Every profit-seeking business organization that uses economic resources requires accounting. That includes not-for-profit entities such as governments, churches, charities, fraternities and hospitals. Accounting is the process of recording financial transactions and transforming those measurements into financial statements that can be interpreted and used to help make informed business decisions.
Accounting is a huge field that encompasses many tasks, from recording and storing financial transactions to presenting financial information in reports and analyses. It can also include other duties such as providing a general ledger and making adjustments at the end of an accounting period.
Some of the most important tasks involved in accounting include accounts receivable/accounts payable (AR/AP), budgeting and forecasting. It is also necessary to record and pay applicable taxes. And without accurate accounting, a company may overpay or underpay its taxes, which can lead to penalties and fines from the IRS.
There are several different types of accounting, including full double-entry accounting, bookkeeping, internal control accounting and managerial accounting. Each type of accounting has its own special purpose and uses, but all forms of accounting are essential to running a profitable business. Without it, businesses would not know whether they’re generating profits or losing money and, as a result, they may be unable to effectively plan for the future and grow their enterprises. This is especially true for public companies that must follow strict reporting regulations set forth by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the IRS. Buchhaltung
