Accounting Resources: Basic Accounting Videos
Language of Accounting
Introductions and Definitions
When it comes to finances, “approximately” is just not good enough. Accounting professionals are expected to understand all the ins and outs of money matters, applying the rules of accountancy with good sense and care. With that in mind, this program starts with the basics, introducing the purpose of accounting, identifying the AICPA and FASB, explaining the concept of GAAP, and spelling out the differences between CPAs and CMAs. After contrasting three types of business organizations, the program moves on to the actual process of recording and tracking transactions. Types of business transactions, charts of accounts, journalizing and posting transactions, the rules of debits and credits, the purpose of the trial balance, and four main types of financial statements are described. The accounting equation is also presented. A Cambridge Educational Production. (15 minutes full video or shorter segments available for viewing option)
- The Language of Accounting (01:57)Understanding the basics of accounting helps in all aspects of business. The four areas are collecting financial data of a business, recording, analyzing and then communicating it back to the business.
- GAAP and FASB (01:48)GAAP, the rulebook for accounting, lays out strict regulations for consistency. The FASB updates GAAP as needed. AICPA is a watchdog group for public accountants.
- Two Types of Accountants (00:57)The CPA, or Certified Public Accountant, does income taxes and offers financial advice. The CMA, or Certified Management Accountant, works for one business or not-for-profit company
- Three Types of Businesses (01:44)Sole Proprietorships make up the most businesses in the United States. Partnerships are the second type. Corporations are larger and do more transactions, the heart of accounting.
- Transactions and Accounting Equation (02:06)Assets equal liabilities plus owner's equity. Assets are things owned, including profit. Liabilities are the bills owed. Equity is the owner's claim to the business assets, including the profits.
- Chart of Accounts (02:00)The Chart of Accounts is the index of a company's assets, liabilities, and equity. The journal is a business diary of transactions. Posting is putting all transactions into a ledger.
- Rule of Debits and Credits (00:43)Debits and credits must always be equal. Accountants use a Trial Balance to prove this at the end of each period.
- Financial Statements (01:41)Income Statements report revenue and expenses. Balance Sheets report amount of assets, liabilities, and owner's equity. Owner's Equity and Statement of Cash Flow are two other reports.
Financial Reporting for Business
Accounting reports convey vital information about cash, profits, and financial position to the owner and key stakeholders of a business. This program explores the content and format of the three key accounting reports: the cash flow statement, the profit and loss statement, and the balance sheet. Interviews with working accountants and financial managers show how these reports are used within a business for analysis and decision making. In addition to various reporting functions, the program also introduces viewers to principles of data storage, the basics of financial spreadsheets, and some examples of accounting and bookkeeping software. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (27 minutes full video or shorter segments available for viewing option)
- Introduction to Accounting Reports (04:19)Financial reporting or bookkeeping should be sorted and categorized so that similar transactions are grouped together. Computer software packages allow access to reliable data, making transactions extremely accurate.
- Accounting: Reporting for Cash (04:57)A cash flow statement report cash inflow and outflow. It reports on cash flow from operating, investment, and financing. Business owners can improve cash flow in a number of ways.
- Accounting: Reporting for Profit (04:37)The profit and loss statement sets financial targets and formulates an action plan. Net profit is calculated by subtracting expenses from revenue. It is vital to minimize expenses or maximize sales in a financial year.
- Accounting: Reporting for Position Assets (02:49)Reporting for position is the future financial assessment of a business. It is done through a balance sheet that discloses assets, liabilities, and owner's equity.
- Accounting: Reporting for Position: Liabilities (02:40)Liabilities are monies owed to outside entities. Current liabilities are those that must be repaid within the next 12 months, such as overdrafts and short-term loans. Non-current liabilities must be repaid over a a longer time span than 12 months.
- Accounting: Reporting for Owner's Equity (04:46)The equation to work out total owner's equity is owner's equity = assets - liabilities. Owner's equity is the owner's investment or capital in the business. Three components of owner's equity are capital, profit /loss, and drawings.