Accounting is the process of recording, classifying, and summarizing financial transactions to provide information that is useful in making business decisions. The information provided by accounting is used by a wide range of stakeholders, including investors, creditors, and management.
There are several different areas of accounting, including financial accounting, management accounting, tax accounting, and auditing.
Financial accounting is focused on the preparation of financial statements that are used by external users, such as shareholders and creditors, to evaluate the financial health of a company. The financial statements include the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.
Management accounting, also called cost accounting, is focused on providing information that is useful for internal decision making, such as determining the costs of products and services. This information is not typically shared with external users.
Tax accounting is focused on compliance with tax laws and regulations, and involves the preparation of tax returns and the calculation of taxes owed.
Auditing is the process of independently verifying the accuracy of financial statements. Auditors review the financial statements and other financial information to ensure that they are accurate and comply with relevant laws and regulations.
Overall, accounting is a critical function in any organization as it help the management, investors, and other stakeholders to understand the financial health of the company, make well-informed decisions, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.