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Accounting Concepts, Assumptions, Principles, Elements Key Things to Know Objectives of Financial Reporting: 1. Provide Useful Information to Investors and Creditors for Decision Making (Assume Users Have a “Reasonable

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Accounting Concepts, Assumptions, Principles, Elements

Key Things to Know

Objectives of Financial Reporting:

1. Provide useful information to investors and creditors for decision making

(assume users have a “reasonable understanding” of business).

2. Provide information to access the amounts, timing, and uncertainty of cash inflows and outflows.

3. Provide information about resources (assets) and claims to resources (liabilities).

Recognition: An item should be recognized in the financial statements when it meets all 4 of the following criteria:

1. Definition: meets the definition of an element 2. Measurability: measurable with sufficient reliability 3. Relevance: makes a difference in the decision 4. Reliability – representationally faithful, verifiable, neutral

Accounting Underlying Assumptions - Basis for Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

Entity Assumption - each business is its own “accounting” entity.

Periodicity Assumption - divide economic activities into time periods for reporting.

Going Concern Assumption - the company will remain in business and will carry out existing commitments. Assets will be used to bring future benefit and liabilities will be paid.

Monetary Assumption - assume the dollar is stable over time. No adjustments are made for inflation or deflation.

Accounting Principles:

Historical Cost - Assets

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