M. Offset Printers H-37, Sector-63, Noida-201301 Ph. : 0120-4111952, 9811068514 Copyrights of these Study Notes are reserved by The Institute of Cost Accountants of India and prior permission from the Institute is necessary for reproduction of the whole or any part thereof. Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT)  Paper I: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting CAT SYLLABUS 2021 Summary of the Course: CAT Course Part-I (160 Hrs) Paper I : Fundamentals of Financial Accounting Paper II : Applied Business and Industrial Laws Paper III : Financial Accounting - 2 Paper IV : Statutory Compliance Delivery Strategy Class Room oral coaching Learning Strategy Class Room Learning On-line/off-line self paced studies through Online self assessment/study module. ASSESSMENT STRATEGY On line/off line periodical self-assessment Course end examination- Multiple Choice Questions To be answered on-line Competency Level -Part-II (140 Hrs) Computer Fundamentals by Microsoft and Computerized Accounting- Tally ERP 9.0 – 35 hours SAP End User Program of 25 hours Cambridge - Generic Skills for Employability – 20 hours eFiling by experts from Industry – 20 hours Introduction to Costing Principles & Preparation of Cost Statements- 40 hours 5-days Orientation Programme Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT) 3  Paper I: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting PAPER I: FUNDAMENTALS OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING OBJECTIVES To provide an insight into the fundamentals of financial accounting and its principles. Learning Aims The Syllabus aims to test the student’s ability to: Understand and explain the conceptual framework of Accounting Prepare Accounts for various entities under different situations Skill set required Level A: Requiring the skill levels of knowledge and comprehension CONTENTS Fundamentals of Financial Accounting-(Accounting Paper I) 1. Process of Accounting 2. Reconciliation Statement 3. Accounting for Depreciation 4. Preparation of Final Accounts 5. Cash and Fund Flow Statements 6. Ratio Analysis Section A: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting 1. Process of Accounting Basic Accounting Formulas and Accounting Terminologies Capital and Revenue transactions- capital and revenue expenditures, capital and revenue receipts Measurement, Valuation and Accounting estimates Double entry system, Books of prime entry, Subsidiary Books Recording of Cash and Bank transactions Voucher preparations Preparation of Ledger Accounts Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT) 5  Paper I: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting Preparation of Trial Balance- interpretation and usefulness Rectification of Errors 2. Reconciliation Statements Bank Reconciliation Statement Receivables / Payables Reconciliation Statement 3. Accounting for Depreciation Methods, computation and Accounting treatment 4. Preparation of Final Accounts of a Profit-making concern (for sole proprietorship concern and partnership firm only) Preparation of Trading Account, Profit & Loss Account and Balance Sheet Accounting treatment of bad debts, reserve for bad and doubtful debts, provision for discount on debtors and provision for discount on creditors of a Non – Profit making concern. Preparation of Receipts and Payments Accounts Preparation of Income and Expenditure Accounts Preparation of Balance Sheet 5. Cash and Fund Flow Statements 6. Ratio Analysis 6 Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT)  Paper I: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting CONTENTS FUNDAMENTALS OF ACCOUNTING Study Note 1 : Accounting Process 1.1 Introduction.................................................................................................................................... 9 1.2 Definitions..................................................................................................................................... 11 1.3 Accounting Cycle........................................................................................................................ 15 1.4 Objectives of Accounting........................................................................................................ 16 1.5 Basic Accounting Terms........................................................................................................... 21 1.6 Generally Accepted Accounting Principles......................................................................... 27 1.7 Accounting Concepts and Conventions.............................................................................. 27 1.8 Events & Transactions............................................................................................................... 37 1.9 Voucher........................................................................................................................................ 37 1.10 The Concepts of “Account”, “Debit” & “Credit”................................................................ 38 1.11 Types of Accounts..................................................................................................................... 39 1.12 The Accounting Process........................................................................................................... 41 1.13 Accounting Equation................................................................................................................ 48 1.14 Accrual Basis & Cash Basis of Accounting........................................................................... 49 1.15 Capital & Revenue Transactions............................................................................................ 55 1.16 Accounting Standards.............................................................................................................. 67 1.17 Double Entry System, Books of Prime Entry, Subsidiary Books............................................ 71 1.18 Trial Balance............................................................................................................................... 97 1.19 Measurement, Valuation & Accounting Estimates............................................................ 108 1.20 Opening entries, Closing entries, Transfer entries and Rectification entries.................. 128 Study Note 2 : Reconciliation Statements 2.1 Bank Reconciliation................................................................................................................. 151 2.2 Receivable Reconciliation..................................................................................................... 174 2.3 Payable Reconciliation............................................................................................................ 175 Study Note 3 : Depreciation Accounting 3.1 Introduction................................................................................................................................ 177 3.2 Certain Useful Terms................................................................................................................. 178 3.3 Nature of Depreciation.......................................................................................................... 179 3.4 Causes of Depreciation.......................................................................................................... 179 Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT) 7  Paper I: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting 3.5 Characteristics of Depreciation............................................................................................... 180 3.6 Objective of and Necessity for providing Depreciation.................................................. 180 3.7 Measurement of Depreciation.............................................................................................. 181 3.8 Methods of Charging Depreciation..................................................................................... 181 3.9 Provision for Depreciation Account..................................................................................... 193 3.10 Disposal of an asset................................................................................................................ 194 3.11 Profit or Loss on sale of assets - Method of Depreciation Calculation......................... 196 3.12 Change of Method - Prospective and Retrospective...................................................... 198 3.13 Application of AS 6 - Depreciation Accounting................................................................ 205 3.14 Application of AS 10 - Accounting for Fixed Asset........................................................... 207 Study Note 4 : Preparation of Final Accounts 4.1 Introduction................................................................................................................................ 211 4.2 Preparation of Financial Statements.................................................................................... 211 4.3 Bad Debts................................................................................................................................. 257 4.4 Preparation of Financial Statement of Non-Trading Concern......................................... 276 Study Note 5 : Cash & Fund Flow Statements 5.1 Understanding income and cash......................................................................................... 315 5.2 Meaning of Cash Flow, & Definitions................................................................................... 316 5.3 Cash Flow Vs. Income............................................................................................................ 319 5.4 Cash & Non-Cash Transactions.............................................................................................. 322 5.5 Depreciation & the Tax Shield................................................................................................. 322 5.6 Direct Method........................................................................................................................... 322 5.7 Indirect Method........................................................................................................................ 324 5.8 Funds Flow Definition................................................................................................................. 325 5.9 Difference between Funds Flow & Cash Flow...................................................................... 327 5.10 Funds Flow Statement Case Study........................................................................................ 328 5.11 Advantages & Disadvantages................................................................................................. 330 5.12 Summary...................................................................................................................................... 331 Study Note 6 : Ratio Analysis 6.1 Ratio Analysis.............................................................................................................................. 333 8 Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT)  Study Note-1 : Process of Accounting STUDY NOTE – 1 PROCESS OF ACCOUNTING This Study Note includes: Introduction Definitions Accounting Cycle Objectives of Accounting Basic Accounting Terms Generally Accepted Accounting Principles Accounting Concepts and Conventions Events and Transactions Voucher The Concepts of “Account”, “Debit” and “Credit” Types of Accounts The Accounting Process Accounting Equation Accrual Basis & Cash Basis of Accounting Capital & Revenue Transactions Accounting Standards Double Entry System, Books of Prime Entry, Subsidiary Books Trial Balance Measurement, Valuation & Accounting Estimates Opening entries, Closing entries, Transfer entries and Rectification entries 1.1 INTRODUCTION Business is an economic activity undertaken with the motive of earning profits and to maximize the wealth for the owners. Business cannot run in isolation. Largely, the business activity is carried out by people coming together with a purpose to serve a common cause. This team is often referred to as an organization, which could be in different forms such as sole proprietorship, partnership, body corporate etc. The rules of business are based on general principles of trade, social values, and statutory framework encompassing national or international boundaries. While these variables could be different for different businesses, different countries etc., the basic purpose is to add value to a product or service to satisfy customer demand. Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT) 9  Paper I: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting The business activities require resources (which are limited & have multiple uses) primarily in terms of material, labour, machineries, factories and other services. The success of business depends on how efficiently and effectively these resources are managed. Therefore, there is a need to ensure the businessman tracks the use of these resources. The resources are not free and thus one must be careful to keep an eye on cost of acquiring them as well. As the basic purpose of business is to make profit, one must keep an ongoing track of the activities undertaken in course of business. Two basic questions would have to be answered: (a) What is the result of business operations? This will be answered by finding out whether it has made profit or loss. (b) What is the position of the resources acquired and used for business purpose? How are these resources financed? Where the funds come from? The answers to these questions are to be found continuously and the best way to find them is to record all the business activities. Recording of business activities has to be done in a scientific manner so that they reveal correct outcome. The science of book-keeping and accounting provides an effective solution. It is a branch of social science. This study material aims at giving a platform to the students to understand basic principles and concepts, which can be applied to accurately measure performance of business. After studying the various chapters included herein, the student should be able to apply the principles, rules, conventions and practices to different business situations like trading, manufacturing or service. Over years, the art and science of accounting has evolved together with progress of trade and commerce at national and global levels. Professional accounting bodies have been doing intensive research to come up with accounting rules that will be applicable. Modern business is certainly more complex and continuous updating of these rules is required. Every stakeholder of the business is interested in a particular facet of information about the business. The art and science of accounting helps to put together these requirements of information as per universally accepted principles and also to interpret the results. It is interesting to note that each one of us has an accountant hidden in us. We do see our parents keep track of monthly expenses. We make a distinction between payment done for monthly grocery and that for buying a house or a car. We understand that while grocery is a monthly expense and buying a house is like creating a resource that has indefinite future use. The most common accounting record that each one of us knows is our bank passbook or a bank statement, which the bank maintains for us. It tracks each rupee that we deposit or withdraw from our account. When we go to supermarket to buy something, the cashier at the counter will record things we buy and give us a ‘bill’ or ‘cash memo’. These are source documents prepared for the transaction between the supermarket and us. While these are simple examples, there could be more complex business activities. A good working knowledge of keeping records is therefore necessary. Professional accounting bodies all over the world have been functioning with the objective of providing this body of 10 Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT)  Study Note-1 : Process of Accounting knowledge. These institutions are engaged in imparting training in the field of accounting. Let us start with some basic definitions, concepts, conventions and practices used in development of this art as well as science. 1.2 DEFINITIONS In order to understand the subject matter with clarity, let us study some of the definitions which depict the scope, content and purpose of Accounting. The field of accounting is generally sub- divided into: (a) Book-keeping (b) Financial Accounting (c) Cost Accounting and (d) Management Accounting Let us understand each of these concepts. (a) Book-keeping The most common definition of book-keeping as given by J. R. Batliboi is “Book-keeping is an art of recording business transactions in a set of books.” As can be seen, it is basically a record keeping function. One must understand that not all dealings are, however, recorded. Only transactions expressed in terms of money will find place in books of accounts. These are the transactions which will ultimately result in transfer of economic value from one person to the other. Book-keeping is a continuous activity, the records being maintained as transactions are entered into. This being a routine and repetitive work, in today’s world, it is taken over by the computer systems. Many accounting packages are available to suit different business organizations. It is also referred to as a set of primary records. These records form the basis for accounting. It is an art because, the record is to be kept in such a manner that it will facilitate further processing and reporting of financial information which will be useful to all stakeholders of the business. (b) Financial Accounting It is commonly termed as Accounting. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants defines Accounting as “an art of recoding, classifying and summarizing in a significant manner and in terms of money, transactions and events which are in part at least of a financial character, and interpreting the results thereof.” The first step in the cycle of accounting is to identify transactions that will find place in books of accounts. Transactions having financial impact only are to be recorded. E.g. if a businessman negotiates with the customer regarding supply of products, this will not be recorded. The negotiation is a deal which will potentially create a transaction and will have exchange of Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT) 11  Paper I: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting money or money’s worth. But unless this transaction is finally entered into, it will not be recorded in the books of accounts. Secondly, the recording of the business transactions is done based on the Golden Rules of accounting (which are explained later) in a systematic manner. Transaction of similar nature are grouped together and recorded accordingly. e.g. Sales Transactions, Purchase Transactions, Cash Transactions etc. One has to interpret the transaction and then apply the relevant Golden Rule to make a correct entry thereof. Thirdly, as the transactions increase in number, it will be difficult to understand the combined effect of the same by referring to individual records. Hence, the art of accounting also involves the step of summarizing them. With the aid of computers, this task is simplified in today’s accounting though. The summarization will help users of the business information to understand and interpret business results. Lastly, the accounting process provides the users with statements which will describe what has happened to the business. Remember the two basic questions we talked about, one to know whether business has made profit or loss and the other to know the position of resources that are used by the business. It can be noted that although accounting is often referred to as an art, it is a science also. This is because it is based on universally applicable set of rules. However, it is not a pure science as there is a possibility of different interpretation. (c) Cost Accounting According to the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Cost Accountancy is defined as “application of costing and cost accounting principles, methods and techniques to the science, art and practice of cost control and the ascertainment of profitability as well as the presentation of information for the purpose of managerial decision-making.” It is a branch of accounting dealing with the classification, recording, allocation, summarization and reporting of current and prospective costs and analyzing their behaviours. Cost Accounting is frequently used to facilitate internal decision making and provides tools with which management can appraise performance and control costs of doing business. It primarily involves relating the costs to the different products produced and sold or services rendered by the business. While Financial Accounting deals with business transactions at a broader level, Cost Accounting aims at further breaking it up to the last possible level to indentify costs with products and services. It uses the same Financial Accounting documents and records. Modern computerized accounting packages like ERP systems provide for processing Financial as well as Cost Accounting records simultaneously. 12 Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT)  Study Note-1 : Process of Accounting This branch of accounting deals with the process of ascertainment of costs. The concept of cost is always applied with reference to a context. Knowledge of cost concepts and their application provide a very sound platform for decision making. Cost Accounting aims at equipping management with information that can be used for control on business activities. (d) Management Accounting Management Accounting is concerned with the use of Financial and Cost Accounting information to managers within organizations, to provide them with the basis in making informed business decisions that would allow them to be better equipped in their management and control functions. Unlike Financial Accounting information (which, for public companies, is public information), Management Accounting information is used within an organization (typically for decision-making) and is usually confidential and its access available only to a selected few. According to the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Management Accounting is “the process of identification, measurement, accumulation, analysis, preparation, interpretation and communication of information used by management to plan, evaluate and control within an entity and to assure appropriate use of and accountability for its resources. Management Accounting also comprises the preparation of financial reports for non management groups such as shareholders, creditors, regulatory authorities and tax authorities” Basically, Management Accounting aims to facilitate management in formulating strategies, planning and constructing business activities, making decisions, optimal use of resources, and safeguarding assets of business. These branches of accounting have evolved over years of research and are basically synchronized with the requirements of business organizations and all entities associated with them. We will now see what are they and how accounting satisfies various needs of different stakeholders. 1.2.1 Difference between Book-keeping and Accountancy The Significant difference between Book-keeping and Accountancy are:- Sl Points of Book Keeping Accountancy No. Difference 1. Meaning Book-keeping is considered as Accountancy is considered as ends. beginning. 2. Functions The primary stage of accounting The overall accounting functions function is called Book-keeping. are guided by accountancy. 3. Depends Accountancy can complete its Accountancy depends on Book- functions with the help of Book- keeping for its complete functions. keeping. Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT) 13  Paper I: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting 4. Data The necessary data about Accountancy can take its financial performances and decisions, prepare reports and financial positions are taken statements from the data taken from Book-keeping. from Book-keeping. 5. Recording of Financial transactions are Accountancy does not take Transactions recorded on the basis of any principles, concepts accounting principles, and conventions from Book- concepts and conventions. keeping. 1.2.2 Difference between Management Accounting and Financial Accounting The significant difference between Management Accounting and Financial Accounting are: Management Accounting 1. Management Accounting is primarily Financial Accounting is based on the based on the data available from Financial monetary transactions of the enterprise. Accounting. 2. It provides necessary information to the Its main focus is on recording and classifying management to assist them in the process monetary transactions in the books of of planning, controlling, performance accounts and preparation of financial evaluation and decision making. statements at the end of every accounting period. 3. Reports prepared in Management Reports as per Financial Accounting are Accounting are meant for management meant for the management as well as for and as per management requirement. shareholders and creditors of the concern. 4. Reports may contain both subjective and Reports should always be supported by Objective figures. relevant figures and it emphasizes on the objectivity of data. 5. Reports are not subject to statutory audit. Reports are always subject to statutory audit. 6. It evaluates the sectional as well as the entire It ascertains , evaluates and exhibits the performance of the business. financial strength of the whole business. When complete sequence of accounting procedure is done which happens frequently and repeated in same directions during an accounting period, the same is called an accounting cycle. 14 Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT)  Study Note-1 : Process of Accounting Steps/Phases of Accounting Cycle The steps or phases of accounting cycle can be developed as under: 1.3 ACCOUNTING CYCLE a) Recording of Transaction:- As soon as a transaction happens it is at first recorded in subsidiary book. b) Journal:- The transactions are recorded in Journal chronologically. c) Ledger:- All journals are posted into ledger chronologically and in a classified manner. d) Trial Balance:- After taking all the ledger account closing balances, a Trial Balance is prepared at the end of the period for the preparations of financial statements. e) Adjustment Entries:- All the adjustments entries are to be recorded properly and adjusted accordingly before preparing financial statements. f) Adjusted Trial Balance:- An adjusted Trail Balance may also be prepared. g) Closing Entries:- All the nominal accounts are to be closed by the transferring to Trading Account and Profit and Loss Account. h) Financial Statements:- Financial statement can now be easily prepared which will exhibit the true financial position and operating results. Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT) 15  Paper I: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting 1.4 OBJECTIVES OF ACCOUNTING The main objective of Accounting is to provide financial information to stakeholders. This financial information is normally given via financial statements, which are prepared on the basis of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). There are various accounting standards developed by professional accounting bodies all over the world. In India, these are governed by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, (ICAI). In the US, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is responsible to lay down the standards. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) is the body that sets up the International Accounting Standards. These standards basically deal with accounting treatment of business transactions and disclosing the same in financial statements. The following objectives of accounting will explain the width of the application of this knowledge stream: (a) To ascertain the amount of profit or loss made by the business i.e. to compare the income earned versus the expenses incurred and the net result thereof. (b) To know the financial position of the business i.e. to assess what the business owns and what it owes. (c) To provide a record for compliance with statutes and laws applicable. (d) To enable the readers to assess progress made by the business over a period of time. (e) To disclose information needed by different stakeholders Let us now see which are different stakeholders of the business and what do they seek from the accounting information. This is shown in the following table. Stakeholder Interest in business Accounting Information Owners/Investors/ Profits or losses Financial statements, Cost existing and potential Accounting records, Management Accounting reports Lenders Assessment of capability of the Financial statement and analysis business to pay interest and principal thereof, reports forming part of of money lent. Basically, they monitor accounts, valuation of assets given as the solvency of business. security. Customers and Stability and growth of the business Financial and Cash flow statements suppliers to assess ability of the business to offer better business terms and ability to supply the products and services. 16 Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT)  Study Note-1 : Process of Accounting Government Whether the business is complying Accounting documents such with various legal requirements as vouchers, extracts of books, information of purchase, sales, employee obligations etc. and financial statements Employees and trade Growth and profitability Financial statements for negotiating unions pay packages Competitors Performance and possible tie-ups in Accounting information to find out the era of mergers and acquisitions possible synergies 1.4.1 Users of Accounting Information Accounting provides information both to internal users and the external users. The internal users are all the organizational participants at all levels of management (i.e. top, middle and lower). Generally top level management requires information for planning, middle level management which requires information for controlling the operations. For internal use, the information is usually provided in the form of reports, for instance Cash Budget Reports, Production Reports, Idle Time Reports, Feedback Reports, whether to retain or replace an equipment decision reports, project appraisal report, and the like. There are also the external users (e.g. Banks, Creditors). They do not have direct access to all the records of an enterprise, they have to rely on financial statements as the source of information. External users are basically, interested in the solvency and profitability of an enterprise. 1.4.2 Types of Accounting Information Accounting information may be categorized in number of ways on the basis of purpose of accounting information, on the basis of measurement criteria and so on. The various types of accounting information are given below: I. Accounting Information relating to financial transactions and events. (a) Financial Position- Information about financial position is primarily provided in a balance sheet. The financial position of an enterprise is affected by different factors, like - (i) Information about the economic resources controlled by the enterprise and its capacity in the past to alter these resources is useful in predicting the ability of the enterprise to generate cash and cash equivalents in the future. (ii) Information about financial structure is useful in predicting future borrowing needs and how future profits and cash flows will be distributed among those with an interest in the enterprise; it is also useful in predicting how successful the enterprise is likely to be in raising further finance. Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT) 17  Paper I: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting (iii) Information about liquidity and solvency is useful in predicting the ability of the enterprise to meet its financial commitments as they fall due. Liquidity refers to the availability of cash in the near future to meet financial commitments over this period. Solvency refers to the availability of cash over the longer term to meet financial commitments as they fall due. (b) Financial Performance- Information about financial performance is primarily provided in a Statement of Profit and Loss which is also known as Income Statement. Information about the performance of an enterprise and its profitability, is required in order to assess potential changes taking place in the economic resources that it is likely to control in the future. Information about variability of performance is also important in this regard. Information about performance is necessary in predicting the capacity to generate cash flows from its available resource. It is an important input in forming judgments about the effectiveness of an enterprise to utilize resources (c) Cash Flows- Information about cash flows is provided in the financial statements by means of a cash flow statement. Information concerning cash flows is useful in providing the users with a basis to assess the ability of the enterprise to generate cash and cash equivalents and the needs of the enterprise to utilise those cash and cash equivalent. These information may be classified as follows: (i) on the basis of Historical Cost (ii) on the basis of Current Cost (iii) on the basis of Realizable Value (iv) on the basis of Present Value II. Accounting information relating to cost of a product, operation or function. III. Accounting information relating to planning and controlling the activities of an enterprise for internal reporting. This information may further be classified as follows: (i) Information relating to Finance Area, (ii) Information relating to Production Area (iii) Information relating to Marketing Area (iv) Information relating to Personnel Area (v) Information relating to Other Areas (such as Research & Development) 18 Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT)  Study Note-1 : Process of Accounting vi. Accounting information relating to Social Effects of business decisions. vii. Accounting information relating to Environment and Ecology. VIii. Accounting information relating to Human Resources. 1.4.3 Qualitative Characteristics of Accounting Information Qualitative characteristics are the attributes that make the information provided in financial statements useful to its users. Qualitative Characteristics of Accounting Information can be segregated in the following categories (i) Reliability (ii) Relevance (iii) Materiality (iv) Understandability (v) Comparability (i) Reliability: To be useful, information must also be reliable. Information has the quality of reliability when it is free from material error and bias and can be depended upon by users to represent faithfully that which it either portrays to represent or could reasonably be expected to represent. Information may be relevant but so unreliable in nature or representation that its recognition may be potentially misleading and so it becomes useless. Reliability of the financial statements is dependent on the following: (a) Faithful Representation- To be reliable, information must represent faithfully the transactions and other events which either portrays to represent or could reasonably be expected to represent. Most financial information is subject to some risks of being less than faithful representation of that which it purports to portray. This is not due to bias, but rather to enhance difficulties either in identifying the transactions or other events to be measured in devising or applying measurements and presentation techniques that can convey messages that correspond with those transactions and events. (b) Substance Over Form- If information is to represent faithfully the transactions and other events that it portrays to represent, it is necessary that they are accounted for and presented in accordance with their substance and economic reality and not merely by their legal forms. The substance of transactions or other events is not always consistent with that which is apart from their legal or contrived form. (c) Neutrality- To be reliable the information contained in financial statements must be neutral. Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT) 19  Paper I: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting Financial statements are not neutral if by selective presentation of information, they influence the making of a decision or judgment in order to achieve a predetermined result or outcome. (d) Prudence- The preparers of financial statements have to contend with uncertainties that inevitably surround many events and circumstances. Such uncertainties are recognized by the disclosure of their nature and extent and by exercise of prudence in the financial statements. Prudence is the inclusion of a degree of caution. In the exercise of judgement needed in making the estimate required under conditions of uncertainties so that assets or income are not overstated and liabilities or expenses are not understated. However, the exercise of prudence does not allow the creation of hidden reserves or excessive provisions, i.e. the deliberate understatement of assets or income or deliberate over statement of liabilities or expenses. (e) Completeness- To be reliable the information in the financial statements must be complete within the bounds of materiality and cost. An omission can cause information to be false or misleading and thus, unreliable and deficient in terms of its relevance. (ii) Relevance: To be useful, information must be relevant to the decision-making needs of users. Information has the quality of relevance when it influences the economic decisions of the users by helping them to evaluate past, present or future events or confirming or correcting their past evaluation. The productive and confirmatory roles of information are interrelated. For example, information about the current level and structure of asset-holding has value to users when they endeavour to predict the ability of the enterprise to take advantage of opportunities and its ability to react to adverse situations. The same information plays a confirmatory role in respect of past prediction about, for example, the way in which the enterprise would be structured or the outcome of planned operations. (iii) Materiality: The relevance of information is affected by its nature and materiality. Information is material if its omission or mis-statement could influence the economic decisions of users made on the basis of financial statements. Materiality depends on the size of the item or error judged in the particular circumstance of its omission or mis-statement. Thus, materiality provides a threshold or a cut-off point rather than being a primary qualitative characteristic which information must have if it is to be useful. (iv) Understandability: The information provided in financial statements must be easily understandable by users. For this purpose, users are assumed to have a reasonable knowledge of business and economic activities, accounting and a willingness to study the information with reasonable diligence. However, information about complex matters 20 Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT)  Study Note-1 : Process of Accounting that should be included in the financial statements because of its relevance to the decision making needs of users and should not be excluded merely on the grounds that it may be too difficult for certain users to understand. (v) Comparability: The financial statements of an enterprise should be comparable. For this purpose users should be informed of the accounting policies, any changes in those policies and the effects of such changes. This qualitative characteristic requires pursuance of consistency in choosing accounting policies. Lack of consistency may disturb the comparability quality of the financial statement information. Accordingly, accounting standard on disclosure of accounting policies consider consistency as a fundamental accounting assumption along with accrual and going concern. 1.5 BASIC ACCOUNTING TERMS In order to understand the subject matter clearly, one must grasp the following common expressions always used in business accounting. The aim here is to enable the student to understand with these often used concepts before we embark on accounting procedures and rules. You may note that these terms can be applied to any business activity with the same connotation. (i) Transaction: It means an event or a business activity which involves exchange of money or money’s worth between parties. The event can be measured in terms of money and changes the financial position of a person e.g. purchase of goods would involve receiving material and making payment or creating an obligation to pay to the supplier at a future date. Transaction could be a cash transaction or credit transaction. When the parties settle the transaction immediately by making payment in cash or by cheque, it is called a cash transaction. In credit transaction, the payment is settled at a future date as per agreement between the parties. (ii) Goods/Services: These are tangible article or commodity in which a business deals. These articles or commodities are either bought and sold or produced and sold. At times, what may be classified as ‘goods’ to one business firm may not be ‘goods’ to the other firm. e.g. for a machine manufacturing company, the machines are ‘goods’ as they are frequently made and sold. But for the buying firm, it is not ‘goods’ as the intention is to use it as a long term resource and not sell it. Services are intangible in nature which are rendered with or without the object of earning profits. (iii) Profit: The excess of Revenue Income over expense is called profit. It could be calculated for each transaction or for business as a whole. (iv) Loss: The excess of expense over income is called loss. It could be calculated for each transaction or for business as a whole. (v) Asset: Asset is a resource owned by the business with the purpose of using it for generating future profits. Assets can be Tangible and Intangible. Tangible Assets are the Capital assets Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT) 21  Paper I: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting which have some physical existence. They can, therefore, be seen, touched and felt, e.g. Plant and Machinery, Furniture and Fittings, Land and Buildings, Books, Computers, Vehicles, etc. The capital assets which have no physical existence and whose value is limited by the rights and anticipated benefits that possession confers upon the owner are known as lntangible Assets. They cannot be seen or felt although they help to generate revenue in future, e.g. Goodwill, Patents, Trade-marks, Copyrights, Brand Equity, Designs, Intellectual Property, etc. Assets can also be classified into Current Assets and Non-Current Assets. Current Assets – An asset shall be classified as Current when it satisfies any of the following: (a) It is expected to be realised in, or is intended for sale or consumption in the Company’s normal Operating Cycle, (b) It is held primarily for the purpose of being traded , (c) It is due to be realised within 12 months after the Reporting Date, or (d) It is Cash or Cash Equivalent unless it is restricted from being exchanged or used to settle a Liability for at least 12 months after the Reporting Date. Non-Current Assets – All other Assets shall be classified as Non-Current Assets. e.g. Machinery held for long term etc. (vi) Liability: It is an obligation of financial nature to be settled at a future date. It represents amount of money that the business owes to the other parties. E.g. when goods are bought on credit, the firm will create an obligation to pay to the supplier the price of goods on an agreed future date or when a loan is taken from bank, an obligation to pay interest and principal amount is created. Depending upon the period of holding, these obligations could be further classified into Long Term on non-current liabilities and Short Term or current liabilities. Current Liabilities – A liability shall be classified as Current when it satisfies any of the following: (a) It is expected to be settled in the Company’s normal Operating Cycle, (b) It is held primarily for the purpose of being traded, (c) It is due to be settled within 12 months after the Reporting Date, or (d) The Company does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting date (Terms of a Liability that could, at the option of the counterparty, result in its settlement by the issue of Equity Instruments do not affect its classification) Non-Current Liabilities – All other Liabilities shall be classified as Non-Current Liabilities. E.g. Loan taken for 5 years, Debentures issued etc. 22 Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT)  Study Note-1 : Process of Accounting (vii) Internal Liability: These represent proprietor’s equity, i.e. all those amount which are entitled to the proprietor, e.g., Capital, Reserves, Undistributed Profits, etc. (viii) Working Capital: In order to maintain flows of revenue from operation, every firm needs certain amount of current assets. For example, cash is required either to pay for expenses or to meet obligation for service received or goods purchased, etc. by a firm. On identical reason, inventories are required to provide the link between production and sale. Similarly, Accounts Receivable generate when goods are sold on credit. Cash, Bank, Debtors, Bills Receivable, Closing Stock, Prepayments etc. represent current assets of firm. The whole of these current assets form the working capital of a firm which is termed as Gross Working Capital. Gross Working capital = Total Current Assets = Long term internal liabilities plus long term debts plus the current liabilities minus the amount blocked in the fixed assets. There is another concept of working capital. Working capital is the excess of current assets over current liabilities. That is the amount of current assets that remain in a firm if all its current liabilities are paid. This concept of working capital is known as Net Working Capital which is a more realistic concept. Working Capital (Net) = Current Assets – Currents Liabilities. (ix) Contingent Liability: It represents a potential obligation that could be created depending on the outcome of an event. E.g. if supplier of the business files a legal suit, it will not be treated as a liability because no obligation is created immediately. If the verdict of the case is given in favour of the supplier then only the obligation is created. Till that it is treated as a contingent liability. Please note that contingent liability is not recorded in books of account, but disclosed by way of a note to the financial statements. (x) Capital: It is amount invested in the business by its owners. It may be in the form of cash, goods, or any other asset which the proprietor or partners of business invest in the business activity. From business point of view, capital of owners is a liability which is to be settled only in the event of closure or transfer of the business. Hence, it is not classified as a normal liability. For corporate bodies, capital is normally represented as share capital. (xi) Drawings: It represents an amount of cash, goods or any other assets which the owner withdraws from business for his or her personal use. e.g. if the life insurance premium of proprietor or a partner of business is paid from the business cash, it is called drawings. Drawings will result in reduction in the owners’ capital. The concept of drawing is not applicable to the corporate bodies like limited companies. Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT) 23  Paper I: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting (xii) Net worth: It represents excess of total assets over total liabilities of the business. Technically, this amount is available to be distributed to owners in the event of closure of the business after payment of all liabilities. That is why it is also termed as Owner’s equity. A profit making business will result in increase in the owner’s equity whereas losses will reduce it. (xiii) Non-current Investments: Non-current Investments are investments which are held beyond the current period as to sale or disposal. e. g. Fixed Deposit for 5 years. (xiv) Current Investments: Current investments are investments that are by their nature readily realizable and are intended to be held for not more than one year from the date on which such investment is made. e. g. 11 months Commercial Paper. (xv) Debtor: The sum total or aggregate of the amounts which the customer owe to the business for purchasing goods on credit or services rendered or in respect of other contractual obligations, is known as Sundry Debtors or Trade Debtors, or Trade Payable, or Book-Debts or Debtors. In other words, Debtors are those persons from whom a business has to recover money on account of goods sold or service rendered on credit. These debtors may again be classified as under: (i) Good debts The debts which are sure to be realized are called good debts. (ii) Doubtful Debts The debts which may or may not be realized are called doubtful debts. (iii) Bad debts The debts which cannot be realized at all are called bad debts. It must be remembered that while ascertaining the debtors balance at the end of the period certain adjustments may have to be made e.g. Bad Debts, Discount Allowed, Returns Inwards, etc. (xvi) Creditor: A creditor is a person to whom the business owes money or money’s worth. e.g. money payable to supplier of goods or provider of service. Creditors are generally classified as Current Liabilities. (xvii) Capital Expenditure: This represents expenditure incurred for the purpose of acquiring a fixed asset which is intended to be used over long term for earning profits there from. e. g. amount paid to buy a computer for office use is a capital expenditure. At times expenditure may be incurred for enhancing the production capacity of the machine. This also will be a capital expenditure. Capital expenditure forms part of the Balance Sheet. 24 Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT)  Study Note-1 : Process of Accounting (xviii) Revenue expenditure: This represents expenditure incurred to earn revenue of the current period. The benefits of revenue expenses get exhausted in the year of the incurrence. e.g. repairs, insurance, salary & wages to employees, travel etc. The revenue expenditure results in reduction in profit or surplus. It forms part of the Income statement. (xix) Balance Sheet: It is the statement of financial position of the business entity on a particular date. It lists all assets, liabilities and capital. It is important to note that this statement exhibits the state of affairs of the business as on a particular date only. It describes what the business owns and what the business owes to outsiders (this denotes liabilities) and to the owners (this denotes capital). It is prepared after incorporating the resulting profit/losses of Income statement. (xx) Profit and Loss Account or Income Statement: This account shows the revenue earned by the business and the expenses incurred by the business to earn that revenue. This is prepared usually for a particular accounting period, which could be a month, quarter, a half year or a year. The net result of the Profit and Loss Account will show profit earned or loss suffered by the business entity. (xxi) Trade Discount: It is the discount usually allowed by the wholesaler to the retailer computed on the list price or invoice price. e.g. the list price of a TV set could be Rs. 15000. The wholesaler may allow 20% discount thereof to the retailer. This means the retailer will get it for Rs. 12000 and is expected to sale it to final customer at the list price. Thus the trade discount enables the retailer to make profit by selling at the list price. Trade discount is not recorded in the books of accounts. The transactions are recorded at net values only. In above example, the transaction will be recorded at Rs. 12000 only. (xxii) Cash Discount: This is allowed to encourage prompt payment by the debtor. This has to be recorded in the books of accounts. This is calculated after deducting the trade discount. e.g. if list price is Rs. 15000 on which a trade discount of 20% and cash discount of 2% apply, then first trade discount of Rs. 3000 (20% of Rs. 15000) will be deducted and the cash discount of 2% will be calculated on Rs. 12000 (Rs.15000 – Rs. 3000). Hence the cash discount will be Rs. 240/- (2% of Rs. 12000) and net payment will be Rs. 11,760 (Rs.12,000 - Rs. 240) Let us see if we can apply these in the following examples. Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT) 25  Paper I: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting ILLUSTRATION 1 Fill in the blanks: (a) The cash discount is allowed by ———— to the —————. (b) Profit means excess of ——— over —————. (c) Debtor is a person who ——— to others. (d) In a credit transaction, the buyer is given a ——— facility. (e) The fixed asset is generally held for —————. (f) The current liabilities are obligations to be settled in ——— period. (g) The withdrawal of money by the owner of business is called ———— (h) The amount invested by owners into business is called —————. (i) Transaction means exchange of money or money’s worth for ————. (j) The net result of an income statement is ———— or ————. (k) The ——————— shows financial position of the business as on a particular date. (l) The ————— discount is never entered in the books of accounts. (m) Vehicles represent ———— expenditure while repairs to vehicle would mean ————— expenditure. (n) Net worth is excess of —— ——— over ——— ———. Answers: (a) creditor, debtor (h) Capital (b) income, expenditure (i) Value (c) Owes (j) Profit, loss (d) Credit (k) Balance sheet (e) Longer period (l) Trade (f) Short (m) Capital, revenue (g) Drawings (n) Total assets, total liabilities ILLUSTRATION 2. Give one word or a term used to describe the following:- (a) An exchange of benefit for value (b) A transaction without immediate cash settlement. (c) Commodities in which a business deals. (d) Excess of expenditure over income. (e) Things of value owned by business to earn future profits. 26 Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT)  Study Note-1 : Process of Accounting (f) Amount owed by business to others. (g) An obligation which may or may not materialise. (h) An allowance by a creditor to debtor for prompt payment. (i) Assets like brand value, copy rights, goodwill Answers: (a) Transaction (f) Liability (b) credit transaction (g) Contingent liability (c) goods (h) Cash discount (d) Loss (i) Intangible assets (e) Assets 1.6. GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES A widely accepted set of rules, conventions, standards, and procedures for reporting financial information, as established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board are called Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). These are the common set of accounting principles, standards and procedures that companies use to compile their financial statements. GAAP are a combination of standards (set by policy boards) and simply the commonly accepted ways of recording and reporting accounting information. GAAP is to be followed by companies so that investors have a optimum level of consistency in the financial statements they use when analyzing companies for investment purposes. GAAP cover such aspects like revenue recognition, balance sheet item classification and outstanding share measurements. 1.7. ACCOUNTING CONCEPTS AND CONVENTIONS As seen earlier, the accounting information is published in the form of financial statements. The three basic financial statements are (i) The Profit & Loss Account that shows net business result i.e. profit or loss for a certain periods (ii) The Balance Sheet that exhibits the financial strength of the business as on a particular dates (iii) The Cash Flow Statement that describes the movement of cash from one date to the other. As these statements are meant to be used by different stakeholders, it is necessary that the information contained therein is based on definite principles, concrete concepts and well accepted convention. Accounting principles are basic guidelines that provide standards for scientific accounting practices and procedures. They guide as to how the transactions are to be recorded and Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT) 27  Paper I: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting reported. They assure uniformity and understandability. Accounting concepts lay down the foundation for accounting principles. They are ideas essentially at mental level and are self- evident. These concepts ensure recording of financial facts on sound bases and logical considerations. Accounting conventions are methods or procedures that are widely accepted. When transactions are recorded or interpreted, they follow the conventions. Many times, however, the terms-principles, concepts and conventions are used interchangeably. Professional Accounting Bodies have published statements of these concepts. Over years, many of these concepts are being challenged as outlived. Yet, no major deviations have been made as yet. Path breaking ideas have emerged and the accounting standards of modern days do require companies to record and report transactions which may not be necessarily based on concepts that are in vogue for long. It is essential to study accounting from the basic levels and understand these concepts in entirety. A. BASIC ASSUMPTIONS (a) Business entity concept As per this concept, the business is treated as distinct and separate from the individuals who own or manage it. When recording business transactions, the important question is how will it affect the business entity? How they affect the persons who own it or run it or otherwise associated with it is irrelevant. Application of this concept enables recording of transactions of the business entity with its owners or managers or other stakeholders. For example, if the owner pays his personal expenses from business cash, this transaction can be recorded in the books of business entity. This transaction will take the cash out of business and also reduce the obligation of the business towards the owner. 28 Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT)  Study Note-1 : Process of Accounting At times it is difficult to separate owners from the business. Consider an individual, who runs a small retail outlet. In the eyes of law, there is no distinction made between financial affairs of the outlet with that of the individual. The creditors of the retail outlet can sue the individual and collect his claim from personal resources of the individual. However, in accounting, the records are kept as distinct for the retail outlet and the individual respectively. For certain forms of business entities, such as limited companies this distinction is easier. The limited companies are separate legal persons in the eyes of law as well. The entity concept requires that all the transactions are to be viewed, interpreted and recorded from ‘business entity’ point of view. An accountant steps into the shoes of the business entity and decides to account for the transactions. The owner’s capital is the obligation of business and it has to be paid back to the owner in the event of business closure. Also, the profit earned by the business will belong to the owner and hence is treated as owner’s equity. (b) Going Concern Concept The basic principles of this concept is that business is assumed to exist for an indefinite period and is not established with the objective of closing it down. So unless there is good evidence to the contrary, the accountant assumes that a business entity is a ‘going concern’ - that it will continue to operate as usual for a longer period of time. It will keep getting money from its customers, pay its creditors, buy and sell goods, use assets to earn profits in future. If this assumption is not considered, one will have to constantly value the worth of the assets and resource. This is not practicable. This concept enables the accountant to carry forward the values of assets and liabilities from one accounting period to the other without asking the question about usefulness and worth of the assets and recoverability of the receivables. The going concern concept forms a sound basis for preparation of a balance sheet. (c) Money Measurement Concept A business transaction will always be recoded if it can be expressed in terms of money. The advantage of this concept is that different types of transactions could be recorded as homogenous entries with money as common denominator. A business may own Rs. 3 Lacs cash, 1500 kg of raw material, 10 vehicles, 3 computers etc. Unless each of these is expressed in terms of money, we cannot find out the assets owned by the business. When expressed in the common measure of money, transactions could be added or subtracted to find out the combined effect. In the above example, we could add values of different assets to find the total assets owned. The application of this concept has a limitation. When transactions are recorded in terms of money, we only consider the absolute value of the money. The real value of the money may fluctuate from time to time due to inflation, exchange rate changes, etc. This fact is not considered when recording the transaction. Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT) 29  Paper I: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting (d) The Accounting Period Concept We have seen that as per the going-concern concept the business entity is assumed to have an indefinite life. Now if we were to assess whether the business has made profit or loss, should we wait until this indefinite period is over? Would it mean that we will not be able to assess the business performance on an ongoing basis? Does it deprive all stakeholders the right to the accounting information? Would it mean that the business will not pay income tax as no income will be computed? To circumvent this problem, the business entity is supposed to be paused after a certain time interval. This time interval is called an accounting period. This period is usually one year, which could be a calendar year i.e. 1st January to 31st December or it could be a fiscal year in India as 1st April to 31st March. The business organizations have the freedom to choose their own accounting year. For certain organizations, reporting of financial information in public domain are compulsory. In India, listed companies must report their quarterly unaudited financial results and yearly audited financial statements. For internal control purpose, many organizations prepare monthly financial statements. The modern computerized accounting systems enable the companies to prepare real-time online financials at the click of button. Businesses are living, continuous organisms. The splitting of the continuous stream of business events into time periods is thus somewhat arbitrary. There is no significant change just because one accounting period ends and a new one begins. This results into the most difficult problem of accounting of how to measure the net income for an accounting period. One has to be careful in recognizing revenue and expenses for a particular accounting period. Subsequent section on accounting procedures will explain how one goes about it in practice. (e) The Accrual Concept The accrual concept is based on recognition of both cash and credit transactions. In case of a cash transaction, owner’s equity is instantly affected as cash either is received or paid. In a credit transaction, however, a mere obligation towards or by the business is created. When credit transactions exist (which is generally the case), revenues are not the same as cash receipts and expenses are not same as cash paid during the period. When goods are sold on credit as per normally accepted trade practices, the business gets the legal right to claim the money from the customer. Acquiring such right to claim the consideration for sale of goods or services is called accrual of revenue. The actual collection of money from customer could be at a later date. Similarly, when the business procures goods or services with the agreement that the payment will be made at a future date, it does not mean that the expense effect should 30 Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT)  Study Note-1 : Process of Accounting not be recognized. Because an obligation to pay for goods or services is created upon the procurement thereof, the expense effect also must be recognized. Today’s accounting systems based on accrual concept are called as Accrual system or mercantile system of accounting. B. BASIC PRINCIPLES (a) The Revenue Realisation Concept While the conservatism concept states whether or not revenue should be recognized, the concept of realisation talks about what revenue should be recognized. It says amount should be recognized only to the tune of which it is certainly realizable. Thus, mere getting an order from the customer won’t make it eligible to recognize as revenue. The reasonable certainty of realizing the money will come only when the goods ordered are actually supplied to the customer and he is billed. This concept ensures that income unearned or unrealized will not be considered as revenue and the firms will not inflate profits. Consider that a store, sales goods for Rs. 25 lacs during a month on credit. The experience and past data shows that generally 2% of the amount is not realized. The revenue to be recognized will be Rs. 24.50 lacs. Although conceptually the revenue to be recognized at this value, in practice the doubtful amount of Rs. 50 thousand (2% of Rs. 25 lacs) is often considered as expense. (b) The Matching Concept As we have seen the sale of goods has two effects: (i) a revenue effect, which results in increase in owner’s equity by the sales value of the transaction and (ii) an expense effect, which reduces owner’s equity by the cost of goods sold, as the goods go out of the business. The net effect of these two effects will reflect either profit or loss. In order to correctly arrive at the net result, both these aspects must be recognized during the same accounting period. One cannot recognize only the revenue effect thereby inflating the profit or only the expense effect which will deflate the profit. Both the effects must be recognized in the same accounting period. This is the principle of matching concept. To generalize, when a given event has two effects – one on revenue and the other on expense, both must be recognized in the same accounting period. (c) Full Disclosure Concept As per this concept, all significant information must be disclosed. Accounting data should properly be clarified, summarized, aggregated and explained for the purpose of presenting the financial statements which are useful for the users of accounting information. Practically, this principle emphasizes on the materiality, objectivity and consistency of accounting data which should disclose the true and fair view of the state of affairs of a firm. This principle is Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT) 31  Paper I: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting going to be popular day by day as per Companies Act, 1956 major provisions for disclosure of essential information about accounting data and as such, concealment of material information, at present, is not very easy. Thus, full disclosure must be made for such material information which are useful to the users of accounting information. (d) Dual Aspect Concept The assets represent economic resources of the business, whereas the claims of various parties on business are called obligations. The obligations could be towards owners (called as owner’s equity) and towards parties other than the owners (called as liabilities). When a business transaction happens, it will involve use of one or the other resource of the business to create or settle one or more obligations. e.g. consider Mr. Suresh starts a business with the investment of Rs. 25 lacs. Here, the business has got a resource of cash worth Rs. 25 lacs (which is its asset), but at the same time it has created an obligation of business towards Mr. Suresh that in the event of business closure, the money will be paid back to him. This could be shown as: Assets = Liabilities + Capital In other words, Cash brought in by Mr. Suresh (Rs. 25 lacs) = Liability of business towards Mr. Suresh (Rs. 25 lacs) We know that liability of the business could be towards owners and parties other than owners, this equation could be re-written as: Assets = Liabilities + Owner’s equity Cash Rs. 2500000 = Liabilities Rs. nil + Mr. Suresh’s equity Rs. 25,00,000 This is the fundamental accounting equation shown as formal expression of the dual aspect concept. This powerful concept recognizes that every business transaction has dual impact on the financial position. Accounting systems are set up to simultaneously record both these aspects of every transaction; that is why it is called as Double-entry system of accounting. In its present form the double entry system of accounting owes its existence to an Italian expert Mr. Luca Pacioli in the year 1495. Continuing with our example of Mr. Suresh, now let us consider he borrows Rs. 15 lacs from bank. The dual aspect of this transaction-on one hand the business cash will increase by Rs. 15 lacs and a liability towards the bank will be created for Rs. 15 lacs. Assets = Liabilities + Owner’s equity Cash Rs. 40,00,000 = Liabilities Rs. 15,00,000 + Mr. Suresh’s equity Rs. 25,00,000 32 Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT)  Study Note-1 : Process of Accounting The student must note that the dual aspect concept entails recognition of the two effects of each transaction. These effects are of equal amount and reverse in nature. How to decide these two aspects? The golden rules of accounting are used to arrive at this decision. After recording both aspects of the transaction, the basic accounting equation will always balance or be equal. The above concepts find the application in preparation of the balance sheet which is the statement of assets and liabilities as on a particular date. We will now see some more concepts that are important for preparation of Profit and Loss Account or Income Statement. (e) Verifiable Objective Evidence Concept Under this principle, accounting data must be verified. In other words, documentary evidence of transactions must be made which are capable of verification by an independent respect. In the absence of such verification, the data which will be available will neither be reliable nor be dependable, i.e., these should be biased data. Verifiability and objectivity express dependability, reliability and trustworthiness that are very useful for the purpose of displaying the accounting data and information to the users. (f) Historical Cost Concept Business transactions are always recorded at the actual cost at which they are actually undertaken. The basic advantage is that it avoids an arbitrary value being attached to the transactions. Whenever an asset is bought, it is recorded at its actual cost and the same is used as the basis for all subsequent accounting purposes such as charging depreciation on the use of asset, e.g. if a production equipment is bought for Rs. 1.50 crores, the asset will be shown at the same value in all future periods when disclosing the original cost. It will obviously be reduced by the amount of depreciation, which will be calculated with reference to the actual cost. The actual value of the equipment may rise or fall subsequent to the purchase, but that is considered irrelevant for accounting purpose as per the historical cost concept. The limitation of this concept is that the balance sheet does not show the market value of the assets owned by the business and accordingly the owner’s equity will not reflect the real value. However, on an ongoing basis, the assets are shown at their historical costs as reduced by depreciation. (g) Balance Sheet Equation Concept Under this principle, all which has been received by us must be equal to that has been given by us and needless to say that receipts are clarified as debits and giving is clarified as credits. The basic equation, appears as :- Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT) 33  Paper I: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting Debit = Credit Naturally every debit must have a corresponding credit and vice-e-versa. So, we can write the above in the following form – Expenses + Losses + Assets = Revenues + Gains + Liabilities And if expenses and losses, and incomes and gains are set off, the equation takes the following form – Asset = Liabilities or, Asset = Equity + External Liabilities i.e., the Accounting Equation. C. MODIFYING PRINCIPLES (a) The Concept of Materiality This is more of a convention than a concept. It proposes that while accounting for various transactions, only those which may have material effect on profitability or financial status of the business should have special consideration for reporting. This does not mean that the accountant should exclude some transactions from recording. e.g. even Rs. 20 worth conveyance paid must be recorded as expense. What this convention claims is to attach importance to material details and insignificant details should be ignored while deciding certain accounting treatment. The concept of materiality is subjective and an accountant will have to decide on merit of each case. Generally, the effect is said to be material, if the knowledge of an event would influence the decision of an informed stakeholder. The materiality could be related to information, amount, procedure and nature. Error in description of an asset or wrong classification between capital and revenue would lead to materiality of information. Say, If postal stamps of Rs. 500 remain unused at the end of accounting period, the same may not be considered for recognizing as inventory on account of materiality of amount. Certain accounting treatments depend upon procedures laid down by accounting standards. Some transactions are by nature material irrespective of the amount involved. e.g. audit fees, loan to directors. (b) The Concept of Consistency This concept advocates that once an organization decides to adopt a particular method of revenue or expense recognition in line with the other concepts, the same should be consistently applied year after year, unless there is a valid reason for change in the method. Lack of consistency would result in the financial information becoming non-comparable between the different accounting periods. The insistence of this concept would result in avoidance of window dressing the results by choosing the accounting method by convenience and thereby either inflating or understating net income. 34 Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT)  Study Note-1 : Process of Accounting Consider an example. An asset of Rs. 10 lacs is purchased by a business. It is estimated to have useful life of 5 years. It will follow that the asset will be depreciated over a period of 5 years at the rate of Rs. 2 lacs every year. The estimate of useful life and the rate of depreciation cannot be changed from one period to the other without a valid reason. Suppose the firm applies the same depreciation rate for the first three years and due to change in technology the asset becomes obsolete, the whole of the remaining amount could be expensed out in the fourth year. However, it may be difficult to be consistent if the business entities have two factories in different countries which have different statutory requirement for accounting treatment. (c) The Conservatism Concept Accountants who prepare financial statements of the business, like other human being, would like to give a favourable report on how well the business has performed during an accounting period. However, prudent reporting based on skepticism builds confidence in the results and in the long run best serves all the divergent interests of users of financial statements. This philosophy of prudence leads to the conservatism concept. The concept underlines the prudence of under-stating than over-stating the net income of an entity for a period and the net assets as on a particular date. This is because business is done in situations of uncertainty. For years, this concept was meant to “anticipate no profits but recognize all losses”. This can be stated as (i) Delay in recognizing income unless one is reasonably sure (ii) Immediately recognize expenses when reasonably sure This, of course, does not mean to overdo and create window dressing in reporting. e.g. if the business has sold Rs. 20 Lacs worth goods on the last day of accounting period and also received a cheque for the same, one cannot argue that the revenue should not be recognized as it is not certain whether the cheque will be cleared by the bank. One cannot stretch the conservatism concept too much. But at the same time, if the business has to receive Rs. 5 lacs from a customer to whom goods were sold quite some time ago and no payments are forthcoming, then while determining the net income for the period, the accountant must judge the likelihood of the recoverability of this money and the prudence will prevail to make a provision for this amount as doubtful debtors. Let us take another example. A business had purchased goods for Rs. 10 lacs before the end of an accounting period. If sold at the usual selling price, the goods would fetch the price of Rs. 12.50 lacs. Due to innovative product introduced by the competition, the goods are likely to be sold for Rs. 9 lacs only. At what value should the goods be shown in the balance sheet? Would it be at Rs. 10 lacs being the actual cost of buying? Or would it Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT) 35  Paper I: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting be at Rs. 9 lacs? Here, the conservatism principle will come in play. The stock of goods will be valued at Rs. 9 lacs, being the lower of cost or net realisable value, as per AS-2. (d) Timeliness Concept Under this principle, every transaction must be recorded in proper time. Normally, when the transaction is made, the same must be recorded in the proper books of accounts. In short, transaction should be recorded date-wise in the books. Delay in recording such transaction may lead to manipulation, misplacement of vouchers, misappropriation etc. of cash and goods. This principle is followed particularly while verifying day to day cash balance. Principle of timeliness is also followed by banks, i.e. every bank verifies the cash balance with their cash book and within the day, the same must be completed. (e) Industry Practice As that are different types of industries, each industry has its own characteristics and features. There may be seasonal industries also. Every industry follows the principles and assumption of accounting to perform their own activities. Some of them follow the principles, concepts and conventions in a modified way. The accounting practice which has always prevailed in the industry is followed by it. e.g Electric supply companies, Insurance companies maintain their accounts in a specific manner. Insurance companies prepare Revenue Account just to ascertain the profit/loss of the company and not Profit and Loss Account. Similarly, non-trading organizations prepare Income and Expenditure Account to find out Surplus or Deficit. CONCLUSION The above paragraphs bring out essentially broad concepts and conventions that lay down principles to be followed for accounting of business transaction. While going through the different topics, students are advised to keep track of concepts applicable for various accounting treatment. One would have by now understood the importance of these concepts in preparation of basic financial statements. More clarity will emerge as one explores the ocean of different business transactions arising out of complex business situations. The legal and professional requirements also have their say in deciding the accounting treatment. Let us see if you can apply these concepts in the following illustrations. Illustration 3. Recognise the accounting concept in the following: (1) The business will run for an indefinite period. (2) The business is distinct and separate from its owners. (3) The transactions are recorded at their original cost. 36 Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT)  Study Note-1 : Process of Accounting (4) The transactions recorded are those that can be expressed in money terms. (5) Revenues will be recognized only if there is reasonable certainty that it will be paid for. (6) Accounting treatment once decided should be followed period after period. (7) Every transaction has two effects to be recorded in books of accounts. (8) Transactions are recorded even if an obligation is created and actual cash is not involved. (9) Stock of goods is valued at lower of its cost and realizable value. (10) Effects of an event must be recognized in the same accounting period. 1.8 EVENTS AND TRANSACTIONS Event is a transaction or change recognized on the financial statements of an accounting entity. Accounting events can be either external or internal. An external event would occur with an outside party, such as the purchase or sales of a good. An internal event would involve changes in the accounting entity’s records, such as adjusting an account on the financial statements. An accounting event is any financial event that would impact the account balances of a company’s financial statements. Every time the company uses or receives cash, or adjusts an entry in its accounting records, an accounting event has occurred. 1.8.1 Transaction vs. Events Transactions is exchange of an asset with consideration of money value while events is any thing in general purpose which occur at specific time and particular place. All transactions are events but all events are not transactions. This is because in order events to be called transaction an event must involve exchange of values. 1.9 VOUCHER It is a written instrument that serves to confirm or witness (vouch) for some fact such as a transaction. Commonly, a voucher is a document that shows goods have bought or services have been rendered, authorizes payment, and indicates the ledger account(s) in which these transactions have to be recorded. 1.9.1 Types of Voucher - Normally the following types of vouchers are used. i.e.: (i) Receipt Voucher (ii) Payment Voucher (iii) Non-Cash or Transfer Voucher (iv) Supporting Voucher Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT) 37  Paper I: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting (i) Receipt Voucher Receipt voucher is used to record cash or bank receipt. Receipt vouchers are of two types. i-e. (a) Cash receipt voucher – it denotes receipt of cash (b) Bank receipt voucher – it indicates receipt of cheque or demand draft (ii) Payment Voucher Payment voucher is used to record a payment of cash or cheque. Payment vouchers are of two types. i.e. (a) Cash Payment voucher – it denotes payment of cash (b) Bank Payment voucher – it indicates payment by cheque or demand draft. (iii) Non Cash Or Transfer Voucher These vouchers are used for non-cash transactions as documentary evidence. e.g., Goods sent on credit. (iv) Supporting Vouchers These vouchers are the documentary evidence of transactions that have happened. 1.9.2 Source Documents Vouchers are the documentary evidence of the transactions so happened. Source documents are the basis on which transactions are recorded in subsidiary books i.e. source documents are the evidence and proof of transactions. Name of the Book Source document (a) Cash Book Cash Memos, Cash Receipts and issue vouchers (b) Purchase Books Inward invoice received from the creditors of goods (c) Sales Book Outward Invoice issued to Debtors (d) Return Inward Book Credit Note issued to Debtors and Debit Notes received from Debtors (e) Returns Outward Book Debit Note issued to creditors and Credit Note received from creditors. 1.10 THE CONCEPTS OF ‘ACCOUNT’, ‘DEBIT’ AND ‘CREDIT’ One must get conversant with these terms before embarking to learn actual record-keeping based on the rules. An ‘Account’ is defined as a summarised record of transactions related to a person or a thing. e.g. when the business deals with customers and suppliers, each of the customers and supplier will 38 Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT)  Study Note-1 : Process of Accounting be a separate account. We must know that each one of us is identified as a separate account by the bank when we open an account with them. The account is also related to things – both tangible and intangible. e.g. land, building, equipment, brand value, trademarks etc. are some of the things. When a business transaction happens, one has to identify the ‘account’ that will be affected by it and then apply the rules to decide the accounting treatment. Typically, an account is expressed as a statement in form of English letter ‘T’. It has two sides. The left hand side is called as “Debit’ side and the right hand side is called as “Credit’ side. The debit is connoted as ‘Dr’ and the credit by ‘Cr’. The convention is to write the Dr and Cr labels on both sides as shown below. Please see the following example: Dr. Cash Account Cr. Debit Side Credit Side Each side of the account will show effects, so that one can easily take totals of both sides and find out the difference between the two. Such difference in the two sides of an account is called ‘balance’. If the total of debit side is more than the credit side, the balance is called as ‘debit balance’ and if the total of credit side is more than the debit side, the balance is called as ‘credit balance’. If the debit and credit side are equal, the account will show ‘nil balance’. The balances are to be computed at the end of an accounting period. These balances are then considered for preparation of income statement and balance sheet. Let us see the example. Dr. Cash Account Cr. Particulars Amount (Rs.) Particulars Amount (Rs.) Cash brought into business 1,00,000 Paid for goods purchased 50,000 Received for goods sold 25,000 Paid for rent 15,000 Balance at the end 60,000 1,25,000