Table of Contents
Accounting is the process of tracking all financial transactions in a business, such as money coming in and going out. This is important not only for businesses in terms of record keeping and general business management, but also for legal and tax reasons. Although many businesses hire their own accounting professionals, you should understand the basics of accounting if you run a business. To help you, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the basics of accounting.
Become an Accounting Pro – Learn from Industry Experts!
What is Accounting?
Accounting is the process of recording, classifying and summarizing financial transactions. It provides a clear picture of your organization’s financial health and performance, which can act as a catalyst for resource management and strategic growth. Accounting is like a powerful machine where you input raw data (numbers) and receive processed information (financial statements). The goal is to give you an idea of what works and what doesn’t so you can fix it.
Why Accounting is Important?
1: Accounting provides information on
Accounting information reflects the financial performance of your business; it shows whether you are making a profit or simply losing money in the end. This information is available not only to you, but also to external users such as investors, stakeholders, and creditors who want to know more about your business to determine whether it is an option, good to invest or not and what can they expect in return. In addition to playing an important role in ensuring transparency for stakeholders, accounting also ensures that you make informed decisions based on data.
Become an Accounting Pro – Learn from Industry Experts!
- Accounting is necessary for business development. Without information about a company’s performance, a company cannot make smart financial decisions through forecasting. Without accounting, a company would not be able to determine which products are best sellers, how much profit is being earned in each department, and which overhead costs are holding back profits.
- Accounting is necessary for financing. Outside investors want assurance about what they are investing in. Before raising private capital, investors often need financial statements (often audited) to evaluate the overall health of the company. The same rules apply to debt financing. Banks and other lending institutions often require accounting-compliant financial statements as part of the loan underwriting and review process.
- Accounting is required for the owner’s exit. Small businesses that want to be acquired are often required to submit financial statements as part of the acquisition or merger effort. Instead of simply closing the business, the business owner can try to “opt out” his position and receive compensation for starting the business. The basis for valuing a company is to use that company’s accounting documents.
- Accounting is required to make payments. A business naturally incurs debt, and part of the responsibility for managing that debt is making timely payments to stakeholders. Without actively fostering these business relationships, the company may end up with only one supplier or key supplier. Through accounting, a company can always know who it owes and when these debts are due.
- Accounting is required to collect payments. A company may agree to extend credit to its customers.
Instead of collecting cash at the close of the transaction, it can grant customers trade credit terms such as 30 net. Without an accountant, a business may have difficulty knowing who owes money and when it should receive it. - Accounting may be required. Public companies are required to publish periodic financial reports in accordance with GAAP or IFRS. Without these financial reports, a company can be delisted from the stock exchange. Without proper tax accounting, businesses can be fined.
What are the responsibilities of an accountant?
Accounting helps businesses keep accurate and timely financial records. Accountants are responsible for keeping records of a business’s day-to-day transactions and synthesizing those transactions into financial statements such as balance sheets, income statements, and flow statements. Accountants also provide other services, such as performing periodic audits or preparing special management reports.
What Types of Careers Are in the Accounting Field?
While basic accounting functions may be performed by accountants, advanced accounting is typically performed by qualified accountants, with titles such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Accountant, Certified Management Accountant (CMA) in the United States.
In Canada, three titles are available — certified public accountant (CA), certified general accountant (CGA), and certified public accountant (CGA). Certified management accountant (CMA) — has been unified under the name certified professional accountant (CPA).
A key component of accounting professionals is the “Big Four”. These four largest accounting firms provide auditing, consulting, tax consulting and other services. These firms, along with many other smaller firms, make up the field of public accounting that often advises on financial accounting and taxes.
Accounting careers can vary widely by industry, department, and field. Some related job titles may include:
- Auditor (internal or external): Ensures compliance with reporting requirements and protects company assets.
- Forensic Accounting: monitors internal or external activity to investigate the transactions of an individual or company.
- Tax Accounting: strategically plans the optimal business structure to minimize tax liability and ensure tax reporting compliance.
- Management Accounting: analyzes financial transactions to make thoughtful and strategic recommendations, often related to the production of goods.
- Information Technology Analyst/Accountant: Maintains the systems and software in which accounting records are processed and stored.
- Controller : Oversees the accounting functions of financial reporting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and purchasing.
What Skills Are Required for Accounting?
Accountants come from very diverse backgrounds. Generally speaking, accounting necessitates attention to detail, as accountants must be capable of identifying and correcting subtle errors or distinctions in a company’s accounts. The ability to think logically is also essential to facilitate problem solving. Math skills are useful but less important than in previous generations due to the widespread availability of calculators and calculators.
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
What is accounting in simple terms?
Accounting is the process of keeping track of your business’s financial transactions. It helps you to understand how money comes in and how it goes out.
