Accounting or accountancy is an area of accounting that is concerned with the recording, managing, and reporting of financial data regarding companies and other financial entities. The objective of the accountants is to record the financial transactions of the clients/consumers and translate these into information that will assist business managers in making strategic decisions. The main focus of accountancy includes financial reporting, auditing, prevention of fraud, management of information systems and tax preparation. The accountants work with the finance, management, or sales departments to ensure that the client/consumers information is secure and managed correctly.
Financial accounting consists of three major parts namely cash-flow, balance sheet, and sales book. A cash-flow statement shows the flows of cash from a source to the next step in the process. The balance sheet provides the net worth of the company that includes the difference between assets and liabilities. Finally, the sales book records the total value of the financial transactions between the buyer and seller as recorded by the supplier.
Accounting uses various methods to record and organize financial transactions. These include manual accounting, computer accounting, financial reporting, and tax preparation. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Manual accounting mainly uses documents, which are created by the accountant or a staff, while computer accounting facilitates the exchange of information directly from the source to the system and provides automatic results of financial transactions.
Accounting has two major parts including the single-entry and double-entry accounting system. The single-entry system maintains information on only one transaction at a time. On the other hand, the double-entry system maintains information for two transactions at a time. This type of accounting system is primarily used in large businesses and industries.
There are many benefits to using accounting software or accounting systems. First of all, this improves managerial and accounting accuracy. Accounting results are easier to analyze and interpret because of the automated nature of the system. Also, it provides a clear picture of the financial health of the company. As the transactions are recorded in chronological order, these records can be retrieved whenever necessary for auditing purposes. Audits also become easier because accounting procedures are transparent and can be easily followed.
In addition, the accounting principles are generally accepted accounting principles. This means that the transactions are reported in line with the accepted accounting principles. For example, accounting reports may be prepared for specific expenses, sales, purchases, revenues, or assets. Accounting principles are commonly followed in order to maximize productivity and improve the quality of the output.
Accounting also involves a number of different terminology and concepts. One of the most common is the statement of account, which is usually the summary of the financial condition of the company. Other accounting terminology includes financial statement, balance sheet, revenue statement, and statement of cash flow. These accounting terminology may be difficult for accounting majors to master at first, so some colleges may provide classes in these areas.
The accounting profession is very diversified. It can involve any number of topics, including taxation, corporate finance, government, healthcare, consulting, investment, mergers and acquisitions, environmental, social, insurance, real estate, risk management, securities fraud, transfer pricing, travel, and many more. In order to succeed in the field of accounting, it is essential to have a strong foundation in the primary learning areas, such as mathematics and statistics. Those who earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting will have a number of options, including working for a bank, accounting firm, or corporations, or obtaining a higher education.
Every year, millions of books are published that detail every aspect of business, including accounting, which deals with financial transactions between a company and its customers. Accounting allows business owners to keep track of their finances, because the data can easily be accessed online. Accounting majors work with accountants, who prepare financial statements, reports, and presentations.
Those who earn an accounting degree will also be prepared to communicate effectively with clients, and be able to analyze financial situations and make decisions that will affect their clients. Those who choose to become accountants can work in a variety of industries, including corporate houses, law firms, nonprofit organizations, governments, hospitals, accounting firms, financial planners, environmental accounting agencies, and nonprofit organizations. There are also opportunities for entry-level positions as an accounting clerk, bookkeeper, accountant, or audiologist.
Accounting is an exciting and varied career field. Accountants use financial statements to make informed decisions about the health of their companies and their customers. They play a vital role in keeping organizations profitable and in managing their budgets. Graduates will have valuable skills and valuable experience to add to their toolboxes. Graduates will be well on their way to a successful career in accounting.
