Skip to content

Summary of Accounting Concepts and Standards

Accounting as the Language of Business

Accounting serves as the language of business, communicating a firm's performance through financial statements. Clear and consistent rules are essential for effective communication.

Key Accounting Concepts

Ten core accounting concepts form the foundation of accounting principles:

  1. Business Entity Concept: The business is treated as a separate entity from its owners.
  2. Money Measurement Concept: Only transactions that can be expressed in monetary terms are recorded.
  3. Going Concern Concept: The business is assumed to continue operating indefinitely.
  4. Accounting Period Concept: The life of the business is divided into specific time periods for reporting.
  5. Dual Aspect Concept: Every transaction has two aspects, affecting at least two accounts.
  6. Cost Concept: Assets are recorded at their historical cost.
  7. Matching Concept: Expenses are recognized in the same period as the related revenues.
  8. Conservatism Concept (Prudence): Recognize losses when probable, but only recognize gains when realized.
  9. Consistency Concept: The same accounting methods should be used from period to period.
  10. Materiality Concept: Only significant information needs to be disclosed.

Emphasis on Key Concepts:

The Going Concern, Conservatism, and Matching Concepts are particularly important in ensuring reliable and relevant financial reporting.

  • Going Concern: Justifies the valuation of assets based on their continued use rather than their liquidation value.
  • Conservatism: Leads to a cautious approach, preventing overstatement of assets and income.
  • Matching: Ensures that revenues and related expenses are recognized in the same accounting period, providing a more accurate picture of profitability.

Relationship between Accounting Concepts and Standards

Accounting concepts provide the underlying principles, while Accounting Standards provide detailed rules and guidelines for applying those principles.

  • Concepts are the "why" behind the rules.
  • Standards are the "how" of applying the rules.

Accounting Standards Board (ASB):

The ASB is responsible for developing and publishing accounting standards. These standards provide specific guidance on:

  • Measurement
  • Recognition
  • Presentation
  • Disclosure of financial information

Examples of Important Accounting Standards:

  • Revenue Recognition: How and when revenue should be recognized.
  • Inventory Valuation: Methods for valuing inventory (e.g., FIFO, LIFO, Weighted Average).
  • Fixed Asset Valuation: Accounting for depreciation, impairment, and revaluation of fixed assets.
  • Leased Assets: Accounting for operating and finance leases.
  • Cash Flow Statements: Preparing statements of cash flows.
  • Financial Instruments: Accounting for complex financial instruments.

Number of Accounting Standards:

The ASB has published 38 accounting standards (the number may vary depending on the jurisdiction and updates).