Accruals
Definition
The principle that transactions are recorded when they occur economically rather than when cash moves, and the entries that implement it. Accrual accounting is required under both GAAP and IFRS for general-purpose financial statements.
Related Terms in Accounting Principles
Matching Principle
The rule that expenses are recognised in the same period as the revenue they helped generate. It is why cost of goods sold moves with sales and why prepayments are released over the periods that benefit.
Materiality
The threshold above which an omission or error would change a reasonable users decision about the business. It governs how much precision and disclosure a given item justifies, and is judged in context rather than by a fixed percentage.
Going Concern
The assumption that the business will continue operating for the foreseeable future, which is what permits assets to be carried at cost rather than liquidation value. Where significant doubt exists, management and auditors must disclose it.
Fiscal Year
The twelve-month period a business uses for reporting and tax, which need not match the calendar year. India uses 1 April to 31 March; the UK tax year for individuals ends 5 April; many US businesses use the calendar year, and retailers often pick a trading low point.
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