Accounting

Membership subscriptions are a primary source of income for non-trading organizations such as clubs, societies, associations, and professional bodies. These subscriptions are regular payments made by members to maintain their affiliation with the organization and to support its activities. Proper accounting for membership subscriptions is essential to ensure accurate financial reporting and to distinguish between income received for the current period and income received in advance. 1. What Are Membership Subscriptions?… Read more

An Income and Expenditure Account is a financial statement prepared by non-trading organizations such as charities, clubs, and societies. It reflects the organization’s financial performance over a specific period, showing whether the entity has a surplus (excess of income over expenditure) or a deficit (excess of expenditure over income). This account is similar to a profit and loss account in trading organizations but is tailored to the needs of non-profit entities.… Read more

Non-trading organizations, such as charities, clubs, and societies, manage various types of funds to support their operations and achieve their objectives. Unlike profit-oriented businesses, non-trading organizations aim to utilize these funds for specific purposes aligned with their mission. The proper classification and management of these funds are crucial for transparency, accountability, and effective financial planning. 1. What Are Funds in Non-Trading Organizations? Funds in non-trading organizations refer to the financial resources set aside for specific purposes or general operations.… Read more

Non-trading organizations, also known as non-profit organizations, rely on various sources of income to fund their activities and achieve their missions. Unlike profit-oriented businesses, their primary goal is not to generate profit but to provide services or support causes. The income generated is used to cover operational costs and reinvested to further the organization’s objectives. 1. Characteristics of Non-Trading Organization Income Non-Profit Purpose: Income is used for the organization’s mission, not for personal gain or shareholder distribution.… Read more

Non-trading organizations, also known as non-profit organizations, include entities like charities, clubs, societies, and associations that operate for purposes other than making a profit. Their primary goal is to serve a social, cultural, or community-oriented objective. Unlike commercial businesses, non-trading organizations focus on managing resources to achieve their mission, and their accounting systems reflect this focus. 1. Characteristics of Non-Trading Organizations Non-trading organizations differ from profit-driven businesses in several ways: Purpose: Their main objective is to provide services or promote causes, not to earn profits.… Read more

An Income and Expenditure Account is a financial statement used primarily by non-profit organizations to summarize their income and expenses over a specific period. Unlike a profit and loss account, which focuses on profitability, the income and expenditure account aims to determine whether there is a surplus (excess income over expenses) or a deficit (excess expenses over income). It provides a clear picture of how resources have been utilized in achieving the organization’s objectives.… Read more

Incomplete records refer to situations where a business does not maintain full and systematic accounting records. This often happens in small businesses that do not follow a formal double-entry bookkeeping system. In such cases, accountants must reconstruct financial statements using the available data, which can include bank statements, cash books, and other partial records. 1. What Are Incomplete Records? Incomplete records occur when: Only some transactions are recorded, and others are missing.… Read more

Accounting ratios are crucial for assessing a company’s financial performance and position. They provide insights into profitability, liquidity, efficiency, and solvency. In this example, we will demonstrate how to calculate and interpret key accounting ratios using financial data from a fictional company, ABC Ltd.. 1. Financial Data for ABC Ltd. Below is the summarized financial data for ABC Ltd. for the year ending December 31, 2024: Revenue (Sales): $600,000 Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): $360,000 Gross Profit: $240,000 Operating Expenses: $120,000 Net Profit: $100,000 Total Assets: $500,000 Current Assets: $200,000 Inventory: $50,000 Accounts Receivable: $80,000 Cash and Bank: $70,000 Current Liabilities: $100,000 Total Liabilities: $250,000 Shareholders’ Equity: $250,000 2.… Read more

Accounting ratios are essential tools used to evaluate a business’s financial health and operational performance. They simplify complex financial data into easily interpretable metrics, allowing businesses, investors, and stakeholders to make informed decisions. By using simple accounting ratios, businesses can quickly assess profitability, liquidity, efficiency, and solvency, providing valuable insights into various aspects of financial management. 1. What Are Accounting Ratios? Accounting ratios are mathematical comparisons of financial statement items, often expressed as percentages or proportions.… Read more

Drawings refer to the withdrawal of cash or other assets from a business by its owner for personal use. In sole proprietorships and partnerships, drawings are common as owners take out funds for personal expenses, living costs, or other non-business-related purposes. Unlike salaries, drawings are not considered business expenses and do not affect the profit and loss account. Instead, they reduce the owner’s equity or capital in the business. 1. Understanding Drawings Drawings occur when the owner removes resources from the business for personal use.… Read more