Accrual Accounting

Accrual accounting is a method of accounting that records revenues and expenses when they are earned or incurred, regardless of when the cash is received or paid. This means that even if the payment or the receipt has not yet been received, it is still recorded in the company’s books. Accrual accounting technique is used to give a more accurate picture of a company’s financial performance in a particular accounting period.

This method of accounting is based on the matching principle, which requires that expenses be matched to the revenues they generate in the same accounting period. For example, if a company provides a service in April but receives payment in May, the revenue is recognized in April. 

Similarly, expenses are recognized when they are incurred, rather than when they are paid. For instance, if a company purchases office supplies in March but pays for them in April, the expense is recognized in March.

How Accrual Accounting Works

Accrual accounting works by recording revenues and expenses in the period in which they are earned or incurred, regardless of when cash is received or paid. This is done through the use of two main types of accounts: revenue and expense accounts. 

The use of revenue and expense accounts allows companies to match expenses with the revenues they generate in the same accounting period. This is known as the matching principle, which is a fundamental principle of accrual accounting.

• Revenue accounts are used to record income earned by a company, like sales of goods or services. These accounts are credited when the revenue is earned, and the company is obligated to receive payment from its customers. When payment is received, the revenue account is debited, and the cash account is credited.

• Expense accounts are used to record the costs of doing business, such as wages, rent, and supplies. Expense accounts are debited when an expense is incurred, and the company is obligated to make payment. When payment is made, the expense account is credited, and the cash account is debited.

Accrual accounting also involves the use of balance sheet accounts, like accounts receivable and accounts payable. Accounts receivable is used to record money owed to the company by its customers, while accounts payable is used to record money owed by the company to its vendors.

Accrual Accounting vs. Cash Accounting

Accrual accounting is generally considered to be a more accurate reflection of a company’s financial position than the cash accounting method, which only records transactions when cash is received or paid. This is because accrual accounting captures not only the cash flows, but also transactions that have not yet been settled. Thus, it provides insights into a company’s accounts receivable and accounts payable, which can be used to predict future cash flows.

By recognizing revenues and expenses in the period in which they occur, accrual accounting allows companies to make better-informed financial decisions, and helps investors and creditors better evaluate a company’s financial health.

Benefits of Accrual Accounting

• More accurate financial statements: Accrual accounting provides a more accurate picture of a company’s financial performance than cash basis accounting, as it records transactions when they occur, not when the cash changes hands. This ensures that financial statements accurately reflect the company’s financial position and performance over a given period of time.

• Better-informed financial decisions: Accrual accounting allows companies to make better-informed financial decisions by providing a more accurate and up-to-date view of their financial position. 

• Easier to track business performance: Accrual accounting allows companies to track their business performance more easily, as it provides a detailed record of revenues and expenses over time. This allows companies to identify trends and patterns in their financial data, which can help them make better-informed business decisions.

• Better creditworthiness: Accrual accounting can improve a company’s creditworthiness by providing lenders with a more accurate and reliable picture of its financial position. This can result in better credit terms and lower interest rates.

Compliance with accounting standards: Accrual accounting is required under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), which are widely recognized accounting standards.