Accounting 1

suggested answers to discussion questions

Many of these questions are well suited to classroom discussions. These discussions can stimulate students’ interest, help develop verbal skills, and provide instructors with an opportunity to introduce ideas and situations not discussed in the text. If class size permits, we also encourage instructors to review and evaluate selected written assignments throughout the course. |

1. | | The basic purpose of accounting is to provide decision makers with information useful in making economic decisions. |

2. | | A knowledge of accounting terms and concepts is useful to persons other than professional accountants because nearly everyone working in business, government, or the professions will encounter these terms and concepts. Supervisors and managers at every level will use financial statements, budgets, or other forms of accounting reports. Investment in securities or real estate also calls for the use of accounting information. In every election, propositions on the ballot and in the platforms of candidates can be much better understood by voters who are familiar with accounting. Accounting information is also useful to individuals in handling their personal financial affairs. In short, all economic activity is supported by accounting information. |

3. | | A financial statement is a means for communicating information about an enterprise in financial (i.e., dollar) terms. It represents information that the accountant believes is a true and fair representation of the financial activity of the enterprise. |

4. | | Every financial statement relates to time in one way or another. A statement of financial position, or balance sheet, represents a “picture” of the enterprise at a point in time (e.g., the end of a month or year). The income statement and statement of cash flows, on the other hand, cover activity that took place over a period of time (e.g., a month or year). |

5. | | Annual financial statements, as...