The three basics of accounting are…
1. Double-Entry Bookkeeping – Double-entry bookkeeping is a fundamental accounting concept that forms the basis of recording financial transactions. According to this principle, every transaction affects at least two accounts, with one account being debited (increased) and another account being credited (decreased) by the same amount. This ensures that the accounting equation (Assets = Liabilities + Equity) remains balanced.
2. Financial Statements – Financial statements are the primary outputs of the accounting process and provide a summary of an organization’s financial performance and position.
The three main financial statements are…
– Balance Sheet – The balance sheet provides a snapshot of an organization’s financial position at a specific point in time, listing its assets, liabilities, and equity. It shows what the company owns (assets), owes (liabilities), and the ownership interest (equity) of shareholders.
–Income Statement – The income statement (also known as the profit and loss statement) summarizes an organization’s revenues, expenses, gains, and losses over a specified period, typically a month, quarter, or year. It shows the company’s profitability by calculating net income or net loss.
– Cash Flow Statement – The cash flow statement provides an overview of an organization’s cash inflows and outflows during a specific period, categorizing them into operating, investing, and financing activities. It helps assess the company’s ability to generate cash and manage liquidity.
3. Accounting Principles and Standards – Accounting principles and standards are guidelines and rules that govern the accounting process and ensure consistency, accuracy, and transparency in financial reporting.
Some of the key accounting principles include…
– GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) – GAAP is a set of standardized accounting principles, standards, and procedures used in the United States for financial reporting. It provides a framework for recording and reporting financial information consistently and comparably.
–IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) – IFRS is a set of accounting standards developed by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) for global financial reporting. It is used in many countries around the world and aims to harmonize accounting practices and enhance the comparability of financial statements across borders.
– Conservatism Principle – The conservatism principle dictates that accountants should err on the side of caution when recording transactions and preparing financial statements, recognizing losses and liabilities as soon as they are probable, but delaying recognition of gains and assets until they are realized.
– Consistency Principle -The consistency principle requires that accounting methods and practices should be applied consistently from one period to another to ensure comparability of financial information over time.
These three basics of accounting provide the foundation for understanding and practicing accounting principles, preparing financial statements, and effectively managing an organization’s financial affairs.
