The Origin Of Accounting Theory

If it is to be comprehensible and reliable, accounting must be used in accordance with specific rules and regulations. It would be chaos of Babylonian proportions if each person used his own grammar and vocabulary - nobody would understand anybody else. Likewise, it is essential that accounting is used according to generally accepted rules.

The first prerequisite is that accounting should agree or conform with the basic truths according to which our economic system functions; the current economic and business practices and the applicable law as embodied in legislative regulations or common law. Consequently, it is important that uniformity is maintained in accounting practice; in other words, a specific set of circumstances, wherever it may be encountered must be dealt with by everyone in exactly the same way within the accounting process.

Accounting theory creates a framework that ensures that accounting practice complies with the requirements of conformity and uniformity. This theory is embodied in a set of principles, policies, methods, procedures and conventions. The continuously increasing scope and complexity of our economic system requires a corresponding process of adaptation in accounting in order that the relevant information regarding economic activities may be recorded. It is essential that everyone involved in accounting should understand this process of adaptation; moreover, a prerequisite for such understanding is a grasp of not only the theory of accounting, but also the structure of that theory.

The Origin Of Accounting Theory

Accounting theory is based on a set of basic economic truths that are of a dual nature. First, accounting theory is based on propositions generally accepted in the economic order of a particular society. For example, consider the concept of personal ownership: a general accepted tenet of our society is the exclusive right of every person to own things - they are his personal property and no one else's. This concept is a basic economic truth.

Second, the basic economic truths have characteristics similar to those of natural laws in the sense that specific causes generate specific consequences. If, for example, someone derives greater value from a transaction than what was put into the transaction, his net worth - his wealth - will have increased by the surplus amount. This, too, is a basic economic truth. These economic truths are formulated as concepts and postulates. A concept is a generally accepted view of a specific phenomenon, which is described in specific terms. A postulate is a generally accepted hypothesis or supposition of a specific condition or phenomenon, which serves as a basis for the formulation of principles.

In the development of accounting theory, concepts and postulates serve as formulations of the basic truths or propositions upon which the theory is based. They do not attempt to prescribe the working of the accounting process, but simply the foundation upon which the structure of accountancy is based.

The Origin Of Accounting Theory
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Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Accounting

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Accounting Theory - Basic Accounting Concepts

There are four basic accounting concepts. The concepts specify and explain the guidelines that should be followed when managing the accounting of a business. Below there is a list of the these four basic accounting concepts and a brief summary of each concept.

1. Accruals Concept

Accounting

The accruals concept states that revenue from transactions and transactions which cause liabilities are accounted for when they occur, even if cash or property has not actually been exchanged between the entities involved in the transaction. For example, a dentist, Dr. Payne orders and receives 6 months worth of toothpaste for 0 in January. Even if he does not pay for the toothpaste until February, Dr. Payne should still record the 0 liability in January and not wait until February, since he owns the goods and is liable to pay for them to the supplier. On its turn the supplier will be accounting for the sale of toothpaste to Dr. Payne.

Accounting Theory - Basic Accounting Concepts

2. Consistency Concept

Once certain accounting method has been applied by the accountant, this methods must be applied throug all the further periods for the accounting purposes. The accounting method should only be changed if there is a valid reason that requires the change. For example, if the accountant starts recording transactions using the double-entry accounting method in January, he or she should continue applying the double-entry method for the remainder of the accounting period. He or she should not begin applying the double-entry method and suddenly switch to the single-entry accounting method mid-accounting cycle for no identifiable, valid reason. This means that all the accounting methods and procedures must be applied consistently to ensure comparability of information among periods.

3. Going Concern Concept

When the accounting of a business is being managed, it should be assumed by the accountant that the business is viable and will still operational in the foreseeable future. If the accountant has any reason to believe that the business will not remain viable in the foreseeable future, he or she must state the reasons for coming to that conclusion in the financial reports of the business. If the accountant has an opinion that the company will not remain in business and there are no sufficient evidence to proof the opposite, the accountant may simply include a disclaimer in the financial reports stating that he or she believes, but cannot show evidence to prove that the business will not remain viable.

4. Prudency Concept

Liabilities are accounted for in the balance sheet even if they is only a possibility for such liabilities to occur, despite they are potential. However, revenues are accounted for in the financial statements only if the business has title for such revenue and has already collected or will collect cash or other assets in the future. If there is a doubt about this or there is no strong legal basis to recognize revenue, it is not accounted for in the accounting books. This concept helps to ensure that businesses make provisions for potential losses, not just realized losses, and do not erroneously include revenues that are simply anticipated, but not yet earned.

Accounting Theory - Basic Accounting Concepts

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