AccountingQA Latest Questions

Simerpreet
SimerpreetHelpful
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  2. AbhishekBatabyal Helpful Pursuing CA, BCOM (HONS)
    This answer was edited.

    A balance sheet is a financial statement that reports the position or value of assets, liabilities and equity at a particular date, which is usually the closing date of a financial year. Formats of balance sheet A balance sheet may be presented in two formats: T-form or Horizontal format This formatRead more

    A balance sheet is a financial statement that reports the position or value of assets, liabilities and equity at a particular date, which is usually the closing date of a financial year.

    Formats of balance sheet

    A balance sheet may be presented in two formats:

    T-form or Horizontal format

    This format is the same as the format of ledger accounts. There are two columns with the headings ‘Liabilities’ for the left column and ‘Assets’ for the right column and columns adjacent to both columns for amounts. The liabilities and equity (capital) are shown on the liabilities side because they both have credit balance and assets are shown on the asset side. Most of the non-corporates prepare their balance as per this format. The T-form balance sheet looks as given below:

    Vertical format

    The vertical format of the balance sheet is mostly prepared by corporate entities. Here, the liabilities and assets are shown in the same column as compared to two separate columns in the horizontal format. This results in having a longer shape. Hence, it is called a ‘vertical’ balance sheet. Generally, companies prepare their balance sheet as per this format.

    Also, many times, there are two columns for the amount in this format presenting the amount of both the current year and the previous year. This format looks like as given below:

    Grouping and marshalling

    Beside the structure of the balance sheet i.e. horizontal and vertical, the grouping and marshalling of the items inside the balance sheet are also very important.

    Grouping refers to the presenting of similar items under a heading or group. This is done in order to present the balance sheet in a concise manner. This is very important to do. For example, a business can have numerous creditors, but they are all presented under one ‘Creditors’ heading or two or more heading specifying different types of creditors.

    The assets of a business are grouped under the heading such as Plant, Property and equipment, Current assets, Non-current investments etc.

    Marshalling means the arranging of items as per a particular order. We know that a balance sheet consists of many items and to make the statement more useful and easy to comprehend, the items are arranged in one of the following orders:

    • Order of Liquidity: The items which are more liquid i.e which can be easily converted into cash are kept at the top. Like in assets, cash is the most liquid asset and requires no conversion. Then items like current investment, inventories (in case of fast-moving goods) are placed under and so on. At the near bottom, items that require a long time of conversion into cash are placed such as land, plant and machinery.

    In case of liabilities, the items which are due for repayment soon are kept at the top, like bank overdraft etc. The items which are due for repayment after a long time or at the time of winding capital are kept at the bottom, like long term loans and capital funds. Given below is a format of horizontal balance sheet in which the items are marshalled in order of liquidity:

    • Order of permanence: This type of arrangement is just the opposite of the order of liquidity. Here the items which are least liquid are placed at the top and the more liquid items are placed at the bottom. Like in the case of assets, cash appears at the bottom and non-current assets at the top. On the liabilities side, equity and non-current liabilities are at the top while current liabilities are at the bottom. Mostly all balance sheets are marshalled in order of permanence.
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Jayesh Gupta
Jayesh GuptaCurious
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  2. Kajal
    This answer was edited.

    Trading A/c is a Nominal A/c which follows the rule “Debit the expenses and losses, Credit the incomes and gains” So, the Credit side of Trading A/c shows income from the sale of goods. It includes Sales, Closing stock (if adjustment for it has not been made yet) and Gross Loss (if any).   TRADRead more

    Trading A/c is a Nominal A/c which follows the rule “Debit the expenses and losses, Credit the incomes and gains”

    So, the Credit side of Trading A/c shows income from the sale of goods. It includes Sales, Closing stock (if adjustment for it has not been made yet) and Gross Loss (if any).

     

    TRADING ACCOUNT

    Trading A/c is prepared for calculating the Gross Profit or Gross Loss arising from the trading activities of a business.

    Trading activities are mostly related to buying and selling of goods. However, in between buying and selling, a lot of activities are involved like transportation, warehousing, etc. So, all the expenses that are directly related to manufacturing or purchase of goods are also recorded in the Trading A/c.

     

    CREDIT SIDE OF TRADING ACCOUNT

    It includes,

    SALES – When goods are sold to earn a profit, it is called sales. It can be cash sales or credit sales.

    Suppose you are in the business of manufacturing and trading shirts. You sold shirts worth $ 20,000 during the year. This $20,000 is your sales.

    SALES RETURN – When the goods sold by you are returned by the customer, it is known as sales return. Sales return is deducted from the sales.

    Continuing with the above example, the customers returned shirts of $1,000 because they didn’t like them. This return is known as sales return or return inward (as goods are coming back i.e. in)

    CLOSING STOCK – Stock is nothing but goods that are either obtained for resale or manufactured for sale and are yet unsold on any particular date.

    The value of stock at the beginning of an accounting year is called Opening stock while the value of the stock at the end of an accounting year is called Closing stock.

    Closing stock is valued at cost price or market price whichever is less.

    It includes,

    1. Closing stock of raw materials
    2. Closing stock of semi-finished goods
    3. Closing stock of finished goods

    For example – On 31st March 2023, there was unused raw material worth $1,000 and shirts worth $5,000 remained unsold.

    So, we have Closing Stock of Raw material – $1,000

    Closing Stock of Finished Goods – $5,000

    Normally, the closing stock is given outside the Trial Balance because its valuation is made after accounts have been closed. It is incorporated in the books by transferring it to the Trading A/c. So, it is shown on the credit side of Trading A/c as well as on the assets side of the Balance sheet.

    However, if the closing stock is given inside the Trail Balance, it means that the closing stock must have already been deducted from the Purchases account. So, closing stock will only be shown on the assets side of the Balance sheet.

    GROSS LOSS – If purchases and direct expenses exceed sales, then it is a Gross loss. In other words, when Debit side > credit side.

     

    DEBIT SIDE OF TRADING ACCOUNT

    It includes

    OPENING STOCK – The value of the stock at the beginning of an accounting year is called Opening stock.

    The closing stock of the last year becomes the opening stock of the current year.

    PURCHASES – Goods that have been bought for resale or raw materials purchased for the manufacturing of the product are terms as Purchases. These goods must be related to the business you are doing. It includes cash as well as credit Purchases.

    PURCHASES RETURN – When goods bought are returned to the suppliers due to any reason. This is known as Purchase return. Purchase return is deducted from the Purchases.

    WAGES – Wages are paid to the workers who are directly engaged in the loading, unloading and production of goods.

    CARRIAGE or CARRIAGE INWARDS or FREIGHT – It refers to the cost of transporting goods from the supplier.

    MANUFACTURING EXPENSES – All expenses incurred in the manufacture of goods such as Coal, Gas, Fuel, Water, Power, Factory rent, Factory lighting etc.

    DOCK CHARGES – These are charged by port authorities when unloading goods at a dock or wharf. Such charges paid in connection with goods purchased are considered direct expenses and are debited to Trading a/c.

    IMPORT DUTY or CUSTOM DUTY – It is a tax collected on imports and specific exports by a country’s customs authorities.

    If import duty is paid on the import of goods, then they are shown on the Dr. side of the Trading A/c.

    ROYALTY – Royalty refers to the amount paid for the use of assets belonging to another person. It includes royalty for the use of intangible assets, such as copyrights, trademarks, or franchisee agreements. It is also paid for the use of natural resources, such as mining leases.

    Royalty is charged to the Trading A/c as it increases the cost of production.

    GROSS PROFIT – When sales exceed the amount of purchases and the expenses directly connected with such purchases i.e. when Credit side> Debit side.

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Bonnie
BonnieCurious
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  2. Spriha Sparsh
    This answer was edited.

    Order of Liquidity Under this method, a company organizes current and fixed assets in the balance sheet in the order of liquidity and the degree of ease by which it is converts converted into cash.On the asset side, we will write most liquid assets at first i.e. cash in hand, cash at bank and so onRead more

    Order of Liquidity

    Under this method, a company organizes current and fixed assets in the balance sheet in the order of liquidity and the degree of ease by which it is converts converted into cash.On the asset side, we will write most liquid assets at first i.e. cash in hand, cash at bank and so on and further. In the end, we will write goodwill.

    Liabilities are presented based on the order of urgency of payment. On the liabilities side, we start from short-term liabilities for example outstanding expenses, creditors and bill payable, and so on. In the end, we write capital adjusted with net profit and drawings if any.

    This approach is generally used by sole traders and partnerships firms. The following is the format of Balance sheet in order of liquidity:

     

    Order of Permanence

    Under this method, while preparing a balance sheet by a company assets are listed according to their permanency. Permanent assets are shown at first and then less permanent assets are shown afterward. On the assets side of the balance sheet starts with more fixed and permanent assets i.e. it begins with goodwill, building, machinery, furniture, then investments and ends with cash in hand as the last item.

    The fixed or long-term liabilities are shown first under the order of permanence method, and the current liabilities are listed afterward. On the liabilities side, we start from capital, Reserve and surplus, Long term loans and end with outstanding expenses.

    The following is the format of the Balance sheet in order of permanence:

     

     

    Such order or arrangement of balance sheet items are refer as ‘Marshalling of Balance Sheet’. 

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Rahul_Jose
Rahul_Jose
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  2. Pooja_Parikh Aspiring Chartered Accountant

    Financial Reporting is a common practice in accounting where the financial statements of the company are disclosed to present its financial information and performance over a particular period. It is important to know where a company’s money comes from and where it goes. Types of Financial StatementRead more

    Financial Reporting is a common practice in accounting where the financial statements of the company are disclosed to present its financial information and performance over a particular period. It is important to know where a company’s money comes from and where it goes.

    Types of Financial Statements

    There are 4 important types of financial statements such as:

    • Income Statement: This statement summarises a company’s revenue, expenses and profits. It is prepared to calculate the net profit of the company.
    • Balance Sheet: It portrays the company’s assets and liabilities in a statement. This is used to understand the financial position of the company.
    • Statement of Retained Earnings: This statement reveals a company’s changes in equity during an accounting period.
    • Cash Flow Statement: It shows the amount of cash flowing in and out of the business. It is helpful in understanding the liquidity position of the business.

    Importance of Financial Reporting

    • Understanding these financial statements is helpful in making financial decisions. One can identify certain trends and hurdles while analyzing financial statements.
    • It helps the top order management to keep a check on its outstanding debt and how to manage them effectively.
    • Financial reports are also required to be prepared by law for tax purposes. Therefore these statements have to be prepared to calculate taxable income. It also ensures that the companies are compliant with the required laws and regulations.
    • True and accurate financial reporting is also important for potential investors who need to understand the financial performance and position to come to a decision.

     

     

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Simerpreet
SimerpreetHelpful
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  2. Karishma
    This answer was edited.

    A profit and loss account is a financial statement which shows the net profit or net loss of an enterprise for an accounting period.  It reports all the indirect expenses and indirect income including gross profit or loss derived from trading accounts for an accounting period. When the total revenueRead more

    A profit and loss account is a financial statement which shows the net profit or net loss of an enterprise for an accounting period.  It reports all the indirect expenses and indirect income including gross profit or loss derived from trading accounts for an accounting period.

    When the total revenue i.e. credit side of profit and loss a/c is more than the total of expenses i.e. the debit side of profit and loss a/c, it results in net profit whereas when the total revenue is less than the total of expenses, it results in a net loss.

    The debit balance of the profit and loss account is the net loss incurred during the accounting period by an enterprise. It is transferred to a capital account thereby reducing the capital or can be shown as a debit balance on the asset side.

    Accounting entry for loss transferred is as follows :

    Capital A/c   …Dr.

    To Profit & Loss A/c

    (being net loss transferred to capital account)

     

    Example

    A Business has a total income of $50,000 in an accounting year and has expenses amounting to $60,000 in that particular year. The profit and loss account will show a net loss of $10,000 ($60,000-50,000). Net loss will be transferred to capital A/c. Capital of the business will be reduced by $10,000. This loss can also be shown on the asset side of the balance sheet.

    Extract of a Profit and loss a/c showing net loss is as under:

    Profit and loss A/c for the year ended …..

    Particulars Amount (Dr.) Particulars Amount (Cr.)
    To gross loss b/d xxx By gross profit b/d xxx
    To salaries xxx By bank interest xxx
    To office rent xxx By commission received xxx
    To printing and stationery xxx By rent received xxx
    To insurance xxx By dividend xxx
    To audit fees xxx By profit on sale of asset xxx
    To electricity chares xxx By Net Loss xxx
    To depreciation xxx
    To bad debts xxx
    To bank charges xxx
    To miscellaneous expenditure xxx
    To interest on loans xxx
    Total xxx

    The debit balance for a non-corporate entity is shown as a reduction from the capital account

    Extract of the Balance sheet showing the debit balance of Profit & Loss A/c is as under :

    Balance Sheet as on…

    Liabilities Amount
    Equity and liabilities
    Capital

    Less: Profit & Loss A/c

    While the Debit balance of profit and Loss A/c of a corporate entity is shown as a reduction in Reserves and surplus. If the business doesn’t have reserves then the debit balance is shown on the asset side.

    Extract of the Balance sheet showing the debit balance of Profit & Loss A/c is as under :

    Balance Sheet as on..

    Liabilities Amount
    Equity and liabilities
    Reserves And Surplus

    Less: Profit & Loss A/c

    Conclusion:  Debit balance of profit and loss a/c represents that expenses are more than the income of a business in an accounting period. Debit balance of profit and loss a/c indicates that company need to increase its income or cut down on unnecessary expenses.

    The business needs to find out the reason of excessive expenses because accumulated losses are not good for the health of the company.

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Nistha
Nistha
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Debit Balance
  2. Pooja_Parikh Aspiring Chartered Accountant
    This answer was edited.

    A Profit and Loss (P&L) statement is a financial statement that records a summary of all expenses and incomes of a business during a period of time. It helps in determining the financial performance of the business. After recording all transactions in an account, if the debit side is greater thaRead more

    A Profit and Loss (P&L) statement is a financial statement that records a summary of all expenses and incomes of a business during a period of time. It helps in determining the financial performance of the business.

    After recording all transactions in an account, if the debit side is greater than the credit side, then the account is said to have a debit balance. Similarly, if the credit side is greater than the debit side, then the account has a credit balance.

    In a P&L account, when the expenses (debit) are greater than the incomes (credit), the business is said to be in a net loss. This loss is what we call the debit balance of a Profit and Loss account. A P&L account with a debit balance can be subtracted from Capital or be shown on the asset side of the Balance Sheet.

    As you can see above, the net loss is shown on the right side of the P&L account. This represents the debit balance of P&L. Once it is transferred to the balance sheet, it is either subtracted from capital or shown on the asset side as shown in the second image. However, they cannot be shown on both sides of the balance sheet at the same time.

    However, if the credit side is greater, that is if income is greater than expenses, then the P&L account shows a credit balance which is also known as net profit. This profit is added with Capital to show the final balance in the Balance Sheet.

    Debit balance of Profit & Loss account is not preferable for a business. Hence they should put in efforts to either reduce costs or increase their income to gain profits.

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Bonnie
BonnieCurious
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  2. Rahul_Jose Aspiring CA currently doing Bcom
    This answer was edited.

    A balance sheet of a company is a financial statement that depicts the assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity of the company at a point of time, usually at the end of the accounting year. A balance sheet of a company is reported in a vertical format which is different from that of a partnershiRead more

    A balance sheet of a company is a financial statement that depicts the assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity of the company at a point of time, usually at the end of the accounting year. A balance sheet of a company is reported in a vertical format which is different from that of a partnership where the horizontal format is used.

    COMPONENTS OF A BALANCE SHEET

    The three main components of a balance sheet are Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ equity.

    • Assets: They are divided into two main categories that are current assets and non-current assets. If an asset is expected to be realised within 12 months or is primarily held for being traded, or is cash or cash equivalent, then those assets are termed as current assets. All assets that are not current assets are grouped under non-current assets. They are normally realised after 12 months.
    • Liabilities: They are categorised as current liabilities and non-current liabilities. If the amount owed by the company to an outside party is due to be settled in 12 months, then it can be termed as a current liability. The rest of the liabilities are referred to as non-current liability.
    • Shareholders’ Equity: This is the money owed to the owners of the company, that is shareholders. It is also called net assets since it is equal to the difference between total assets and total liabilities. Their main categories are Shareholders’ Capital and Reserves and Surplus.

    FORMAT OF BALANCE SHEET

    As per the Companies Act 2013, the following format should be used for preparing a balance sheet.

    From the above Balance sheet, we should get:

    Assets = Liabilities + Shareholders’ Equity

    Relevant notes for each component should also be prepared when necessary.

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Sandy
Sandy
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Fictitious AssetsFinancial Statements
  2. Nistha Pursuing B.COM H (B&F) and CMA
    This answer was edited.

    Fictitious assets can be defined as those fake assets which save revenue for the company. These do not exist physically but also do not qualify as intangible assets. These are merely the expenses or losses that are not fully written off in the accounting period in which they are incurred. These expeRead more

    Fictitious assets can be defined as those fake assets which save revenue for the company. These do not exist physically but also do not qualify as intangible assets. These are merely the expenses or losses that are not fully written off in the accounting period in which they are incurred. These expenses are amortized over a period of time.

    These assets do not have any realizable value except for the cash outflow. These are created to delay the recognition of the expense and defer it to future periods.

    Fictitious assets actually qualify as an expense but are treated as assets only for the fact that they are expected to give returns over a course of more than one year. Examples are Advertisement expenses, preliminary expense, etc.

    Treatment

    Fictitious assets are shown on the assets side of the balance sheet under the head miscellaneous expenditure. A part of these expenses are shown in the profit and loss statement and the remaining amount is carried forward to the following years.

    For example, a company Timber Ltd. incurs expenses relating to advertisement of its products worth 8,000,000 and this advertisement campaign can earn revenue for the company for around 10 years. Hence, such expense of 8,000,000 would be amortized over a period of 10 years.

    For the first year, an amount of 800,000 (8,000,000/10) would appear in the profit and loss statement as expense and the rest 7,200,000 would appear as advertisement expense under the Miscellaneous expenditure on the assets side of the balance sheet.

    For the second year, an amount of 800,000 (8,000,000/10) would appear in the profit and loss statement as expense and the rest 6,400,000 would appear as advertisement expense under the Miscellaneous expenditure on the assets side of the balance sheet. And so on.

    We can say that fictitious assets are deferred revenue expenditures as well as intangible assets. But goodwill, etc are not fictitious assets. Hence, all fictitious assets are intangible assets but all intangible assets are not fictitious assets.

    Common fictitious assets that could generally be seen are:

    • Advertisement expenses
    • Preliminary expenses
    • Discount allowed on the issue of shares
    • Loss incurred on issue of debentures
    • Underwriting Commission
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Anushka Lalwani
Anushka Lalwani
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  2. Kajal
    This answer was edited.

    Profit refers to the excess of total revenue over total expenses. According to the rule "Debit all expenses and losses, Credit all incomes and gains", expenses are recorded on the debit side while revenues are recorded on the credit side. There is profit when Total revenue > Total expenses, whichRead more

    Profit refers to the excess of total revenue over total expenses. According to the rule “Debit all expenses and losses, Credit all incomes and gains”, expenses are recorded on the debit side while revenues are recorded on the credit side.

    There is profit when Total revenue > Total expenses, which means the balance of the credit side > the balance of the debit side. Since, in accounting Dr. side is always equal to the credit side, a balancing figure (representing profit or loss) is shown on the shorter side, to make both sides equal.

    When Credit side > Debit side, Profit(balancing figure) is shown on the Dr. side so that both sides are equal. 

     

    PROFIT

    Profit refers to the excess of total revenue over the total expenses of the business for an accounting year. In simple words, it shows how much extra the firm earned after deducting all the expenses it incurred during the year.

    Profit = Total Revenue – Total Expenses

    Suppose, the firm earned a total revenue of $10,000 for the accounting year 2022-23. Also, it incurred total expenses of $6,000 during the year. So, Profit for the AY 2022-23 is $4,000.

     

    ASCERTAINING PROFIT

    To ascertain profit earned or loss incurred by the firm during an accounting year, it prepares two accounts.

    • Trading A/c
    • Profit and Loss A/c

     

    Points to be noted:

    • Both accounts are Nominal Account which follows the rule “Debit all expenses and losses, Credit all incomes and gains”
    • The debit side records expenses while the Credit side records incomes.
    • Both are balanced accounts, which means its Dr. side is always equal to its Cr. side.
    • If they are not balanced, then a balancing figure is added to the shorter side which represents profit or the loss depending on which side is greater.
    • If Dr. side > Cr. side, it means expenses are more than the incomes and thus, there is a loss.
    • If Cr. side > Dr. side, it means there are more incomes than expenses and thus, there is Profit.

     

    TRADING ACCOUNT

    It is the first final account prepared for calculating gross profit or gross loss during the year because of the trading activities of the firm.

    Trading activities are related to the buying and selling of goods. In between buying and selling a lot of activities are there like transportation, warehousing, loading, unloading, etc. All expenses that are directly related to buying and selling as well as manufacturing of goods are known as Direct expenses and are also recorded in the trading accounts.

    Items included on the debit side:

    • Opening stock
    • Purchases
    • Direct expenses like wages, import duty, royalty, manufacturing expenses, etc.
    • Gross Profit

     

    Items included on the credit side:

    • Sales
    • Closing stock
    • Gross loss

     

    Gross Profit is when Cr. side (incomes) > Dr. side (expenses). It is recorded on the debit side as a balancing figure.

     

    PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT

    A businessman incurs a lot of expenses during the year which may be directly related or indirectly related to the business.

    As the Trading account only considers direct expenses, the businessman prepares the P&L A/c which considers all the expenses incurred during a year to ascertain net profit or loss.

    Items written on the Debit side

    • Gross loss (transferred from the trading a/c)
    • Office and administrative expenses (like employee’s salary, office rent, office lighting bills, legal charges, printing expenses, etc.)
    • Selling and distribution expenses (like advertisement fees, commission, carriage outward, packaging charges, etc.
    • Miscellaneous expenses (like interest on loan, interest on capital, repair, depreciation, etc.)
    • Net Profit

     

    Items written on the Credit side

    • Gross Profit (transferred from trading a/c)
    • Other incomes and gains (Like income from investments, interest received, rent received, etc.)
    • Net loss

     

    Net Profit is when the Cr. side (incomes)> Dr. side(expenses). It is recorded on the Debit side as a balancing figure.

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Aadil
AadilCurious
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A. For a certain given period B. At a particular point of time C. After a fixed date D. None of the above

  2. Ayushi Curious Pursuing CA

    The correct option is Option (b) at a particular point of time. A balance sheet discloses the financial position of an entity at a particular point of time. The particular point of time is generally the last date of an accounting year. Most of the business concerns follow an accounting year ending oRead more

    The correct option is Option (b) at a particular point of time.

    A balance sheet discloses the financial position of an entity at a particular point of time. The particular point of time is generally the last date of an accounting year. Most of the business concerns follow an accounting year ending on 31st March and prepare their balance sheet as at 31st March.

    By financial position, it means the value of assets and liabilities of the entity. As an entity may enter into monetary transactions every day, the values of the assets and liabilities may also vary every day. Hence, to prepare the balance sheet of an entity, a particular point of time is to be chosen which is generally the last date of an accounting year

    Option (a) for a given period of time is incorrect.

    It is because the values of assets and liabilities of concern may differ daily, a balance sheet cannot be prepared to disclose the financial position of an entity for a given period of time.

    The statement of profit or loss is prepared for a given period of time as it discloses the overall performance of an entity for a given period of time.

    Option (c) after a fixed date is also incorrect.

    The phrase, “after a fixed date” does not indicate a particular point of time. It may mean any day after a fixed date. For example, if there is an instruction to prepare a balance sheet that discloses the financial position of a concern after 30th March, it may mean 31st March, 1st April or any day thereafter.

    As we know that a balance can be prepared for a particular point of time, this option seems wrong.

    Option (d) None of these is incorrect too as Option (b) is the correct one.

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