CHAPTER 4
ACCRUAL ACCOUNTING CONCEPTS
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After studying this chapter, you should be able to:
- Explain the revenue recognition principle and the expense recognition principle.
- Differentiate between the cash basis and the accrual basis of accounting.
- Explain why adjusting entries are needed, and identify the major types of adjusting entries.
- Prepare adjusting entries for deferrals.
- Prepare adjusting entries for accruals.
- Describe the nature and purpose of the adjusted trial balance.
- Explain the purpose of closing entries.
- Describe the required steps in the accounting cycle.
- Understand the causes of differences between net income and net cash provided by operating activities.
Feature Story
KEEPING TRACK OF GROUPONS
Who doesn't like buying things at a discount? That's why it's not surprising that three years after it started as a company, Groupon was estimated to be worth $16 billion. This translates into an average increase in value of almost $15 million per day.
Now consider that Groupon had previously been estimated to be worth even more than that. What happened? Well, accounting regulators and investors began to question the way that Groupon had accounted for some of its transactions. But if Groupon sells only coupons (“Groupons”), you're probably wondering how hard can it be to accurately account for that? It turns out that accounting for coupons is not as easy as you might think.
First, consider what happens when Groupon makes a sale. Suppose it sells a Groupon for $30 for Highrise Hamburgers. When it receives the $30 from the customer, it must turn over half of that amount ($15) to Highrise Hamburgers. So should Groupon record revenue for the full $30 or just $15? Until recently, Groupon recorded the full $30. But, in response to an SEC ruling on the issue, Groupon now records revenue of $15 instead. Groupon also had to restate its previous financial statements. This restatement reduced annual revenue by $312.9 million.
A second issue is a matter of timing. When should Groupon record this $15 revenue? Should it record the revenue when it sells the Groupon, or must it wait until the customer uses the Groupon at Highrise Hamburgers? You can find the answer to this question in the notes to Groupon's financial statements. It recognizes the revenue once “the number of customers who purchase the daily deal exceeds the predetermined threshold, the Groupon has been electronically delivered to the purchaser and a listing of Groupons sold has been made available to the merchant.”
The accounting becomes even more complicated when you consider the company's loyalty programs. Groupon offers free or discounted Groupons to its subscribers for doing things such as referring new customers or participating in promotions. These Groupons are to be used for future purchases, yet the company must record the expense at the time the customer receives the Groupon. The cost of these programs is huge for Groupon, so the timing of this expense can definitely affect its reported income.
The final kicker is that Groupon, like all other companies, must rely on many estimates in its financial reporting. For example, Groupon reports that “estimates are utilized for, but not limited to, stock-based compensation, income taxes, valuation of acquired goodwill and intangible assets, customer refunds, contingent liabilities and the depreciable lives of fixed assets.” It concludes by saying that “actual results could differ materially from those estimates.” So, next time you use a coupon, think about what that means for the company's accountants!
INSIDE CHAPTER 4…
- Reporting Revenue Accurately (p. 166)
- Cashing In on Accrual Accounting (p. 167)
- Turning Gift Cards into Revenue (p. 174)
- Got Junk? (p. 180)
- Cooking the Books? (p. 186)
PREVIEW OF CHAPTER 4
As indicated in the Feature Story, making adjustments is necessary to avoid misstatement of revenues and expenses such as those at Groupon. In this chapter, we introduce you to the accrual accounting concepts that make such adjustments possible.
The organization and content of the chapter are as follows.
Timing Issues
LEARNING OBJECTIVE 1
Explain the revenue recognition principle and the expense recognition principle.
Most businesses need immediate feedback about how well they are doing. For example, management usually wants monthly reports on financial results, most large corporations are required to present quarterly and annual financial statements to stockholders, and the Internal Revenue Service requires all businesses to file annual tax returns. Accounting divides the economic life of a business into artificial time periods. As indicated in Chapter 2, this is the periodicity assumption. Accounting time periods are generally a month, a quarter, or a year.
Helpful Hint An accounting time period that is one year long is called a fiscal year.
Many business transactions affect more than one of these arbitrary time periods. For example, a new building purchased by Citigroup or a new airplane purchased by Delta Air Lines will be used for many years. It doesn't make sense to expense the full cost of the building or the airplane at the time of purchase because each will be used for many subsequent periods. Instead, we determine the impact of each transaction on specific accounting periods.
Determining the amount of revenues and expenses to report in a given accounting period can be difficult. Proper reporting requires an understanding of the nature of the company's business. Two principles are used as guidelines: the revenue recognition principle and the expense recognition principle.
THE REVENUE RECOGNITION PRINCIPLE
When a company agrees to perform a service or sell a product to a customer, it has a performance obligation. The revenue recognition principle requires that companies recognize revenue in the accounting period in which the performance obligation is satisfied. To illustrate, assume Conrad Dry Cleaners cleans clothing on June 30, but customers do not claim and pay for their clothes until the first week of July. Under the revenue recognition principle, Conrad records revenue in June when it performs the service, not in July when it receives the cash. At June 30, Conrad would report a receivable on its balance sheet and revenue in its income statement for the service performed. The journal entries for June and July would be as follows.
DECISION TOOLKIT
THE EXPENSE RECOGNITION PRINCIPLE
In recognizing expenses, a simple rule is followed: “Let the expenses follow the revenues.” Thus, expense recognition is tied to revenue recognition. Applied to the preceding example, this means that the salary expense Conrad incurred in performing the cleaning service on June 30 should be reported in the same period in which it recognizes the service revenue. The critical issue in expense recognition is determining when the expense makes its contribution to revenue. This may or may not be the same period in which the expense is paid. If Conrad does not pay the salary incurred on June 30 until July, it would report salaries and wages payable on its June 30 balance sheet.
The practice of expense recognition is referred to as the expense recognition principle (often referred to as the matching principle). It dictates that efforts (expenses) be matched with results (revenues). Illustration 4-1 shows these relationships.
Investor Insight
Reporting Revenue Accurately
Until recently, electronics manufacturer Apple was required to spread the revenues from iPhone sales over the two-year period following the sale of the phone. Accounting standards required this because it was argued that Apple was obligated to provide software updates after the phone was sold. Therefore, since Apple had service obligations after the initial date of sale, it was forced to spread the revenue over a two-year period. However, since the company received full payment upfront, the cash flows from iPhones significantly exceeded the revenue reported from iPhone sales in each accounting period. It also meant that the rapid growth of iPhone sales was not fully reflected in the revenue amounts reported in Apple's income statement. A new accounting standard now enables Apple to report nearly all of its iPhone revenue at the point of sale. It was estimated that under the new rule revenues would have been about 17% higher and earnings per share almost 50% higher.
In the past, why was it argued that Apple should spread the recognition of iPhone revenue over a two-year period, rather than recording it upfront? (See page 224.)
ACCRUAL VERSUS CASH BASIS OF ACCOUNTING
LEARNING OBJECTIVE 2
Differentiate between the cash basis and the accrual basis of accounting.
Accrual-basis accounting means that transactions that change a company's financial statements are recorded in the periods in which the events occur, even if cash was not exchanged. For example, using the accrual basis means that companies recognize revenues when they perform the services (the revenue recognition principle), even if cash was not received. Likewise, under the accrual basis, companies recognize expenses when incurred (the expense recognition principle), even if cash was not paid.
International Note Although different accounting standards are often used by companies in other countries, the accrual basis of accounting is central to all of these standards.
An alternative to the accrual basis is the cash basis. Under cash-basis accounting, companies record revenue when they receive cash. They record an expense when they pay out cash. The cash basis seems appealing due to its simplicity, but it often produces misleading financial statements. It fails to record revenue for a company that has performed services but has not yet received the cash. As a result, it does not match expenses with revenues. Cash-basis accounting is not in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
Illustration 4-2 compares accrual-based numbers and cash-based numbers. Suppose that Fresh Colors paints a large building in 2013. In 2013, it incurs and pays total expenses (salaries and paint costs) of $50,000. It bills the customer $80,000 but does not receive payment until 2014. On an accrual basis, Fresh Colors reports $80,000 of revenue during 2013 because that is when it performed the service. The company matches expenses of $50,000 to the $80,000 of revenue. Thus, 2013 net income is $30,000 ($80,000 − $50,000). The $30,000 of net income reported for 2013 indicates the profitability of Fresh Colors’ efforts during that period.
If Fresh Colors were to use cash-basis accounting, it would report $50,000 of expenses in 2013 and $80,000 of revenues during 2014. As shown in Illustration 4-2, it would report a loss of $50,000 in 2013 and would report net income of $80,000 in 2014. Clearly, the cash-basis measures are misleading because the financial performance of the company would be misstated for both 2013 and 2014.
International Insight
Cashing In on Accrual Accounting
The Chinese government, like most governments, uses cash accounting. It is therefore interesting that for about $38 billion of expenditures in a recent budget projection, the Chinese government used accrual accounting instead of cash accounting. It decided to expense the amount in the year in which it was originally allocated rather than when the payments would be made. Why did it do this? It enabled the government to keep its projected budget deficit below a 3% threshold. While it was able to keep its projected shortfall below 3%, China did suffer some criticism for its inconsistent accounting. Critics charge that this inconsistent treatment reduces the transparency of China's accounting information. That is, it is not easy for outsiders to accurately evaluate what is really going on.
Source: Andrew Batson, “China Altered Budget Accounting to Reduce Deficit Figure,” Wall Street Journal Online (March 15, 2010).
Accrual accounting is often considered superior to cash accounting. Why, then, were some people critical of China's use of accrual accounting in this instance? (See page 224.)
The Basics of Adjusting Entries
LEARNING OBJECTIVE 3
Explain why adjusting entries are needed, and identify the major types of adjusting entries.
In order for revenues to be recorded in the period in which the performance obligations are satisfied, and for expenses to be recognized in the period in which they are incurred, companies make adjusting entries. Adjusting entries ensure that the revenue recognition and expense recognition principles are followed.
Adjusting entries are necessary because the trial balance—the first pulling together of the transaction data—may not contain up-to-date and complete data. This is true for several reasons:
- Some events are not recorded daily because it is not efficient to do so. Examples are the use of supplies and the earning of wages by employees.
- Some costs are not recorded during the accounting period because these costs expire with the passage of time rather than as a result of recurring daily transactions. Examples are charges related to the use of buildings and equipment, rent, and insurance.
- Some items may be unrecorded. An example is a utility service bill that will not be received until the next accounting period.
Adjusting entries are required every time a company prepares financial statements. The company analyzes each account in the trial balance to determine whether it is complete and up-to-date for financial statement purposes. Every adjusting entry will include one income statement account and one balance sheet account.
TYPES OF ADJUSTING ENTRIES
Adjusting entries are classified as either deferrals or accruals. As Illustration 4-3 shows, each of these classes has two subcategories.
Subsequent sections give examples of each type of adjustment. Each example is based on the October 31 trial balance of Sierra Corporation from Chapter 3. It is reproduced in Illustration 4-4. Note that Retained Earnings has been added to this trial balance with a zero balance. We will explain its use later.
We assume that Sierra Corporation uses an accounting period of one month. Thus, monthly adjusting entries are made. The entries are dated October 31.
ADJUSTING ENTRIES FOR DEFERRALS
LEARNING OBJECTIVE 4
Prepare adjusting entries for deferrals.
To defer means to postpone or delay. Deferrals are costs or revenues that are recognized at a date later than the point when cash was originally exchanged. Companies make adjusting entries for deferred expenses to record the portion that was incurred during the period. Companies also make adjusting entries for deferred revenues to record services performed during the period. The two types of deferrals are prepaid expenses and unearned revenues.
Prepaid Expenses
Companies record payments of expenses that will benefit more than one accounting period as assets. These prepaid expenses or prepayments are expenses paid in cash before they are used or consumed. When expenses are prepaid, an asset account is increased (debited) to show the service or benefit that the company will receive in the future. Examples of common prepayments are insurance, supplies, advertising, and rent. In addition, companies make prepayments when they purchase buildings and equipment.
Prepaid expenses are costs that expire either with the passage of time (e.g., rent and insurance) or through use (e.g., supplies). The expiration of these costs does not require daily entries, which would be impractical and unnecessary. Accordingly, companies postpone the recognition of such cost expirations until they prepare financial statements. At each statement date, they make adjusting entries to record the expenses applicable to the current accounting period and to show the remaining amounts in the asset accounts.
Prior to adjustment, assets are overstated and expenses are understated. Therefore, as shown in Illustration 4-5, an adjusting entry for prepaid expenses results in an increase (a debit) to an expense account and a decrease (a credit) to an asset account.
Let's look in more detail at some specific types of prepaid expenses, beginning with supplies.
SUPPLIES. The purchase of supplies, such as paper and envelopes, results in an increase (a debit) to an asset account. During the accounting period, the company uses supplies. Rather than record supplies expense as the supplies are used, companies recognize supplies expense at the end of the accounting period. At the end of the accounting period, the company counts the remaining supplies. The difference between the unadjusted balance in the Supplies (asset) account and the actual cost of supplies on hand represents the supplies used (an expense) for that period.
Recall from Chapter 3 that Sierra Corporation purchased supplies costing $2,500 on October 5. Sierra recorded the purchase by increasing (debiting) the asset Supplies. This account shows a balance of $2,500 in the October 31 trial balance. A physical count of the inventory at the close of business on October 31 reveals that $1,000 of supplies are still on hand. Thus, the cost of supplies used is $1,500 ($2,500 − $1,000). This use of supplies decreases an asset, Supplies. It also decreases stockholders’ equity by increasing an expense account, Supplies Expense. This is shown in Illustration 4-6.
After adjustment, the asset account Supplies shows a balance of $1,000, which is equal to the cost of supplies on hand at the statement date. In addition, Supplies Expense shows a balance of $1,500, which equals the cost of supplies used in October. If Sierra does not make the adjusting entry, October expenses will be understated and net income overstated by $1,500. Moreover, both assets and stockholders’ equity will be overstated by $1,500 on the October 31 balance sheet.
INSURANCE. Companies purchase insurance to protect themselves from losses due to fire, theft, and unforeseen events. Insurance must be paid in advance, often for more than one year. The cost of insurance (premiums) paid in advance is recorded as an increase (debit) in the asset account Prepaid Insurance. At the financial statement date, companies increase (debit) Insurance Expense and decrease (credit) Prepaid Insurance for the cost of insurance that has expired during the period.
On October 4, Sierra Corporation paid $600 for a one-year fire insurance policy. Coverage began on October 1. Sierra recorded the payment by increasing (debiting) Prepaid Insurance. This account shows a balance of $600 in the October 31 trial balance. Insurance of $50 ($600 ÷ 12) expires each month. The expiration of prepaid insurance decreases an asset, Prepaid Insurance. It also decreases stockholders’ equity by increasing an expense account, Insurance Expense.
As shown in Illustration 4-7, the asset Prepaid Insurance shows a balance of $550, which represents the unexpired cost for the remaining 11 months of coverage. At the same time, the balance in Insurance Expense equals the insurance cost that expired in October. If Sierra does not make this adjustment, October expenses are understated by $50 and net income is overstated by $50. Moreover, as the accounting equation shows, both assets and stockholders’ equity will be overstated by $50 on the October 31 balance sheet.
DEPRECIATION. A company typically owns a variety of assets that have long lives, such as buildings, equipment, and motor vehicles. The period of service is referred to as the useful life of the asset. Because a building is expected to provide service for many years, it is recorded as an asset, rather than an expense, on the date it is acquired. As explained in Chapter 2, companies record such assets at cost, as required by the historical cost principle. To follow the expense recognition principle, companies allocate a portion of this cost as an expense during each period of the asset's useful life. Depreciation is the process of allocating the cost of an asset to expense over its useful life.
Need for adjustment. The acquisition of long-lived assets is essentially a long-term prepayment for the use of an asset. An adjusting entry for depreciation is needed to recognize the cost that has been used (an expense) during the period and to report the unused cost (an asset) at the end of the period. One very important point to understand: Depreciation is an allocation concept, not a valuation concept. That is, depreciation allocates an asset's cost to the periods in which it is used. Depreciation does not attempt to report the actual change in the value of the asset.
For Sierra Corporation, assume that depreciation on the equipment is $480 a year, or $40 per month. As shown in Illustration 4-8 (page 172), rather than decrease (credit) the asset account directly, Sierra instead credits Accumulated Depreciation—Equipment. Accumulated Depreciation is called a contra asset account. Such an account is offset against an asset account on the balance sheet. Thus, the Accumulated Depreciation—Equipment account offsets the asset Equipment. This account keeps track of the total amount of depreciation expense taken over the life of the asset. To keep the accounting equation in balance, Sierra decreases stockholders’ equity by increasing an expense account, Depreciation Expense.
The balance in the Accumulated Depreciation—Equipment account will increase $40 each month, and the balance in Equipment remains $5,000.
Helpful Hint All contra accounts have increases, decreases, and normal balances opposite to the account to which they relate.
Statement presentation. As noted above, Accumulated Depreciation—Equipment is a contra asset account. It is offset against Equipment on the balance sheet. The normal balance of a contra asset account is a credit. A theoretical alternative to using a contra asset account would be to decrease (credit) the asset account by the amount of depreciation each period. But using the contra account is preferable for a simple reason: It discloses both the original cost of the equipment and the total cost that has expired to date. Thus, in the balance sheet, Sierra deducts Accumulated Depreciation—Equipment from the related asset account, as shown in Illustration 4-9.
Alternative Terminology Book value is also referred to as carrying value.
Book value is the difference between the cost of any depreciable asset and its related accumulated depreciation. In Illustration 4-9, the book value of the equipment at the balance sheet date is $4,960. The book value and the fair value of the asset are generally two different values. As noted earlier, the purpose of depreciation is not valuation but a means of cost allocation.
Depreciation expense identifies the portion of an asset's cost that expired during the period (in this case, in October). The accounting equation shows that without this adjusting entry, total assets, total stockholders’ equity, and net income are overstated by $40 and depreciation expense is understated by $40.
Illustration 4-10 summarizes the accounting for prepaid expenses.
Unearned Revenues
Companies record cash received before services are performed by increasing (crediting) a liability account called unearned revenues. In other words, the company has a performance obligation to transfer a service to one of its customers. Items like rent, magazine subscriptions, and customer deposits for future service may result in unearned revenues. Airlines such as United, American, and Delta, for instance, treat receipts from the sale of tickets as unearned revenue until the flight service is provided.
Unearned revenues are the opposite of prepaid expenses. Indeed, unearned revenue on the books of one company is likely to be a prepaid expense on the books of the company that has made the advance payment. For example, if identical accounting periods are assumed, a landlord will have unearned rent revenue when a tenant has prepaid rent.
When a company receives payment for services to be performed in a future accounting period, it increases (credits) an unearned revenue account. Unearned revenue is a liability account used to recognize the obligation that exists. The company subsequently recognizes revenues when it performs the service. During the accounting period, it is not practical to make daily entries as the company performs services. Instead, the company delays recognition of revenue until the adjustment process. The company then makes an adjusting entry to record the revenue for services performed during the period and to show the liability that remains at the end of the accounting period. Prior to adjustment, liabilities are typically overstated and revenues are understated. Therefore, as shown in Illustration 4-11, the adjusting entry for unearned revenues results in a decrease (a debit) to a liability account and an increase (a credit) to a revenue account.
Sierra Corporation received $1,200 on October 2 from R. Knox for guide services for multi-day trips expected to be completed by December 31. Sierra credited the payment to Unearned Service Revenue. This liability account shows a balance of $1,200 in the October 31 trial balance. From an evaluation of the service Sierra performed for Knox during October, the company determines that it should recognize $400 of revenue in October. The liability (Unearned Service Revenue) is therefore decreased and stockholders’ equity (Service Revenue) is increased.
As shown in Illustration 4-12 (page 174), the liability Unearned Service Revenue now shows a balance of $800. That amount represents the remaining guide services expected to be performed in the future. Service Revenue shows total revenue for October of $10,400. Without this adjustment, revenues and net income are understated by $400 in the income statement. Moreover, liabilities are overstated and stockholders’ equity is understated by $400 on the October 31 balance sheet.
Illustration 4-13 summarizes the accounting for unearned revenues.
Accounting Across the Organization
Turning Gift Cards into Revenue
Those of you who are marketing majors (and even most of you who are not) know that gift cards are among the hottest marketing tools in merchandising today. Customers purchase gift cards and give them to someone for later use. In a recent year, gift-card sales topped $95 billion.
Although these programs are popular with marketing executives, they create accounting questions. Should revenue be recorded at the time the gift card is sold, or when it is exercised? How should expired gift cards be accounted for? In a recent balance sheet, Best Buy reported unearned revenue related to gift cards of $479 million.
Source: Robert Berner, “Gift Cards: No Gift to Investors,” BusinessWeek (March 14, 2005), p. 86.
Suppose that Robert Jones purchases a $100 gift card at Best Buy on December 24, 2013, and gives it to his wife, Mary Jones, on December 25, 2013. On January 3, 2014, Mary uses the card to purchase $100 worth of CDs. When do you think Best Buy should recognize revenue and why? (See page 224.)
ADJUSTING ENTRIES FOR DEFERRALS
The ledger of Hammond, Inc., on March 31, 2014, includes these selected accounts before adjusting entries are prepared.
An analysis of the accounts shows the following.
- Insurance expires at the rate of $100 per month.
- Supplies on hand total $800.
- The equipment depreciates $200 a month.
- During March, services were performed for one-half of the unearned service revenue.
Prepare the adjusting entries for the month of March.
Action Plan
- Make adjusting entries at the end of the period for revenues recognized and expenses incurred in the period.
- Don't forget to make adjusting entries for deferrals. Failure to adjust for deferrals leads to overstatement of the asset or liability and understatement of the related expense or revenue.
Solution
Related exercise material: BE4-4, BE4-5, BE4-6, BE4-7, and 
4-1.
ADJUSTING ENTRIES FOR ACCRUALS
LEARNING OBJECTIVE 5
Prepare adjusting entries for accruals.
The second category of adjusting entries is accruals. Prior to an accrual adjustment, the revenue account (and the related asset account) or the expense account (and the related liability account) are understated. Thus, the adjusting entry for accruals will increase both a balance sheet and an income statement account.
Accrued Revenues
Revenues for services performed but not yet recorded at the statement date are accrued revenues. Accrued revenues may accumulate (accrue) with the passing of time, as in the case of interest revenue. These are unrecorded because the earning of interest does not involve daily transactions. Companies do not record interest revenue on a daily basis because it is often impractical to do so. Accrued revenues also may result from services that have been performed but not yet billed nor collected, as in the case of commissions and fees. These may be unrecorded because only a portion of the total service has been performed and the clients won't be billed until the service has been completed.
An adjusting entry records the receivable that exists at the balance sheet date and the revenue for the services performed during the period. Prior to adjustment, both assets and revenues are understated. As shown in Illustration 4-14 (page 176), an adjusting entry for accrued revenues results in an increase (a debit) to an asset account and an increase (a credit) to a revenue account.
In October, Sierra Corporation performed guide services worth $200 that were not billed to clients on or before October 31. Because these services are not billed, they are not recorded. The accrual of unrecorded service revenue increases an asset account, Accounts Receivable. It also increases stockholders’ equity by increasing a revenue account, Service Revenue, as shown in Illustration 4-15.
Equation analyses summarize the effects of transactions on the three elements of the accounting equation, as well as the effect on cash flows.
The asset Accounts Receivable shows that clients owe Sierra $200 at the balance sheet date. The balance of $10,600 in Service Revenue represents the total revenue for services Sierra performed during the month ($10,000 + $400 + $200). Without the adjusting entry, assets and stockholders’ equity on the balance sheet and revenues and net income on the income statement are understated.
On November 10, Sierra receives cash of $200 for the services performed in October and makes the following entry.
The company records the collection of the receivables by a debit (increase) to Cash and a credit (decrease) to Accounts Receivable.
Illustration 4-16 summarizes the accounting for accrued revenues.
Accrued Expenses
Ethics Note A report released by Fannie Mae's board of directors stated that improper adjusting entries at the mortgage-finance company resulted in delayed recognition of expenses caused by interest-rate changes. The motivation for this improper accounting apparently was the desire to meet earnings targets.
Expenses incurred but not yet paid or recorded at the statement date are called accrued expenses. Interest, taxes, utilities, and salaries are common examples of accrued expenses.
Companies make adjustments for accrued expenses to record the obligations that exist at the balance sheet date and to recognize the expenses that apply to the current accounting period. Prior to adjustment, both liabilities and expenses are understated. Therefore, an adjusting entry for accrued expenses results in an increase (a debit) to an expense account and an increase (a credit) to a liability account.
Let's look in more detail at some specific types of accrued expenses, beginning with accrued interest.
ACCRUED INTEREST. Sierra Corporation signed a three-month note payable in the amount of $5,000 on October 1. The note requires Sierra to pay interest at an annual rate of 12%.
The amount of the interest recorded is determined by three factors: (1) the face value of the note; (2) the interest rate, which is always expressed as an annual rate; and (3) the length of time the note is outstanding. For Sierra, the total interest due on the $5,000 note at its maturity date three months in the future is $150 ($5,000 × 12% × 
), or $50 for one month. Illustration 4-18 shows the formula for computing interest and its application to Sierra Corporation for the month of October.
As Illustration 4-19 shows, the accrual of interest at October 31 increases a liability account, Interest Payable. It also decreases stockholders’ equity by increasing an expense account, Interest Expense.
Interest Expense shows the interest charges for the month of October. Interest Payable shows the amount of interest the company owes at the statement date. Sierra will not pay the interest until the note comes due at the end of three months. Companies use the Interest Payable account, instead of crediting Notes Payable, to disclose the two different types of obligations—interest and principal—in the accounts and statements. Without this adjusting entry, liabilities and interest expense are understated, and net income and stockholders’ equity are overstated.
ACCRUED SALARIES. Companies pay for some types of expenses, such as employee salaries and wages, after the services have been performed. Sierra paid salaries on October 26 for its employees’ first two weeks of work; the next payment of salaries will not occur until November 9. As Illustration 4-20 shows, three working days remain in October (October 29–31).
At October 31, the salaries for these three days represent an accrued expense and a related liability to Sierra. The employees receive total salaries of $2,000 for a five-day work week, or $400 per day. Thus, accrued salaries at October 31 are $1,200 ($400 × 3). This accrual increases a liability, Salaries and Wages Payable. It also decreases stockholders’ equity by increasing an expense account, Salaries and Wages Expense, as shown in Illustration 4-21.
After this adjustment, the balance in Salaries and Wages Expense of $5,200 (13 days × $400) is the actual salary expense for October. (The employees worked 13 days in October after being hired on October 15.) The balance in Salaries and Wages Payable of $1,200 is the amount of the liability for salaries Sierra owes as of October 31. Without the $1,200 adjustment for salaries, Sierra's expenses are understated $1,200 and its liabilities are understated $1,200.
Sierra Corporation pays salaries every two weeks. Consequently, the next payday is November 9, when the company will again pay total salaries of $4,000. The payment consists of $1,200 of salaries and wages payable at October 31 plus $2,800 of salaries and wages expense for November (7 working days, as shown in the November calendar × $400). Therefore, Sierra makes the following entry on November 9.
This entry eliminates the liability for Salaries and Wages Payable that Sierra recorded in the October 31 adjusting entry, and it records the proper amount of Salaries and Wages Expense for the period between November 1 and November 9.
Illustration 4-22 summarizes the accounting for accrued expenses.
People, Planet, and Profit Insight
Got Junk?
Do you have an old computer or two in your garage? How about an old TV that needs replacing? Many people do. Approximately 163,000 computers and televisions become obsolete each day. Yet, in a recent year, only 11% of computers were recycled. It is estimated that 75% of all computers ever sold are sitting in storage somewhere, waiting to be disposed of. Each of these old TVs and computers is loaded with lead, cadmium, mercury, and other toxic chemicals. If you have one of these electronic gadgets, you have a responsibility, and a probable cost, for disposing of it. Companies have the same problem, but their discarded materials may include lead paint, asbestos, and other toxic chemicals.
What accounting issue might this cause for companies? (See page 225.)
Do it!
ADJUSTING ENTRIES FOR ACCRUALS
Micro Computer Services Inc. began operations on August 1, 2014. At the end of August 2014, management attempted to prepare monthly financial statements. The following information relates to August.
- At August 31, the company owed its employees $800 in salaries that will be paid on September 1.
- On August 1, the company borrowed $30,000 from a local bank on a 15-year mortgage. The annual interest rate is 10%.
- Revenue for services performed but unrecorded for August totaled $1,100.
Prepare the adjusting entries needed at August 31, 2014.
Action Plan
- Make adjusting entries at the end of the period to recognize revenue for services performed and for expenses incurred.
- Don't forget to make adjusting entries for accruals. Adjusting entries for accruals will increase both a balance sheet and an income statement account.
Solution
Related exercise material: BE4-8, 4-2, E4-8, E4-9, E4-10, and E4-11.
SUMMARY OF BASIC RELATIONSHIPS
Illustration 4-23 summarizes the four basic types of adjusting entries. Take some time to study and analyze the adjusting entries. Be sure to note that each adjusting entry affects one balance sheet account and one income statement account.
Illustrations 4-24 and 4-25 show the journalizing and posting of adjusting entries for Sierra Corporation on October 31. When reviewing the general ledger in Illustration 4-25, note that for learning purposes we have highlighted the adjustments in color.
The Adjusted Trial Balance and Financial Statements
After a company has journalized and posted all adjusting entries, it prepares another trial balance from the ledger accounts. This trial balance is called an adjusted trial balance. It shows the balances of all accounts, including those adjusted, at the end of the accounting period. The purpose of an adjusted trial balance is to prove the equality of the total debit balances and the total credit balances in the ledger after all adjustments. Because the accounts contain all data needed for financial statements, the adjusted trial balance is the primary basis for the preparation of financial statements.
PREPARING THE ADJUSTED TRIAL BALANCE
Illustration 4-26 presents the adjusted trial balance for Sierra Corporation prepared from the ledger accounts in Illustration 4-25. The amounts affected by the adjusting entries are highlighted in color.
PREPARING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Companies can prepare financial statements directly from an adjusted trial balance. Illustrations 4-27 and 4-28 (page 185) present the relationships between the data in the adjusted trial balance of Sierra Corporation and the corresponding financial statements. As Illustration 4-27 shows, companies prepare the income statement from the revenue and expense accounts. Similarly, they derive the retained earnings statement from the Retained Earnings account, Dividends account, and the net income (or net loss) shown in the income statement. As Illustration 4-28 shows, companies then prepare the balance sheet from the asset, liability, and stockholders’ equity accounts. They obtain the amount reported for retained earnings on the balance sheet from the ending balance in the retained earnings statement.
Illustration 4-27 Preparation of the income statement and retained earnings statement from the adjusted trial balance
QUALITY OF EARNINGS
“Did you make your numbers today?” is a question asked often in both large and small businesses. Companies and employees are continually under pressure to “make the numbers”—that is, to have earnings that are in line with expectations. Therefore, it is not surprising that many companies practice earnings management. Earnings management is the planned timing of revenues, expenses, gains, and losses to smooth out bumps in net income. The quality of earnings is greatly affected when a company manages earnings up or down to meet some targeted earnings number. A company that has a high quality of earnings provides full and transparent information that will not confuse or mislead users of the financial statements. A company with questionable quality of earnings may mislead investors and creditors, who believe they are relying on relevant and reliable information. As a result, investors and creditors lose confidence in financial reporting, and it becomes difficult for our capital markets to work efficiently.
Companies manage earnings in a variety of ways. One way is through the use of one-time items to prop up earnings numbers. For example, ConAgra Foods recorded a nonrecurring gain from the sale of Pilgrim's Pride stock for $186 million to help meet an earnings projection for the quarter.
Another way is to inflate revenue numbers in the short-run to the detriment of the long-run. For example, Bristol-Myers Squibb provided sales incentives to its wholesalers to encourage them to buy products at the end of the quarter (often referred to as channel-stuffing). As a result Bristol-Myers was able to meet its sales projections. The problem was that the wholesalers could not sell that amount of merchandise and ended up returning it to Bristol-Myers. The result was that Bristol-Myers had to restate its income numbers.
Ethics Insight
Cooking the Books?
Allegations of abuse of the revenue recognition principle have become all too common in recent years. For example, it was alleged that Krispy Kreme sometimes doubled the number of doughnuts shipped to wholesale customers at the end of a quarter to boost quarterly results. The customers shipped the unsold doughnuts back after the beginning of the next quarter for a refund. Conversely, Computer Associates International was accused of backdating sales—that is, reporting a sale in one quarter that did not actually occur until the beginning of the following quarter in order to achieve the previous quarter's sales targets.
What motivates sales executives and finance and accounting executives to participate in activities that result in inaccurate reporting of revenues? (See page 225.)
Companies also manage earnings through improper adjusting entries. Regulators investigated Xerox for accusations that it was booking too much revenue upfront on multi-year contract sales. Financial executives at Office Max resigned amid accusations that the company was recognizing rebates from its vendors too early and therefore overstating revenue. Finally, WorldCom's abuse of adjusting entries to meet its net income targets is unsurpassed. It used adjusting entries to increase net income by reclassifying liabilities as revenue and reclassifying expenses as assets. Investigations of the company's books after it went bankrupt revealed adjusting entries of more than a billion dollars that had no supporting documentation.
International Note Internal controls are a system of checks and balances designed to detect and prevent fraud and errors. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires U.S. companies to enhance their systems of internal control. However, many foreign companies do not have to meet strict internal control requirements. Some U.S. companies believe that this gives foreign firms an unfair advantage because developing and maintaining internal controls can be very expensive.
The good news is that, as a result of investor pressure as well as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, many companies are trying to improve the quality of their financial reporting. For example, hotel operator Marriott is now providing detailed information on the write-offs it has on loan guarantees it gives hotels. General Electric has decided to provide more detail on its revenues and operating profits for individual businesses it owns. IBM is attempting to provide a better breakdown of its earnings. At the same time, regulators are taking a tough stand on the issue of quality of earnings. For example, one regulator noted that companies may be required to restate their financials every single time that they account for any transaction that had no legitimate purpose but was done solely for an accounting purpose, such as to smooth net income.
TRIAL BALANCE
Skolnick Co. was organized on April 1, 2014. The company prepares quarterly financial statements. The adjusted trial balance amounts at June 30 are shown below.
(a) Determine the net income for the quarter April 1 to June 30.
(b) Determine the total assets and total liabilities at June 30, 2014, for Skolnick Co.
(c) Determine the balance in Retained Earnings at June 30, 2014.
Action Plan
- In an adjusted trial balance, all asset, liability, revenue, and expense accounts are properly stated.
- To determine the ending balance in Retained Earnings, add net income and subtract dividends.
Solution
Related exercise material: BE4-9, BE4-10, BE4-11, BE4-12, 4-3, E4-12, E4-13, E4-15, and E4-16.
Closing the Books
In previous chapters, you learned that revenue and expense accounts and the Dividends account are subdivisions of retained earnings, which is reported in the stockholders’ equity section of the balance sheet. Because revenues, expenses, and dividends relate only to a given accounting period, they are considered temporary accounts. In contrast, all balance sheet accounts are considered permanent accounts because their balances are carried forward into future accounting periods. Illustration 4-29 identifies the accounts in each category.
PREPARING CLOSING ENTRIES
Alternative Terminology Temporary accounts are sometimes called nominal accounts, and permanent accounts are sometimes called real accounts.
At the end of the accounting period, companies transfer the temporary account balances to the permanent stockholders’ equity account—Retained Earnings—through the preparation of closing entries. Closing entries transfer net income (or net loss) and dividends to Retained Earnings, so the balance in Retained Earnings agrees with the retained earnings statement. For example, in the adjusted trial balance in Illustration 4-24 (page 181), Retained Earnings has a balance of zero. Prior to the closing entries, the balance in Retained Earnings is its beginning-of-the-period balance. (For Sierra, this is zero because it is Sierra's first month of operations.)
In addition to updating Retained Earnings to its correct ending balance, closing entries produce a zero balance in each temporary account. As a result, these accounts are ready to accumulate data about revenues, expenses, and dividends that occur in the next accounting period. Permanent accounts are not closed.
When companies prepare closing entries, they could close each income statement account directly to Retained Earnings. However, to do so would result in excessive detail in the Retained Earnings account. Instead, companies close the revenue and expense accounts to another temporary account, Income Summary. The balance in Income Summary is the net income or loss for the year. Income Summary is then closed, which transfers the net income or net loss from this account to Retained Earnings. Illustration 4-30 depicts the closing process. While it still takes the average large company seven days to close, some companies such as Cisco employ technology that allows them to do a so-called “virtual close” almost instantaneously any time during the year. Besides dramatically reducing the cost of closing, the virtual close provides companies with accurate data for decision-making whenever they desire it.
Illustration 4-31 shows the closing entries for Sierra Corporation. Illustration 4-32 (page 190) diagrams the posting process for Sierra Corporation's closing entries.
PREPARING A POST-CLOSING TRIAL BALANCE
After a company journalizes and posts all closing entries, it prepares another trial balance, called a post-closing trial balance, from the ledger. A post-closing trial balance is a list of all permanent accounts and their balances after closing entries are journalized and posted. The purpose of this trial balance is to prove the equality of the total debit balances and total credit balances of the permanent account balances that the company carries forward into the next accounting period. Since all temporary accounts will have zero balances, the post-closing trial balance will contain only permanent—balance sheet—accounts.
Do it!
CLOSING ENTRIES
After making entries to close its revenue and expense accounts to Income Summary, Hancock Company has the following balances.
Prepare the remaining closing entries at December 31.
Action Plan
- Close Income Summary to Retained Earnings.
- Close Dividends to Retained Earnings.
Solution
Related exercise material: BE4-13, BE4-14, 4-4, E4-14, and E4-18.
SUMMARY OF THE ACCOUNTING CYCLE
Illustration 4-33 shows the required steps in the accounting cycle. You can see that the cycle begins with the analysis of business transactions and ends with the preparation of a post-closing trial balance. Companies perform the steps in the cycle in sequence and repeat them in each accounting period.
Steps 1–3 may occur daily during the accounting period, as explained in Chapter 3. Companies perform Steps 4–7 on a periodic basis, such as monthly, quarterly, or annually. Steps 8 and 9, closing entries and a post-closing trial balance, usually take place only at the end of a company's annual accounting period.
KEEPING AN EYE ON CASH
LEARNING OBJECTIVE 9
Understand the causes of differences between net income and net cash provided by operating activities.
In this chapter, you learned that adjusting entries are used to adjust numbers that would otherwise be stated on a cash basis. Sierra Corporation's income statement (Illustration 4-27, page 184) shows net income of $2,860. The statement of cash flows reports a form of cash-basis income referred to as “Net cash provided by operating activities.” For example, Illustration 1-8 (page 15), which shows a statement of cash flows, reports net cash provided by operating activities of $5,700 for Sierra. Net income and net cash provided by operating activities often differ. The difference for Sierra is $2,840 ($5,700 − $2,860). The following summary shows the causes of this difference of $2,840.
For each item included in the computation of net cash provided by operating activities, confirm that cash was either received or paid. For each item in the income statement, confirm that revenue should be recorded because a performance obligation has been satisfied (even when cash was not received) or that an expense was incurred (even when cash was not paid).
Summary of Learning Objectives
- Explain the revenue recognition principle and the expense recognition principle. The revenue recognition principle dictates that companies recognize revenue when a performance obligation has been satisfied. The expense recognition principle dictates that companies recognize expenses in the period when the company makes efforts to generate those revenues.
- Differentiate between the cash basis and the accrual basis of accounting. Under the cash basis, companies record events only in the periods in which the company receives or pays cash. Accrual-based accounting means that companies record, in the periods in which the events occur, events that change a company's financial statements even if cash has not been exchanged.
- Explain why adjusting entries are needed, and identify the major types of adjusting entries. Companies make adjusting entries at the end of an accounting period. These entries ensure that companies record revenues in the period in which the performance obligation is satisfied and that companies recognize expenses in the period in which they are incurred. The major types of adjusting entries are prepaid expenses, unearned revenues, accrued revenues, and accrued expenses.
- Prepare adjusting entries for deferrals. Deferrals are either prepaid expenses or unearned revenues. Companies make adjusting entries for deferrals at the statement date to record the portion of the deferred item that represents the expense incurred or the revenue for services performed in the current accounting period.
- Prepare adjusting entries for accruals. Accruals are either accrued revenues or accrued expenses. Adjusting entries for accruals record revenues for services performed and expenses incurred in the current accounting period that have not been recognized through daily entries.
- Describe the nature and purpose of the adjusted trial balance. An adjusted trial balance is a trial balance that shows the balances of all accounts, including those that have been adjusted, at the end of an accounting period. The purpose of an adjusted trial balance is to show the effects of all financial events that have occurred during the accounting period.
- Explain the purpose of closing entries. One purpose of closing entries is to transfer net income or net loss for the period to Retained Earnings. A second purpose is to “zero-out” all temporary accounts (revenue accounts, expense accounts, and Dividends) so that they start each new period with a zero balance. To accomplish this, companies “close” all temporary accounts at the end of an accounting period. They make separate entries to close revenues and expenses to Income Summary, Income Summary to Retained Earnings, and Dividends to Retained Earnings. Only temporary accounts are closed.
- Describe the required steps in the accounting cycle. The required steps in the accounting cycle are (a) analyze business transactions, (b) journalize the transactions, (c) post to ledger accounts, (d) prepare a trial balance, (e) journalize and post adjusting entries, (f) prepare an adjusted trial balance, (g) prepare financial statements, (h) journalize and post closing entries, and (i) prepare a post-closing trial balance.
- Understand the causes of differences between net income and net cash provided by operating activities. Net income is based on accrual accounting, which relies on the adjustment process. Net cash provided by operating activities is determined by adding cash received from operating the business and subtracting cash expended during operations.
DECISION TOOLKIT A SUMMARY
Appendix 4A
Adjusting Entries in an Automated World—Using a Worksheet
In the previous discussion, we used T-accounts and trial balances to arrive at the amounts used to prepare financial statements. Accountants frequently use a device known as a worksheet to determine these amounts. A worksheet is a multiple-column form that may be used in the adjustment process and in preparing financial statements. Accountants can prepare worksheets manually, but today most use computer spreadsheets.
As its name suggests, the worksheet is a working tool for the accountant. A worksheet is not a permanent accounting record; it is neither a journal nor a part of the general ledger. The worksheet is merely a supplemental device used to make it easier to prepare adjusting entries and the financial statements. Small companies with relatively few accounts and adjustments may not need a worksheet. In large companies with numerous accounts and many adjustments, a worksheet is almost indispensable.
Illustration 4A-1 (page 196) shows the basic form and procedures for preparing a worksheet. Note the headings: The worksheet starts with two columns for the Trial Balance. The next two columns record all Adjustments. Next is the Adjusted Trial Balance. The last two sets of columns correspond to the Income Statement and the Balance Sheet. All items listed in the Adjusted Trial Balance columns are included in either the Income Statement or the Balance Sheet columns.
Summary of Learning Objective for Appendix 4A
10. Describe the purpose and the basic form of a worksheet. The worksheet is a device to make it easier to prepare adjusting entries and the financial statements. Companies often prepare a worksheet using a computer spreadsheet. The sets of columns of the worksheet are, from left to right, the unadjusted trial balance, adjustments, adjusted trial balance, income statement, and balance sheet.
Glossary
Accrual-basis accounting (p. 166) Accounting basis in which companies record, in the periods in which the events occur, transactions that change a company's financial statements, even if cash was not exchanged.
Accrued expenses (p. 177) Expenses incurred but not yet paid in cash or recorded.
Accrued revenues (p. 175) Revenues for services performed but not yet received in cash or recorded.
Adjusted trial balance (p. 183) A list of accounts and their balances after all adjustments have been made.
Adjusting entries (p. 167) Entries made at the end of an accounting period to ensure that the revenue recognition and expense recognition principles are followed.
Book value (p. 172) The difference between the cost of a depreciable asset and its related accumulated depreciation.
Cash-basis accounting (p. 166) Accounting basis in which a company records revenue only when it receives cash and an expense only when it pays cash.
Closing entries (p. 188) Entries at the end of an accounting period to transfer the balances of temporary accounts to a permanent stockholders’ equity account, Retained Earnings.
Contra asset account (p. 171) An account that is offset against an asset account on the balance sheet.
Depreciation (p. 171) The process of allocating the cost of an asset to expense over its useful life.
Earnings management (p. 185) The planned timing of revenues, expenses, gains, and losses to smooth out bumps in net income.
Expense recognition principle (matching principle) (p. 165) The principle that matches expenses with revenues in the period when the company makes efforts to generate those revenues.
Fiscal year (p. 164, in margin) An accounting period that is one year long.
Income Summary (p. 188) A temporary account used in closing revenue and expense accounts.
Periodicity assumption (p. 164) An assumption that the economic life of a business can be divided into artificial time periods.
Permanent accounts (p. 188) Balance sheet accounts whose balances are carried forward to the next accounting period.
Post-closing trial balance (p. 189) A list of permanent accounts and their balances after a company has journalized and posted closing entries.
Prepaid expenses (prepayments) (p. 169) Expenses paid in cash before they are used or consumed.
Quality of earnings (p. 185) Indicates the level of full and transparent information that a company provides to users of its financial statements.
Revenue recognition principle (p. 164) The principle that companies recognize revenue in the accounting period in which the performance obligation is satisfied.
Reversing entry (p. 191, in margin) An entry made at the beginning of the next accounting period; the exact opposite of the adjusting entry made in the previous period.
Temporary accounts (p. 188) Revenue, expense, and dividend accounts whose balances a company transfers to Retained Earnings at the end of an accounting period.
Unearned revenues (p. 173) Cash received and a liability recorded before services are performed.
Useful life (p. 171) The length of service of a productive asset.
Worksheet (p. 195) A multiple-column form that companies may use in the adjustment process and in preparing financial statements.
Terry Thomas and a group of investors incorporate the Green Thumb Lawn Care Corporation on April 1. At April 30, the trial balance shows the following balances for selected accounts.
Analysis reveals the following additional data pertaining to these accounts.
- Prepaid insurance is the cost of a 2-year insurance policy, effective April 1.
- Depreciation on the equipment is $500 per month.
- The note payable is dated April 1. It is a 6-month, 6% note.
- Seven customers paid for the company's 6-month lawn service package of $600 beginning in April. These customers received the first month of services in April.
- Lawn services performed for other customers but not billed at April 30 totaled $1,500.
Instructions
Prepare the adjusting entries for the month of April. Show computations.
Action Plan
- Note that adjustments are being made for one month.
- Make computations carefully.
- Select account titles carefully.
- Make sure debits are made first and credits are indented.
- Check that debits equal credits for each entry.
Solution to Comprehensive
Self-Test, Brief Exercises, Exercises, Problem Set A, and many more resources are available for practice in WileyPLUS.
Note: All Questions, Exercises, and Problems marked with an asterisk relate to material in the appendix to the chapter.
Self-Test Questions
Answers are on page 225.
(LO 1)
1. What is the periodicity assumption?
(a) Companies should recognize revenue in the accounting period in which services are performed.
(b) Companies should match expenses with revenues.
(c) The economic life of a business can be divided into artificial time periods.
(d) The fiscal year should correspond with the calendar year.
(LO 1)
2. Which principle dictates that efforts (expenses) be recorded with accomplishments (revenues)?
(a) Expense recognition principle.
(b) Historical cost principle.
(c) Periodicity principle.
(d) Revenue recognition principle.
(LO 2)
3. 
Which one of these statements about the accrual basis of accounting is false?
(a) Companies record events that change their financial statements in the period in which events occur, even if cash was not exchanged.
(b) Companies recognize revenue in the period in which the performance obligation is satisfied.
(c) This basis is in accord with generally accepted accounting principles.
(d) Companies record revenue only when they receive cash, and record expense only when they pay out cash.
(LO 3)
4. Adjusting entries are made to ensure that:
(a) expenses are recognized in the period in which they are incurred.
(b) revenues are recorded in the period in which the performance obligation is satisfied.
(c) balance sheet and income statement accounts have correct balances at the end of an accounting period.
(d) All of the above.
(LO 4, 5)
5. Each of the following is a major type (or category) of adjusting entry except:
(a) prepaid expenses.
(b) accrued revenues.
(c) accrued expenses.
(d) unearned expenses.
(LO 4)
6. The trial balance shows Supplies $1,350 and Supplies Expense $0. If $600 of supplies are on hand at the end of the period, the adjusting entry is:
(LO 4)
7. Adjustments for unearned revenues:
(a) decrease liabilities and increase revenues.
(b) increase liabilities and increase revenues.
(c) increase assets and increase revenues.
(d) decrease revenues and decrease assets.
(LO 4)
8. Adjustments for prepaid expenses:
(a) decrease assets and increase revenues.
(b) decrease expenses and increase assets.
(c) decrease assets and increase expenses.
(d) decrease revenues and increase assets.
(LO 4)
9. Queenan Company computes depreciation on delivery equipment at $1,000 for the month of June. The adjusting entry to record this depreciation is as follows:
(LO 5)
10. Adjustments for accrued revenues:
(a) increase assets and increase liabilities.
(b) increase assets and increase revenues.
(c) decrease assets and decrease revenues.
(d) decrease liabilities and increase revenues.
(LO 5)
11. Colleen Mooney earned a salary of $400 for the last week of September. She will be paid on October 1. The adjusting entry for Colleen's employer at September 30 is:
(LO 6)
12. Which statement is incorrect concerning the adjusted trial balance?
(a) An adjusted trial balance proves the equality of the total debit balances and the total credit balances in the ledger after all adjustments are made.
(b) The adjusted trial balance provides the primary basis for the preparation of financial statements.
(c) The adjusted trial balance does not list temporary accounts.
(d) The company prepares the adjusted trial balance after it has journalized and posted the adjusting entries.
(LO 7)
13. Which account will have a zero balance after a company has journalized and posted closing entries?
(a) Service Revenue.
(b) Supplies.
(c) Prepaid Insurance.
(d) Accumulated Depreciation.
(LO 7)
14. Which types of accounts will appear in the post-closing trial balance?
(a) Permanent accounts.
(b) Temporary accounts.
(c) Expense accounts.
(d) None of the above.
(LO 8)
15. All of the following are required steps in the accounting cycle except:
(a) journalizing and posting closing entries.
(b) preparing an adjusted trial balance.
(c) preparing a post-closing trial balance.
(d) reversing entries.
Go to the book's companion website, www.wiley.com/college/kimmel, to access additional Self-Test Questions.
Questions
1.
(a) How does the periodicity assumption affect an accountant's analysis of accounting transactions?
(b) Explain the term fiscal year.
2. Identify and state two generally accepted accounting principles that relate to adjusting the accounts.
3. Sam Milner, a lawyer, accepts a legal engagement in March, performs the work in April, and is paid in May. If Milner's law firm prepares monthly financial statements, when should it recognize revenue from this engagement? Why?
4. In completing the engagement in Question 3, Milner pays no costs in March, $2,500 in April, and $2,200 in May (incurred in April). How much expense should the firm deduct from revenues in the month when it recognizes the revenue? Why?
5. “The historical cost principle of accounting requires adjusting entries.” Do you agree? Explain.
6. Why may the financial information in an unadjusted trial balance not be up-to-date and complete?
7. Distinguish between the two categories of adjusting entries, and identify the types of adjustments applicable to each category.
8. What types of accounts does a company debit and credit in a prepaid expense adjusting entry?
9. “Depreciation is a process of valuation that results in the reporting of the fair value of the asset.” Do you agree? Explain.
10. Explain the differences between depreciation expense and accumulated depreciation.
11. Remington Company purchased equipment for $15,000. By the current balance sheet date, the company had depreciated $7,000. Indicate the balance sheet presentation of the data.
12. What types of accounts are debited and credited in an unearned revenue adjusting entry?
13. Ace Technologies provides maintenance service for computers and office equipment for companies throughout the Northeast. The sales manager is elated because she closed a $300,000, three-year maintenance contract on December 29, 2013, two days before the company's year-end. “Now we will hit this year's net income target for sure,” she crowed. The customer is required to pay $100,000 on December 29 (the day the deal was closed). Two more payments of $100,000 each are also required on December 29, 2014 and 2015. Discuss the effect that this event will have on the company's financial statements.
14. ValuMart, a large national retail chain, is nearing its fiscal year-end. It appears that the company is not going to hit its revenue and net income targets. The company's marketing manager, Steve Edmiston, suggests running a promotion selling $50 gift cards for $45. He believes that this would be very popular and would enable the company to meet its targets for revenue and net income. What do you think of this idea?
15. A company fails to recognize revenue for services performed but not yet received. Which of the following types of accounts are involved in the adjusting entry: (a) asset, (b) liability, (c) revenue, or (d) expense? For the accounts selected, indicate whether they would be debited or credited in the entry.
16. A company fails to recognize an expense incurred but not paid. Indicate which of the following types of accounts is debited and which is credited in the adjusting entry: (a) asset, (b) liability, (c) revenue, or (d) expense.
17. A company makes an accrued revenue adjusting entry for $780 and an accrued expense adjusting entry for $510. How much was net income understated or overstated prior to these entries? Explain.
18. On January 9, a company pays $6,200 for salaries, of which $1,100 was reported as Salaries and Wages Payable on December 31. Give the entry to record the payment.
19. For each of the following items before adjustment, indicate the type of adjusting entry—prepaid expense, unearned revenue, accrued revenue, and accrued expense—that is needed to correct the misstatement. If an item could result in more than one type of adjusting entry, indicate each of the types.
(a) Assets are understated.
(b) Liabilities are overstated.
(c) Liabilities are understated.
(d) Expenses are understated.
(e) Assets are overstated.
(f) Revenue is understated.
20. One-half of the adjusting entry is given below. Indicate the account title for the other half of the entry.
(a) Salaries and Wages Expense is debited.
(b) Depreciation Expense is debited.
(c) Interest Payable is credited.
(d) Supplies is credited.
(e) Accounts Receivable is debited.
(f) Unearned Service Revenue is debited.
21. “An adjusting entry may affect more than one balance sheet or income statement account.” Do you agree? Why or why not?
22. 
Which balance sheet account provides evidence that Tootsie Roll records sales on an accrual basis rather than a cash basis? Explain.
23. Why is it possible to prepare financial statements directly from an adjusted trial balance?
24.
(a) What information do accrual-basis financial statements provide that cash-basis statements do not?
(b) What information do cash-basis financial statements provide that accrual-basis statements do not?
25. What is the relationship, if any, between the amount shown in the adjusted trial balance column for an account and that account's ledger balance?
26. Identify the account(s) debited and credited in each of the four closing entries, assuming the company has net income for the year.
27. 
Some companies employ technologies that allow them to do a so-called “virtual close.” This enables them to close their books nearly instantaneously any time during the year. What advantages does a “virtual close” provide?
28. Describe the nature of the Income Summary account, and identify the types of summary data that may be posted to this account.
29. What items are disclosed on a post-closing trial balance, and what is its purpose?
30. Which of these accounts would not appear in the post-closing trial balance? Interest Payable, Equipment, Depreciation Expense, Dividends, Unearned Service Revenue, Accumulated Depreciation—Equipment, and Service Revenue.
31. Indicate, in the sequence in which they are made, the three required steps in the accounting cycle that involve journalizing.
32. Identify, in the sequence in which they are prepared, the three trial balances that are required in the accounting cycle.
33. Explain the terms earnings management and quality of earnings.
34. Give examples of how companies manage earnings.
*35. What is the purpose of a worksheet?
*36. What is the basic form of a worksheet?
Brief Exercises
Identify impact of transactions on cash and net income.
(LO 2, 9), C
BE4-1 Transactions that affect earnings do not necessarily affect cash. Identify the effect, if any, that each of the following transactions would have upon cash and net income. The first transaction has been completed as an example.
Indicate why adjusting entries are needed.
(LO 3), C
BE4-2 The ledger of Berkman Company includes the following accounts. Explain why each account may require adjustment.
(a) Prepaid Insurance.
(b) Depreciation Expense.
(c) Unearned Service Revenue.
(d) Interest Payable.
Identify the major types of adjusting entries.
(LO 3), AN
BE4-3 Molina Company accumulates the following adjustment data at December 31. Indicate (1) the type of adjustment (prepaid expense, accrued revenue, and so on) and (2) the status of the accounts before adjustment (overstated or understated).
(a) Supplies of $400 are on hand. Supplies account shows $1,600 balance.
(b) Services performed but unbilled total $700.
(c) Interest of $300 has accumulated on a note payable.
(d) Rent collected in advance totaling $1,100 has been earned.
Prepare adjusting entry for supplies.
(LO 4), AP
BE4-4 Foley Advertising Company's trial balance at December 31 shows Supplies $8,800 and Supplies Expense $0. On December 31, there are $1,100 of supplies on hand. Prepare the adjusting entry at December 31 and, using T-accounts, enter the balances in the accounts, post the adjusting entry, and indicate the adjusted balance in each account.
Prepare adjusting entry for depreciation.
(LO 4), AP
BE4-5 At the end of its first year, the trial balance of Boyer Company shows Equipment $22,000 and zero balances in Accumulated Depreciation—Equipment and Depreciation Expense. Depreciation for the year is estimated to be $2,750. Prepare the adjusting entry for depreciation at December 31, post the adjustments to T-accounts, and indicate the balance sheet presentation of the equipment at December 31.
Prepare adjusting entry for prepaid expense.
(LO 4), AP
BE4-6 On July 1, 2014, Seng Co. pays $12,400 to Nance Insurance Co. for a 2-year insurance contract. Both companies have fiscal years ending December 31. For Seng Co., journalize and post the entry on July 1 and the adjusting entry on December 31.
Prepare adjusting entry for unearned revenue.
(LO 4), AP
BE4-7 Using the data in BE4-6, journalize and post the entry on July 1 and the adjusting entry on December 31 for Nance Insurance Co. Nance uses the accounts Unearned Service Revenue and Service Revenue.
Prepare adjusting entries for accruals.
(LO 5), AP
BE4-8 The bookkeeper for Beltran Company asks you to prepare the following accrual adjusting entries at December 31. Use these account titles: Service Revenue, Accounts Receivable, Interest Expense, Interest Payable, Salaries and Wages Expense, and Salaries and Wages Payable.
(a) Interest on notes payable of $300 is accrued.
(b) Services performed but unbilled totals $1,700.
(c) Salaries of $780 earned by employees have not been recorded.
Analyze accounts in an adjusted trial balance.
(LO 6), AN
BE4-9 The trial balance of Goodwin Company includes the following balance sheet accounts. Identify the accounts that might require adjustment. For each account that requires adjustment, indicate (1) the type of adjusting entry (prepaid expenses, unearned revenues, accrued revenues, and accrued expenses) and (2) the related account in the adjusting entry.
(a) Accounts Receivable.
(b) Prepaid Insurance.
(c) Equipment.
(d) Accumulated Depreciation—Equipment.
(e) Notes Payable.
(f) Interest Payable.
(g) Unearned Service Revenue.
Prepare an income statement from an adjusted trial balance.
(LO 6), AP
BE4-10 The adjusted trial balance of Ravine Corporation at December 31, 2014, includes the following accounts: Retained Earnings $17,200; Dividends $6,000; Service Revenue $32,000; Salaries and Wages Expense $14,000; Insurance Expense $1,800; Rent Expense $3,900; Supplies Expense $1,500; and Depreciation Expense $1,000. Prepare an income statement for the year.
Prepare a retained earnings statement from an adjusted trial balance.
(LO 6), AP
BE4-11 Partial adjusted trial balance data for Ravine Corporation are presented in BE4-10. The balance in Retained Earnings is the balance as of January 1. Prepare a retained earnings statement for the year assuming net income is $10,400.
Identify financial statement for selected accounts.
(LO 6), K
BE4-12 The following selected accounts appear in the adjusted trial balance for Baden Company. Indicate the financial statement on which each account would be reported.
(a) Accumulated Depreciation.
(b) Depreciation Expense.
(c) Retained Earnings (beginning).
(d) Dividends.
(e) Service Revenue.
(f) Supplies.
(g) Accounts Payable.
Identify post-closing trial balance accounts.
(LO 7), K
BE4-13 Using the data in BE4-12, identify the accounts that would be included in a post-closing trial balance.
Prepare and post closing entries.
(LO 7), AP
BE4-14 The income statement for the Four Oaks Golf Club Inc. for the month ended July 31 shows Service Revenue $16,000; Salaries and Wages Expense $8,400; Maintenance and Repairs Expense $2,500; and Income Tax Expense $1,000. The statement of retained earnings shows an opening balance for Retained Earnings of $20,000 and Dividends $1,300.
(a) Prepare closing journal entries.
(b) What is the ending balance in Retained Earnings?
BE4-15 The required steps in the accounting cycle are listed in random order below. List the steps in proper sequence.
(a) Prepare a post-closing trial balance.
(b) Prepare an adjusted trial balance.
(c) Analyze business transactions.
(d) Prepare a trial balance.
(e) Journalize the transactions.
(f) Journalize and post closing entries.
(g) Prepare financial statements.
(h) Journalize and post adjusting entries.
(i) Post to ledger accounts.
Do it! Review
Prepare adjusting entries for deferrals.
(LO 4), AP
4-1 The ledger of Columbia, Inc. on March 31, 2014, includes the following selected accounts before adjusting entries.
An analysis of the accounts shows the following.
- Insurance expires at the rate of $300 per month.
- Supplies on hand total $900.
- The equipment depreciates $200 per month.
- During March, services were performed for two-fifths of the unearned service revenue.
Prepare the adjusting entries for the month of March.
Prepare adjusting entries for accruals.
(LO 5), AP
4-2 Kathy Gannon is the new owner of Kathy's Computer Services. At the end of July 2014, her first month of ownership, Kathy is trying to prepare monthly financial statements. She has the following information for the month.
- At July 31, Kathy owed employees $1,100 in salaries that the company will pay in August.
- On July 1, Kathy borrowed $20,000 from a local bank on a 10-year note. The annual interest rate is 9%.
- Service revenue unrecorded in July totaled $1,600.
Prepare the adjusting entries needed at July 31, 2014.
Prepare financial statements from adjusted trial balance.
(LO 6), C
4-3 Indicate in which financial statement each of the following adjusted trial balance accounts would be presented.
Prepare closing entries.
(LO 7), AP
4-4 After closing revenues and expense, Alomar Company shows the following account balances.
Prepare the remaining closing entries at December 31.
Exercises
E4-1 The following independent situations require professional judgment for determining when to recognize revenue from the transactions.
(a) Southwest Airlines sells you an advance-purchase airline ticket in September for your flight home at Christmas.
(b) Ultimate Electronics sells you a home theater on a “no money down and full payment in three months” promotional deal.
(c) The Toronto Blue Jays sell season tickets online to games in the Skydome. Fans can purchase the tickets at any time, although the season doesn't officially begin until April. The major league baseball season runs from April through October.
(d) You borrow money in August from RBC Financial Group. The loan and the interest are repayable in full in November.
(e) In August, you order a sweater from Sears using its online catalog. The sweater arrives in September, which you charged to your Sears credit card. You receive and pay the Sears bill in October.
Instructions
Identify when revenue should be recognized in each of the above situations.
Identify accounting assumptions, principles, and constraint.
(LO 1), K
E4-2 These accounting concepts were discussed in this and previous chapters.
- Economic entity assumption.
- Expense recognition principle.
- Monetary unit assumption.
- Periodicity assumption.
- Historical cost principle.
- Materiality.
- Full disclosure principle.
- Going concern assumption.
- Revenue recognition principle.
- Cost constraint.
Instructions
Identify by number the accounting concept that describes each situation below. Do not use a number more than once.
| _____ (a) | Is the rationale for why plant assets are not reported at liquidation value. (Do not use the historical cost principle.) |
| _____ (b) | Indicates that personal and business record-keeping should be separately maintained. |
| _____ (c) | Ensures that all relevant financial information is reported. |
| _____ (d) | Assumes that the dollar is the “measuring stick” used to report on financial performance. |
| _____ (e) | Requires that accounting standards be followed for all items of significant size. |
| _____ (f) | Separates financial information into time periods for reporting purposes. |
| _____ (g) | Requires recognition of expenses in the same period as related revenues. |
| _____ (h) | Indicates that fair value changes subsequent to purchase are not recorded in the accounts. |
Identify the violated assumption, principle, or constraint.
(LO 1), C
E4-3 Here are some accounting reporting situations.
(a) Bonilla Company recognizes revenue at the end of the production cycle but before sale. The price of the product, as well as the amount that can be sold, is not certain.
(b) Barto Company is in its fifth year of operation and has yet to issue financial statements. (Do not use the full disclosure principle.)
(c) Lopez, Inc. is carrying inventory at its original cost of $100,000. Inventory has a fair value of $110,000.
(d) Ryno Hospital Supply Corporation reports only current assets and current liabilities on its balance sheet. Equipment and bonds payable are reported as current assets and current liabilities, respectively. Liquidation of the company is unlikely.
(e) Liu Company has inventory on hand that cost $400,000. Liu reports inventory on its balance sheet at its current fair value of $425,000.
(f) Sara Toney, president of Classic Music Company, bought a computer for her personal use. She paid for the computer by using company funds and debited the “Computers” account.
Instructions
For each situation, list the assumption, principle, or constraint that has been violated, if any. (Some were presented in earlier chapters.) List only one answer for each situation.
Convert earnings from cash to accrual basis.
(LO 2, 4, 5, 9), AP
E4-4 Your examination of the records of a company that follows the cash basis of accounting tells you that the company's reported cash-basis earnings in 2014 are $33,640. If this firm had followed accrual-basis accounting practices, it would have reported the following year-end balances.
Instructions
Determine the company's net earnings on an accrual basis for 2014. Show all your calculations in an orderly fashion.
Determine cash-basis and accrual-basis earnings.
(LO 2, 9), AP
E4-5 In its first year of operations, Ramirez Company recognized $28,000 in service revenue, $6,000 of which was on account and still outstanding at year-end. The remaining $22,000 was received in cash from customers.
The company incurred operating expenses of $15,800. Of these expenses, $12,000 were paid in cash; $3,800 was still owed on account at year-end. In addition, Ramirez prepaid $2,400 for insurance coverage that would not be used until the second year of operations.
Instructions
(a) Calculate the first year's net earnings under the cash basis of accounting, and calculate the first year's net earnings under the accrual basis of accounting.
(b) Which basis of accounting (cash or accrual) provides more useful information for decision-makers?
Convert earnings from cash to accrual basis; prepare accrual-based financial statements.
(LO 2, 4, 5, 9), AP
E4-6 Kaffen Company, a ski tuning and repair shop, opened on November 1, 2013. The company carefully kept track of all its cash receipts and cash payments. The following information is available at the end of the ski season, April 30, 2014.
The repair shop equipment was purchased on November 1 and has an estimated useful life of 4 years. The company rents space at a cost of $175 per month on a one-year lease. The lease contract requires payment of the first and last months’ rent in advance, which was done. The part-time helper is owed $420 at April 30, 2014, for unpaid wages. At April 30, 2014, customers owe Kaffen Company $540 for services they have received but have not yet paid for.
Instructions
(a) Prepare an accrual-basis income statement for the 6 months ended April 30, 2014.
(b) Prepare the April 30, 2014, classified balance sheet.
Identify differences between cash and accrual accounting.
(LO 2, 3, 9), C
E4-7 VidGam, a consulting firm, has just completed its first year of operations. The company's sales growth was explosive. To encourage clients to hire its services, VidGam offered 180-day financing—meaning its largest customers do not pay for nearly 6 months. Because VidGam is a new company, its equipment suppliers insist on being paid cash on delivery. Also, it had to pay up front for 2 years of insurance. At the end of the year, VidGam owed employees for one full month of salaries, but due to a cash shortfall, it promised to pay them the first week of next year.
Instructions 
(a) Explain how cash and accrual accounting would differ for each of the events listed above and describe the proper accrual accounting.
(b) Assume that at the end of the year, VidGam reported a favorable net income, yet the company's management is concerned because the company is very short of cash. Explain how VidGam could have positive net income and yet run out of cash.
Identify types of adjustments and accounts before adjustment.
(LO 3, 4, 5), AN
E4-8 Kwun Company accumulates the following adjustment data at December 31.
(a) Services performed but unbilled totals $600.
(b) Store supplies of $160 are on hand. The supplies account shows a $1,900 balance.
(c) Utility expenses of $275 are unpaid.
(d) Services performed of $490 collected in advance.
(e) Salaries of $620 are unpaid.
(f) Prepaid insurance totaling $400 has expired.
Instructions
For each item, indicate (1) the type of adjustment (prepaid expense, unearned revenue, accrued revenue, or accrued expense) and (2) the status of the accounts before adjustment (overstated or understated).
Prepare adjusting entries from selected account data.
(LO 4, 5), AP
E4-9 The ledger of Beckett Rental Agency on March 31 of the current year includes the selected accounts below before adjusting entries have been prepared.
An analysis of the accounts shows the following.
- The equipment depreciates $280 per month.
- Half of the unearned rent revenue was earned during the quarter.
- Interest of $400 is accrued on the notes payable.
- Supplies on hand total $850.
- Insurance expires at the rate of $400 per month.
Instructions
Prepare the adjusting entries at March 31, assuming that adjusting entries are made quarterly. Additional accounts are Depreciation Expense, Insurance Expense, Interest Payable, and Supplies Expense.
Prepare adjusting entries.
(LO 4, 5), AP
E4-10 Jim Haught, D.D.S., opened an incorporated dental practice on January 1, 2014. During the first month of operations, the following transactions occurred.
- Performed services for patients who had dental plan insurance. At January 31, $760 of such services was completed but not yet billed to the insurance companies.
- Utility expenses incurred but not paid prior to January 31 totaled $450.
- Purchased dental equipment on January 1 for $80,000, paying $20,000 in cash and signing a $60,000, 3-year note payable (interest is paid each December 31). The equipment depreciates $400 per month. Interest is $500 per month.
- Purchased a 1-year malpractice insurance policy on January 1 for $24,000.
- Purchased $1,750 of dental supplies (recorded as increase to Supplies). On January 31, determined that $550 of supplies were on hand.
Instructions
Prepare the adjusting entries on January 31. Account titles are Accumulated Depreciation—Equipment, Depreciation Expense, Service Revenue, Accounts Receivable, Insurance Expense, Interest Expense, Interest Payable, Prepaid Insurance, Supplies, Supplies Expense, Utilities Expense, and Accounts Payable.
Prepare adjusting entries.
(LO 4, 5), AP
E4-11 The unadjusted trial balance for Sierra Corp. is shown in Illustration 4-4 (page 168). Instead of the adjusting entries shown in the text at October 31, assume the following adjustment data.
- Supplies on hand at October 31 total $500.
- Expired insurance for the month is $100.
- Depreciation for the month is $75.
- As of October 31, services worth $800 related to the previously recorded unearned revenue had been performed.
- Services performed but unbilled (and no receivable has been recorded) at October 31 are $280.
- Interest expense accrued at October 31 is $70.
- Accrued salaries at October 31 are $1,400.
Instructions
Prepare the adjusting entries for the items above.
Prepare a correct income statement.
(LO 1, 4, 5, 6), AP
E4-12 The income statement of Garska Co. for the month of July shows net income of $2,000 based on Service Revenue $5,500; Salaries and Wages Expense $2,100; Supplies Expense $900; and Utilities Expense $500. In reviewing the statement, you discover the following:
- Insurance expired during July of $350 was omitted.
- Supplies expense includes $200 of supplies that are still on hand at July 31.
- Depreciation on equipment of $150 was omitted.
- Accrued but unpaid wages at July 31 of $360 were not included.
- Services performed but unrecorded totaled $700.
Instructions
Prepare a correct income statement for July 2014.
Analyze adjusted data.
(LO 1, 4, 5, 6), AN
E4-13 This is a partial adjusted trial balance of Barone Company.
Instructions
Answer these questions, assuming the year begins January 1.
(a) If the amount in Supplies Expense is the January 31 adjusting entry, and $300 of supplies was purchased in January, what was the balance in Supplies on January 1?
(b) If the amount in Insurance Expense is the January 31 adjusting entry, and the original insurance premium was for 1 year, what was the total premium and when was the policy purchased?
(c) If $2,500 of salaries was paid in January, what was the balance in Salaries and Wages Payable at December 31, 2013?
(d) If $1,800 was received in January for services performed in January, what was the balance in Unearned Service Revenue at December 31, 2013?
E4-14 A partial adjusted trial balance for Barone Company is given in E4-13.
Instructions
Prepare the closing entries at January 31, 2014.
Journalize basic transactions and adjusting entries.
(LO 4, 5, 6), AN
E4-15 Selected accounts of Castle Company are shown here.
Instructions
After analyzing the accounts, journalize (a) the July transactions and (b) the adjusting entries that were made on July 31. (Hint: July transactions were for cash.)
Prepare adjusting entries from analysis of trial balance.
(LO 4, 5, 6), AP
E4-16 The trial balances shown below are before and after adjustment for Bere Company at the end of its fiscal year.
Instructions
Prepare the adjusting entries that were made.
Prepare financial statements from adjusted trial balance.
(LO 6), AP
E4-17 The adjusted trial balance for Bere Company is given in E4-16.
Instructions
Prepare the income and retained earnings statements for the year and the classified balance sheet at August 31.
Prepare closing entries.
(LO 7), AP
E4-18 The adjusted trial balance for Bere Company is given in E4-16.
Instructions
Prepare the closing entries for the temporary accounts at August 31.
Exercises: Set B and Challenge Exercises
Visit the book's companion website, at www.wiley.com/college/kimmel, and choose the Student Companion site to access Exercise Set B and Challenge Exercises.
Problems: Set A
Record transactions on accrual basis; convert revenue to cash receipts.
(LO 2, 4, 9), AP
P4-1A The following selected data are taken from the comparative financial statements of American Curling Club. The club prepares its financial statements using the accrual basis of accounting.
Dues are billed to members based upon their use of the club's facilities. Unearned sales revenues arise from the sale of tickets to events, such as the Skins Game.
Instructions
(Hint: You will find it helpful to use T-accounts to analyze the following data. You must analyze these data sequentially, as missing information must first be deduced before moving on. Post your journal entries as you progress, rather than waiting until the end.)
(a) Prepare journal entries for each of the following events that took place during 2014.
- Dues receivable from members from 2013 were all collected during 2014.
- During 2014, goods were provided for all of the unearned sales revenue at the end of 2013.
- Additional tickets were sold for $44,000 cash during 2014; a portion of these were used by the purchasers during the year. The entire balance remaining in Unearned Sales Revenue relates to the upcoming Skins Game in 2014.
- Dues for the 2013–2014 fiscal year were billed to members.
- Dues receivable for 2014 (i.e., those billed in item (4) above) were partially collected.
(b) Determine the amount of cash received by American from the above transactions during the year ended September 30, 2014.
Prepare adjusting entries, post to ledger accounts, and prepare adjusted trial balance.
(LO 4, 5, 6), AP
P4-2A Ken Lumas started his own consulting firm, Lumas Consulting, on June 1, 2014. The trial balance at June 30 is as follows.
In addition to those accounts listed on the trial balance, the chart of accounts for Lumas also contains the following accounts: Accumulated Depreciation—Equipment, Salaries and Wages Payable, Depreciation Expense, Insurance Expense, Utilities Expense, and Supplies Expense.
Other data:
- Supplies on hand at June 30 total $720.
- A utility bill for $180 has not been recorded and will not be paid until next month.
- The insurance policy is for a year.
- Services were performed for $4,100 of unearned service revenue by the end of the month.
- Salaries of $1,250 are accrued at June 30.
- The equipment has a 5-year life with no salvage value and is being depreciated at $250 per month for 60 months.
- Invoices representing $3,900 of services performed during the month have not been recorded as of June 30.
Instructions
(a) Prepare the adjusting entries for the month of June.
(b) Post the adjusting entries to the ledger accounts. Enter the totals from the trial balance as beginning account balances. (Use T-accounts.)
(c) Prepare an adjusted trial balance at June 30, 2014.
Prepare adjusting entries, adjusted trial balance, and financial statements.
(LO 4, 5, 6, 7), AP
P4-3A The Solo Hotel opened for business on May 1, 2014. Here is its trial balance before adjustment on May 31.
- Insurance expires at the rate of $450 per month.
- A count of supplies shows $1,050 of unused supplies on May 31.
- Annual depreciation is $3,600 on the building and $3,000 on equipment.
- The mortgage interest rate is 6%. (The mortgage was taken out on May 1.)
- Unearned rent of $2,500 has been earned.
- Salaries of $900 are accrued and unpaid at May 31.
Instructions
(a) Journalize the adjusting entries on May 31.
(b) Prepare a ledger using T-accounts. Enter the trial balance amounts and post the adjusting entries.
(c) Prepare an adjusted trial balance on May 31.
(d) Prepare an income statement and a retained earnings statement for the month of May and a classified balance sheet at May 31.
(e) Identify which accounts should be closed on May 31.
Prepare adjusting entries and financial statements; identify accounts to be closed.
(LO 4, 5, 6, 7), AP
P4-4A Wolf Creek Golf Inc. was organized on July 1, 2014. Quarterly financial statements are prepared. The trial balance and adjusted trial balance on September 30 are shown here.
Instructions
(a) Journalize the adjusting entries that were made.
(b) Prepare an income statement and a retained earnings statement for the 3 months ending September 30 and a classified balance sheet at September 30.
(c) Identify which accounts should be closed on September 30.
(d) If the note bears interest at 12%, how many months has it been outstanding?
Prepare adjusting entries.
(LO 4, 5), AP
P4-5A A review of the ledger of Dempsey Company at December 31, 2014, produces these data pertaining to the preparation of annual adjusting entries.
- Prepaid Insurance $15,200. The company has separate insurance policies on its buildings and its motor vehicles. Policy B4564 on the building was purchased on July 1, 2013, for $9,600. The policy has a term of 3 years. Policy A2958 on the vehicles was purchased on January 1, 2014, for $7,200. This policy has a term of 18 months.
- Unearned Rent Revenue $429,000. The company began subleasing office space in its new building on November 1. At December 31, the company had the following rental contracts that are paid in full for the entire term of the lease.
- Notes Payable $40,000. This balance consists of a note for 6 months at an annual interest rate of 7%, dated October 1.
- Salaries and Wages Payable $0. There are eight salaried employees. Salaries are paid every Friday for the current week. Five employees receive a salary of $600 each per week, and three employees earn $700 each per week. Assume December 31 is a Wednesday. Employees do not work weekends. All employees worked the last 3 days of December.
Instructions
Prepare the adjusting entries at December 31, 2014.
Prepare adjusting entries and a corrected income statement.
(LO 4, 5), AN
P4-6A Astromech Travel Court was organized on July 1, 2013, by Jessica Browning. Jessica is a good manager but a poor accountant. From the trial balance prepared by a part-time bookkeeper, Jessica prepared the following income statement for her fourth quarter, which ended June 30, 2014.
Jessica suspected that something was wrong with the statement because net income had never exceeded $30,000 in any one quarter. Knowing that you are an experienced accountant, she asks you to review the income statement and other data.
You first look at the trial balance. In addition to the account balances reported above in the income statement, the trial balance contains the following additional selected balances at June 30, 2014.
You then make inquiries and discover the following.
- Travel court rental revenues include advanced rental payments received for summer occupancy, in the amount of $57,000.
- There were $1,800 of supplies on hand at June 30.
- Prepaid insurance resulted from the payment of a one-year policy on April 1, 2014.
- The mail in July 2014 brought the following bills: advertising for the week of June 24, $110; repairs made June 18, $4,450; and utilities for the month of June, $215.
- There are three employees who receive wages that total $300 per day. At June 30, four days’ wages have been incurred but not paid.
- The note payable is a 6% note dated May 1, 2014, and due on July 31, 2014.
- Income tax of $13,400 for the quarter is due in July but has not yet been recorded.
Instructions
(a) Prepare any adjusting journal entries required at June 30, 2014.
(b) Prepare a correct income statement for the quarter ended June 30, 2014.
(c) Explain to Jessica the generally accepted accounting principles that she did not recognize in preparing her income statement and their effect on her results.
Journalize transactions and follow through accounting cycle to preparation of financial statements.
(LO 4, 5, 6), AP
P4-7A On November 1, 2014, the following were the account balances of Rijo Equipment Repair.
During November, the following summary transactions were completed.
| Nov. 8 | Paid $1,220 for salaries due employees, of which $600 is for November and $620 is for October salaries payable. |
| 10 | Received $1,800 cash from customers in payment of account. |
| 12 | Received $3,700 cash for services performed in November. |
| 15 | Purchased store equipment on account $3,600. |
| 17 | Purchased supplies on account $1,300. |
| 20 | Paid creditors $2,500 of accounts payable due. |
| 22 | Paid November rent $480. |
| 25 | Paid salaries $1,000. |
| 27 | Performed services on account worth $900 and billed customers. |
| 29 | Received $750 from customers for services to be provided in the future. |
Adjustment data:
- Supplies on hand are valued at $1,100.
- Accrued salaries payable are $480.
- Depreciation for the month is $250.
- Services were performed to satisfy $500 of unearned service revenue.
Instructions
(a) Enter the November 1 balances in the ledger accounts. (Use T-accounts.)
(b) Journalize the November transactions.
(c) Post to the ledger accounts. Use Service Revenue, Depreciation Expense, Supplies Expense, Salaries and Wages Expense, and Rent Expense.
(d) Prepare a trial balance at November 30.
(e) Journalize and post adjusting entries.
(f) Prepare an adjusted trial balance.
(g) Prepare an income statement and a retained earnings statement for November and a classified balance sheet at November 30.
Complete all steps in accounting cycle.
(LO 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), AP
P4-8A Mike Greenberg opened Clean Window Washing Inc. on July 1, 2014. During July, the following transactions were completed.
The chart of accounts for Clean Window Washing contains the following accounts: Cash, Accounts Receivable, Supplies, Prepaid Insurance, Equipment, Accumulated Depreciation—Equipment, Accounts Payable, Salaries and Wages Payable, Common Stock, Retained Earnings, Dividends, Income Summary, Service Revenue, Maintenance and Repairs Expense, Supplies Expense, Depreciation Expense, Insurance Expense, Salaries and Wages Expense.
Instructions
(a) Journalize the July transactions.
(b) Post to the ledger accounts. (Use T-accounts.)
(c) Prepare a trial balance at July 31.
(d) Journalize the following adjustments.
(1) Services performed but unbilled and uncollected at July 31 were $1,700.
(2) Depreciation on equipment for the month was $180.
(3) One-twelfth of the insurance expired.
(4) An inventory count shows $320 of cleaning supplies on hand at July 31.
(5) Accrued but unpaid employee salaries were $400.
(e) Post adjusting entries to the T-accounts.
(f) Prepare an adjusted trial balance.
(g) Prepare the income statement and a retained earnings statement for July and a classified balance sheet at July 31.
(h) Journalize and post closing entries and complete the closing process.
(i) Prepare a post-closing trial balance at July 31.
Problems: Set B
Record transactions on accrual basis; convert revenue to cash receipts.
(LO 2, 4, 9), AP
P4-1B The following data are taken from the comparative balance sheets of Golfview Inn, which prepares its financial statements using the accrual basis of accounting.
Fees are billed to members based upon their use of the club's facilities. Unearned service revenues arise from the sale of gift certificates, which members can apply to their future use of club facilities. The 2014 income statement for the club showed that service revenue of $190,000 was recognized during the year.
Instructions
(Hint: You will find it helpful to use T-accounts to analyze these data.)
(a) Prepare journal entries for each of the following events that took place during 2014.
- Fees receivable from 2013 were all collected during 2014.
- Gift certificates outstanding at the end of 2013 were all redeemed during 2014.
- An additional $40,000 worth of gift certificates were sold during 2014; a portion of these were used by the recipients during the year; the remainder were still outstanding at the end of 2014.
- Fees for 2014 were billed to members.
- Fees receivable for 2014 (i.e., those billed in item (4) above) were partially collected.
(b) Determine the amount of cash received by the club with respect to fees during 2014.
Prepare adjusting entries, post to ledger accounts, and prepare an adjusted trial balance.
(LO 4, 5, 6), AP
P4-2B Pat Okendo started her own consulting firm, Okendo Consulting, on May 1, 2014. The trial balance at May 31 is as shown on the next page.
In addition to those accounts listed on the trial balance, the chart of accounts for Okendo Consulting also contains the following accounts: Accumulated Depreciation—Equipment, Salaries and Wages Payable, Depreciation Expense, Insurance Expense, Utilities Expense, and Supplies Expense.
Other data:
- $1,000 of supplies have been used during the month.
- Utility costs incurred but not paid are $300.
- The insurance policy is for 3 years.
- $1,500 of the balance in the Unearned Service Revenue account remains unearned at the end of the month.
- Assume May 31 is a Tuesday and employees are paid on Fridays. Okendo Consulting has two employees that are paid $600 each for a 5-day work week.
- The equipment has a 5-year life with no salvage value and is being depreciated at $200 per month for 60 months.
- Invoices representing $1,500 of services performed during the month have not been recorded as of May 31.
Instructions
(a) Prepare the adjusting entries for the month of May.
(b) Post the adjusting entries to the ledger accounts. Enter the totals from the trial balance as beginning account balances. (Use T-accounts.)
(c) Prepare an adjusted trial balance at May 31, 2014.
Prepare adjusting entries, adjusted trial balance, and financial statements.
(LO 4, 5, 6, 7), AP
P4-3B Death Valley Resort opened for business on June 1 with eight air-conditioned units. Its trial balance before adjustment on August 31 is presented here.
Other data:
- Insurance expires at the rate of $500 per month.
- A count of supplies on August 31 shows $900 of supplies on hand.
- Annual depreciation is $6,600 on buildings and $4,000 on equipment.
- Unearned rent of $4,000 was earned prior to August 31.
- Salaries of $600 were unpaid at August 31.
- Rentals of $1,600 were due from tenants at August 31. (Use Accounts Receivable.)
- The mortgage interest rate is 6% per year. (The mortgage was taken out August 1.)
Instructions
(a) Journalize the adjusting entries on August 31 for the 3-month period June 1–August 31.
(b) Prepare a ledger using T-accounts. Enter the trial balance amounts and post the adjusting entries.
(c) Prepare an adjusted trial balance on August 31.
(d) Prepare an income statement and a retained earnings statement for the 3 months ended August 31 and a classified balance sheet as of August 31.
(e) Identify which accounts should be closed on August 31.
Prepare adjusting entries and financial statements; identify accounts to be closed.
(LO 4, 5, 6, 7), AP
P4-4B AbDulla Advertising Agency was founded by Miriam AbDulla in January 2009. Presented here are both the adjusted and unadjusted trial balances as of December 31, 2014.
Instructions
(a) Journalize the annual adjusting entries that were made.
(b) Prepare an income statement and a retained earnings statement for the year ended December 31, and a classified balance sheet at December 31.
(c) Identify which accounts should be closed on December 31.
(d) If the note has been outstanding 10 months, what is the annual interest rate on that note?
(e) If the company paid $10,000 in salaries in 2014, what was the balance in Salaries and Wages Payable on December 31, 2013?
Prepare adjusting entries.
(LO 4, 5), AP
P4-5B A review of the ledger of Garner Company at December 31, 2014, produces these data pertaining to the preparation of annual adjusting entries.
- Prepaid Insurance $16,400. The company has separate insurance policies on its buildings and its motor vehicles. Policy B4564 on the building was purchased on January 1, 2013, for $11,400. The policy has a term of 3 years. Policy A2958 on the vehicles was purchased on July 1, 2014, for $8,800. This policy has a term of 2 years.
- Unearned Rent Revenue $450,000. The company began subleasing office space in its new building on November 1. At December 31, the company had the following rental contracts that are paid in full for the entire term of the lease.
- Notes Payable $20,000. This balance consists of a note for 8 months at an annual interest rate of 9%, dated August 1.
- Salaries and Wages Payable $0. There are six salaried employees. Salaries are paid every Friday for the current week. Four employees receive a salary of $480 each per week, and two employees earn $600 each per week. December 31 is a Thursday. Employees do not work weekends. All employees worked the last 4 days of December.
Instructions
Prepare the adjusting entries at December 31, 2014.
Prepare adjusting entries and a corrected income statement.
(LO 4, 5), AN
P4-6B Tutors-Plus Test Prep was organized on May 1, 2013, by Jan Cooper. Jan is a good manager but a poor accountant. From the trial balance prepared by a part-time bookkeeper, Jan prepared the following income statement for her fourth quarter, which ended April 30, 2014.
Jan suspected that something was wrong with the statement because net income had never exceeded $40,000 in any one quarter. Knowing that you are an experienced accountant, she asks you to review the income statement and other data.
You first look at the trial balance. In addition to the account balances reported above in the income statement, the ledger contains the following additional selected balances at April 30, 2014.
You then make inquiries and discover the following.
- Service revenue includes advance payments received for summer classes, in the amount of $75,000.
- There were $2,600 of supplies on hand at April 30.
- Prepaid insurance resulted from the payment of a one-year policy on February 1, 2014.
- The mail in May 2014 brought the following bills: advertising for the week of April 24, $80; repairs made April 18, $2,560; and utilities for the month of April, $530.
- There are six employees who receive wages that total $1,380 per day. At April 30, three days’ wages have been incurred but not paid.
- The note payable is a 8% note dated February 1, 2014, and due on May 31, 2014.
- Income tax of $15,200 for the quarter is due in May but has not yet been recorded.
Instructions
(a) Prepare any adjusting journal entries required as at April 30, 2014.
(b) Prepare a correct income statement for the quarter ended April 30, 2014.
(c) Explain to Jan the generally accepted accounting principles that she did not recognize in preparing her income statement and their effect on her results.
Journalize transactions and follow through accounting cycle to preparation of financial statements.
(LO 4, 5, 6), AP
P4-7B On August 1, 2014, the following were the account balances of D&D Repair Services.
During August, the following summary transactions were completed.
| Aug. 5 | Received $1,200 cash from customers in payment of account. |
| 10 | Paid $3,120 for salaries due employees, of which $1,700 is for August and $1,420 is for July salaries payable. |
| 12 | Received $2,800 cash for services performed in August. |
| 15 | Purchased store equipment on account $2,000. |
| 17 | Purchased supplies on account $860. |
| 20 | Paid creditors $2,000 of accounts payable due. |
| 22 | Paid August rent $380. |
| 25 | Paid salaries $2,900. |
| 27 | Performed services worth $3,130 on account and billed customers. |
| 29 | Received $780 from customers for services to be provided in the future. |
Adjustment data:
- Supplies on hand are valued at $960.
- Accrued salaries payable are $1,540.
- Depreciation for the month is $320.
- Services were performed to satisfy $800 of unearned service revenue.
Instructions
(a) Enter the August 1 balances in the ledger accounts. (Use T-accounts.)
(b) Journalize the August transactions.
(c) Post to the ledger accounts. Use Service Revenue, Depreciation Expense, Supplies Expense, Salaries and Wages Expense, and Rent Expense.
(d) Prepare a trial balance at August 31.
(e) Journalize and post adjusting entries.
(f) Prepare an adjusted trial balance.
(g) Prepare an income statement and a retained earnings statement for August and a classified balance sheet at August 31.
Complete all steps in accounting cycle.
(LO 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), AP
P4-8B Geog Lav opened Geog Cleaners on March 1, 2014. During March, the following transactions were completed.
| Mar. 1 | Issued 10,000 shares of common stock for $15,000 cash. |
| 1 | Purchased used truck for $8,000, paying $3,000 cash and the balance on account. |
| 3 | Purchased cleaning supplies for $2,000 on account. |
| 5 | Paid $2,400 cash on a 6-month insurance policy effective March 1. |
| 14 | Billed customers $3,700 for cleaning services. |
| 18 | Paid $1,500 cash on amount owed on truck and $500 on amount owed on cleaning supplies. |
| 20 | Paid $1,750 cash for employee salaries. |
| 21 | Collected $1,600 cash from customers billed on March 14. |
| 28 | Billed customers $4,200 for cleaning services. |
| 31 | Paid $350 for gas and oil used in truck during month (use Maintenance and Repairs Expense). |
| 31 | Declared and paid a $900 cash dividend. |
The chart of accounts for Geog Cleaners contains the following accounts: Cash, Accounts Receivable, Supplies, Prepaid Insurance, Equipment, Accumulated Depreciation—Equipment, Accounts Payable, Salaries and Wages Payable, Common Stock, Retained Earnings, Dividends, Income Summary, Service Revenue, Maintenance and Repairs Expense, Supplies Expense, Depreciation Expense, Insurance Expense, Salaries and Wages Expense.
Instructions
(a) Journalize the March transactions.
(b) Post to the ledger accounts. (Use T-accounts.)
(c) Prepare a trial balance at March 31.
(d) Journalize the following adjustments.
- Services performed but unbilled at March 31 was $200.
- Depreciation on equipment for the month was $250.
- One-sixth of the insurance expired.
- An inventory count shows $280 of cleaning supplies on hand at March 31.
- Accrued but unpaid employee salaries were $1,080.
(e) Post adjusting entries to the T-accounts.
(f) Prepare an adjusted trial balance.
(g) Prepare the income statement and a retained earnings statement for March and a classified balance sheet at March 31.
(h) Journalize and post closing entries and complete the closing process.
(i) Prepare a post-closing trial balance at March 31.
Problems: Set C
Visit the book's companion website, at www.wiley.com/college/kimmel, and choose the Student Companion site to access Problem Set C.
Continuing Cookie Chronicle
(Note: This is a continuation of the Cookie Chronicle from Chapters 1 through 3.)
CCC4 Cookie Creations is gearing up for the winter holiday season. During the month of December 2014, the following transactions occur.
As of December 31, Cookie Creations’ year-end, the following adjusting entry data are provided.
- A count reveals that $45 of brochures and posters were used.
- Depreciation is recorded on the baking equipment purchased in November. The baking equipment has a useful life of 5 years. Assume that 2 months’ worth of depreciation is required.
- Amortization (which is similar to depreciation) is recorded on the website. (Credit the Website account directly for the amount of the amortization.) The website is amortized over a useful life of 2 years and was available for use on December 1.
- Interest on the note payable is accrued. (Assume that 1.5 months of interest accrued during November and December.) Round to the nearest dollar.
- One month's worth of insurance has expired.
- Natalie is unexpectedly telephoned on December 28 to give a cookie class at the neighborhood community center on December 31. In early January, Cookie Creations sends an invoice for $450 to the community center.
- A count reveals that $1,025 of baking supplies were used.
- A cell phone invoice is received for $75. The invoice is for services provided during the month of December and is due on January 15.
- Because the unexpected cookie-making class on December 31 was for such a large group of children, Natalie's assistant helps out. Her assistant worked 7 hours at a rate of $8 per hour.
- An analysis of the Unearned Service Revenue account reveals that two of the five classes paid for by the local school board on December 9 still have not been taught by the end of December. The $60 deposit received on December 19 for another class also remains unearned.
Instructions
Using the information that you have gathered and the general ledger accounts that you have prepared through Chapter 3, plus the new information above, do the following.
(a) Journalize the above transactions.
(b) Post the December transactions. (Use the general ledger accounts prepared in Chapter 3.)
(c) Prepare a trial balance at December 31, 2014.
(d) Prepare and post adjusting journal entries for the month of December.
(e) Prepare an adjusted trial balance as of December 31, 2014.
(f) Prepare an income statement and a retained earnings statement for the 2-month period ending December 31, 2014, and a classified balance sheet as of December 31, 2014.
(g) Prepare and post closing entries as of December 31, 2014.
(h) Prepare a post-closing trial balance.
Broadening Your Perspective
Financial Reporting and Analysis
FINANCIAL REPORTING PROBLEM: Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.
BYP4-1 The financial statements of Tootsie Roll are presented in Appendix A at the end of this textbook.
Instructions
(a) Using the consolidated income statement and balance sheet, identify items that may result in adjusting entries for deferrals.
(b) Using the consolidated income statement, identify two items that may result in adjusting entries for accruals.
(c) What was the amount of depreciation expense for 2011 and 2010? (You will need to examine the notes to the financial statements or the statement of cash flows.) Where was accumulated depreciation reported?
(d) What was the cash paid for income taxes during 2011, reported at the bottom of the consolidated statement of cash flows? What was income tax expense (provision for income taxes) for 2011?
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS PROBLEM: Tootsie Roll vs. Hershey
BYP4-2 The financial statements of The Hershey Company are presented in Appendix B, following the financial statements for Tootsie Roll in Appendix A.
Instructions
(a) Identify two accounts on Hershey's balance sheet that provide evidence that Hershey uses accrual accounting. In each case, identify the income statement account that would be affected by the adjustment process.
(b) Identify two accounts on Tootsie Roll's balance sheet that provide evidence that Tootsie Roll uses accrual accounting (different from the two you listed for Hershey). In each case, identify the income statement account that would be affected by the adjustment process.
RESEARCH CASE
BYP4-3 The February 13, 2010, issue of the Wall Street Journal includes an article by Scott Thurm entitled “For Some Firms, a Case of ‘Quadrophobia’.”
Instructions
Read the article and answer the following.
(a) What method did the study's authors use to determine that companies were “managing” their earnings per share calculation?
(b) For the average company in the study, how much would the company have to boost earnings in order to increase earnings per share by 1/10 of a cent?
(c) What examples did the authors cite of accounting adjustments that companies can make to boost net income enough that they can round up to the next highest cent? Why aren't these methods of adjustment considered illegal?
(d) What is an earnings restatement? What relationship did the authors identify about companies that restate earnings?
(e) What incentive do companies have to round up their earnings per share to the next highest cent?
INTERPRETING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
BYP4-4 Laser Recording Systems, founded in 1981, produces disks for use in the home market. The following is an excerpt from Laser Recording Systems’ financial statements (all dollars in thousands).
Instructions
(a) Can you tell from the discussion whether Laser Recording Systems has prepaid its legal expenses and is now making an adjustment to the asset account Prepaid Legal Expenses, or whether the company is handling the legal expense via an accrued expense adjustment?
(b) Identify each of the adjustments Laser Recording Systems is discussing as one of the four types of possible adjustments discussed in the chapter. How is net income ultimately affected by each of the adjustments?
(c) What journal entry did Laser Recording make to record the accrued interest?
REAL-WORLD FOCUS
BYP4-5 Purpose: To learn about the functions of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Address: www.sec.gov/about/whatwedo.shtml, or go to www.wiley.com/college/kimmel
Instructions
Use the information in this site to answer the following questions.
(a) What event spurred the creation of the SEC? Why was the SEC created?
(b) What are the five divisions of the SEC? Briefly describe the purpose of each.
(c) What are the responsibilities of the chief accountant?
Critical Thinking
DECISION-MAKING ACROSS THE ORGANIZATION
BYP4-6 Lincoln Park was organized on April 1, 2013, by Judy Tercek. Judy is a good manager but a poor accountant. From the trial balance prepared by a part-time bookkeeper, Judy prepared the following income statement for the quarter that ended March 31, 2014.
Judy knew that something was wrong with the statement because net income had never exceeded $20,000 in any one quarter. Knowing that you are an experienced accountant, she asks you to review the income statement and other data.
You first look at the trial balance. In addition to the account balances reported in the income statement, the ledger contains these selected balances at March 31, 2014.
You then make inquiries and discover the following.
- Rent revenue includes advanced rentals for summer-month occupancy, $21,000.
- There were $600 of supplies on hand at March 31.
- Prepaid insurance resulted from the payment of a 1-year policy on January 1, 2014.
- The mail on April 1, 2014, brought the following bills: advertising for week of March 24, $110; repairs made March 10, $1,040; and utilities $240.
- There are four employees who receive wages totaling $290 per day. At March 31, 3 days’ wages have been incurred but not paid.
- The note payable is a 3-month, 7% note dated January 1, 2014.
Instructions
With the class divided into groups, answer the following.
(a) Prepare a correct income statement for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.
(b) Explain to Judy the generally accepted accounting principles that she did not follow in preparing her income statement and their effect on her results.
COMMUNICATION ACTIVITY
BYP4-7 On numerous occasions, proposals have surfaced to put the federal government on the accrual basis of accounting. This is no small issue because if this basis were used, it would mean that billions in unrecorded liabilities would have to be booked and the federal deficit would increase substantially.
Instructions
(a) What is the difference between accrual-basis accounting and cash-basis accounting?
(b) Comment on why politicians prefer a cash-basis accounting system over an accrual-basis system.
(c) Write a letter to your senators explaining why you think the federal government should adopt the accrual basis of accounting.
ETHICS CASE
BYP4-8 Eaton Company is a pesticide manufacturer. Its sales declined greatly this year due to the passage of legislation outlawing the sale of several of Eaton's chemical pesticides. During the coming year, Eaton will have environmentally safe and competitive replacement chemicals to replace these discontinued products. Sales in the next year are expected to greatly exceed those of any prior year. Therefore, the decline in this year's sales and profits appears to be a one-year aberration.
Even so, the company president believes that a large dip in the current year's profits could cause a significant drop in the market price of Eaton's stock and make it a takeover target. To avoid this possibility, he urges Mark Trane, controller, to accrue every possible revenue and to defer as many expenses as possible in making this period's year-end adjusting entries. The president says to Mark, “We need the revenues this year, and next year we can easily absorb expenses deferred from this year. We can't let our stock price be hammered down!” Mark didn't get around to recording the adjusting entries until January 17, but he dated the entries December 31 as if they were recorded then. Mark also made every effort to comply with the president's request.
Instructions
(a) Who are the stakeholders in this situation?
(b) What are the ethical considerations of the president's request and Mark's dating the adjusting entries December 31?
(c) Can Mark accrue revenues and defer expenses and still be ethical?
ALL ABOUT YOU
BYP4-9 Companies prepare balance sheets in order to know their financial position at a specific point in time. This enables them to make a comparison to their position at previous points in time and gives them a basis for planning for the future. In order to evaluate your financial position, you can prepare a personal balance sheet. Assume that you have compiled the following information regarding your finances. (Hint: Some of the items might not be used in your personal balance sheet.)
Instructions
Prepare a personal balance sheet using the format you have learned for a classified balance sheet for a company. For the equity account, use M. Y. Own, Capital.
FASB CODIFICATION ACTIVITY
BYP4-10 If your school has a subscription to the FASB Codification, go to http://aaahq.org/ascLogin.cfm to log in and prepare responses to the following.
Instructions
Access the glossary (“Master Glossary”) to answer the following.
(a) What is the definition of revenue?
(b) What is the definition of compensation?
Answers to Insight and Accounting Across the Organization Questions
p. 166 Reporting Revenue Accurately Q: In the past, why was it argued that Apple should spread the recognition of iPhone revenue over a two-year period, rather than recording it upfront? A: Apple promises to provide software updates over the life of the phone's use. Because this represents an unfulfilled performance obligation, it was argued that Apple should spread its revenue recognition over a two-year estimated life of the phone.
p. 167 Cashing In on Accrual Accounting Q: Accrual accounting is often considered superior to cash accounting. Why, then, were some people critical of China's use of accrual accounting in this instance? A: In this case, some people were critical because, in general, China uses cash accounting. By switching to accrual accounting for this transaction, China was not being consistent in its accounting practices. Lack of consistency reduces the transparency and usefulness of accounting information.
p. 174 Turning Gift Cards into Revenue Q: Suppose that Robert Jones purchases a $100 gift card at Best Buy on December 24, 2013, and gives it to his wife, Mary Jones, on December 25, 2013. On January 3, 2014, Mary uses the card to purchase $100 worth of CDs. When do you think Best Buy should recognize revenue and why? A: According to the revenue recognition principle, companies should recognize revenue when the performance obligation is satisfied. In this case, revenue results when Best Buy provides the goods. Thus, when Best Buy receives cash in exchange for the gift card on December 24, 2013, it should recognize a liability, Unearned Sales Revenue, for $100. On January 3, 2014, when Mary Jones exchanges the card for merchandise, Best Buy should recognize revenue and eliminate $100 from the balance in the Unearned Sales Revenue account.
p. 180 Got Junk? Q: What accounting issue might this cause for companies? A: The balance sheet should provide a fair representation of what a company owns and what it owes. If significant obligations of the company are not reported on the balance sheet, the company's net worth (its equity) will be overstated. While it is true that it is not possible to estimate the exact amount of future environmental cleanup costs, it is becoming clear that companies will be held accountable. Therefore, it doesn't seem reasonable to not accrue for environmental costs. Recognition of these liabilities provides a more accurate picture of the company's financial position. It also has the potential to improve the environment. As companies are forced to report these amounts on their financial statements, they will start to look for more effective and efficient means to reduce toxic waste and therefore reduce their costs.
p. 186 Cooking the Books? Q: What motivates sales executives and finance and accounting executives to participate in activities that result in inaccurate reporting of revenues? A: Sales executives typically receive bonuses based on their ability to meet quarterly sales targets. In addition, they often face the possibility of losing their jobs if they miss those targets. Executives in accounting and finance are very aware of the earnings targets of Wall Street analysts and investors. If they fail to meet these targets, the company's stock price will fall. As a result of these pressures, executives sometimes knowingly engage in unethical efforts to misstate revenues. As a result of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the penalties for such behavior are now much more severe.
Answers to Self-Test Questions
- c
- a
- d
- d
- d
- c ($1,350 − $600 = $750)
- a
- c
- c
- b
- b
- c
- a
- a
- d
A Look at IFRS
LEARNING OBJECTIVE 11
Compare the procedures for revenue recognition under GAAP and IFRS.
It is often difficult for companies to determine in what time period they should report particular revenues and expenses. Both the IASB and FASB are working on a joint project to develop a common conceptual framework, as well as a revenue recognition project, that will enable companies to better use the same principles to record transactions consistently over time.
KEY POINTS
- In this chapter, you learned accrual-basis accounting applied under GAAP. Companies applying IFRS also use accrual-basis accounting to ensure that they record transactions that change a company's financial statements in the period in which events occur.
- Similar to GAAP, cash-basis accounting is not in accordance with IFRS.
- IFRS also divides the economic life of companies into artificial time periods. Under both GAAP and IFRS, this is referred to as the periodicity assumption.
- IFRS requires that companies present a complete set of financial statements, including comparative information annually.
- GAAP has more than 100 rules dealing with revenue recognition. Many of these rules are industry-specific. In contrast, revenue recognition under IFRS is determined primarily by a single standard. Despite this large disparity in the amount of detailed guidance devoted to revenue recognition, the general revenue recognition principles required by GAAP that are used in this textbook are similar to those under IFRS.
- Revenue recognition fraud is a major issue in U.S. financial reporting. The same situation occurs in other countries, as evidenced by revenue recognition breakdowns at Dutch software company Baan NV, Japanese electronics giant NEC, and Dutch grocer AHold NV.
- A specific standard exists for revenue recognition under IFRS (IAS 18). In general, the standard is based on the probability that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the company selling the goods, providing the service, or receiving investment income. In addition, the revenues and costs must be capable of being measured reliably.
- Under IFRS, revaluation of items such as land and buildings is permitted. IFRS allows depreciation based on revaluation of assets, which is not permitted under GAAP.
- The terminology used for revenues and gains, and expenses and losses, differs somewhat between IFRS and GAAP. For example, income under IFRS is defined as:
Increases in economic benefits during the accounting period in the form of inflows or enhancements of assets or decreases of liabilities that result in increases in equity, other than those relating to contributions from shareholders.
Income includes both revenues, which arise during the normal course of operating activities, and gains, which arise from activities outside of the normal sales of goods and services. The term income is not used this way under GAAP. Instead, under GAAP income refers to the net difference between revenues and expenses. Expenses under IFRS are defined as:
Decreases in economic benefits during the accounting period in the form of outflows or depletions of assets or incurrences of liabilities that result in decreases in equity other than those relating to distributions to shareholders.
Note that under IFRS expenses include both those costs incurred in the normal course of operations, as well as losses that are not part of normal operations. This is in contrast to GAAP, which defines each separately.
- The procedures of the closing process are applicable to all companies whether they are using IFRS or GAAP.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
The IASB and FASB are now involved in a joint project on revenue recognition. The purpose of this project is to develop comprehensive guidance on when to recognize revenue. Presently, the Boards are considering an approach that focuses on changes in assets and liabilities (rather than on earned and realized) as the basis for revenue recognition. It is hoped that this approach will lead to more consistent accounting in this area. For more on this topic, see www.fasb.org/project/revenue_recognition.shtml.
IFRS PRACTICE
IFRS SELF-TEST QUESTIONS
- GAAP:
(a) provides very detailed, industry-specific guidance on revenue recognition, compared to the general guidance provided by IFRS.
(b) provides only general guidance on revenue recognition, compared to the detailed guidance provided by IFRS.
(c) allows revenue to be recognized when a customer makes an order.
(d) requires that revenue not be recognized until cash is received.
- Which of the following statements is false?
(a) IFRS employs the periodicity assumption.
(b) IFRS employs accrual accounting.
(c) IFRS requires that revenues and costs must be capable of being measured reliably.
(d) IFRS uses the cash basis of accounting.
- As a result of the revenue recognition project being undertaken by the FASB and IASB:
(a) revenue recognition will place more emphasis on when revenue is earned.
(b) revenue recognition will place more emphasis on when revenue is realized.
(c) revenue recognition will place more emphasis on when changes occur in assets and liabilities.
(d) revenue will no longer be recorded unless cash has been received.
- Which of the following is false?
(a) Under IFRS, the term income describes both revenues and gains.
(b) Under IFRS, the term expenses includes losses.
(c) Under IFRS, firms do not engage in the closing process.
(d) IFRS has fewer standards than GAAP that address revenue recognition.
- Accrual-basis accounting:
(a) is optional under IFRS.
(b) results in companies recording transactions that change a company's financial statements in the period in which events occur.
(c) will likely be eliminated as a result of the IASB/FASB joint project on revenue recognition.
(d) is not consistent with the IASB conceptual framework.
IFRS CONCEPTS AND APPLICATION
IFRS4-1 Compare and contrast the rules regarding revenue recognition under IFRS versus GAAP.
IFRS4-2 Under IFRS, do the definitions of revenues and expenses include gains and losses? Explain.
INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING PROBLEM: Zetar plc
IFRS4-3 The financial statements of Zetar plc are presented in Appendix C. The company's complete annual report, including the notes to its financial statements, is available in the Investors section at www.zetarplc.com.
Instructions
Visit Zetar's corporate website and answer the following questions from Zetar's 2011 annual report.
(a) From the notes to the financial statements, how does the company determine the amount of revenue to record at the time of a sale?
(b) From the notes to the financial statements, how does the company determine whether a sale has occurred?
(c) Using the consolidated income statement and consolidated statement of financial position, identify items that may result in adjusting entries for deferrals.
(d) Using the consolidated income statement, identify two items that may result in adjusting entries for accruals.
Answers to IFRS Self-Test Questions
- a
- d
- c
- c
- b
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