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Why The Going Concern Concept Is Important In Accounting

Overview Understanding accounting concepts is like learning a business language. The Going Concern Concept…

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Overview

Understanding accounting concepts is like learning a business language. The Going Concern Concept guides financial reporting with its forward-looking viewpoint. Accounting requires precision, so this concept is crucial.

Understanding how these principles work in real life is essential to navigating the financial world. This is where online accounting training courses matter. These theory-and-practice accounting courses cover the Going Concern Concept and other accounting principles.

Online Accounting Training Courses can equip you for the ever-changing finance environment. Why is the Going Concern Concept significant in accounting?

Context of History

To understand the Going Concern Concept, we must explore its history. As organisations grew, the early modern accounting idea changed. As the company environment changed, accounting standards needed to be flexible to suit ongoing operations.

Clarification and Definition

The “going concern concept.” imagines a corporation that will continue operating. Financial statements assume assets will be used rather than liquidated. It’s the belief that the business will remain a “going concern.”

This notion better depicts a company’s financial status by acknowledging its long-term operations. If a corporation plans to use a building for 10 years, it’s better to depreciate it than invest in it.

Impact on Financial Statements

The Going Concern Concept impacts financial statements. The balance sheet classifies assets as current or non-current by expected use. Liabilities are categorised by the due date to reflect the corporation’s ability to pay them.

Creditors and investors can understand the company’s short- and long-term financial health with this distinction. It gives a complete picture of informed decisions.

Decision-making and parties involved

Creditors and investors use financial statements to decide. The going Concern Concept reassures them a company is stable and viable. When the company is presumed to continue, stakeholders can anticipate earnings, analyse risks and compute ROI.

Because they can generate future cash flows for repayment, companies with a stable Going Concern status are more likely to receive loans.

Following laws and regulations

Legal and regulatory implications make the Going Concern Concept important beyond financial reporting. Many countries require enterprises to follow this for accurate and transparent financial reporting.

Regulatory bodies often compel companies to report uncertainties or occurrences that potentially threaten their viability. Preemptive disclosure accords with providing stakeholders with accurate and complete information.

Difficulties and Hazards

Despite being the foundation of accounting, difficulties might occur with the Going Concern Concept. A firm might fail due to unexpected circumstances, poor management, and economic downturns. After identifying these risks, risk management and financial planning are essential.

During their audits, auditors are essential in determining the Going Concern status. Their reports give stakeholders an extra degree of certainty and boost their trust in the accuracy of the financial accounts.

Adjusting to Business Changes

To compete, companies must adapt to changing business conditions. The Going Concern Concept is adaptable. It responds to market, organisational, and technological changes. Accounting concepts remain relevant when organisations change due to their versatility.

Comparing This Accounting Principle to Others

The Going Concern Concept stands out from other accounting concepts like historical cost or conservatism because of its distinct future-focused orientation. The Going Concern Concept focuses on a business’s present and future activities, whereas other concepts place more emphasis on historical data or conservative projections.

This future-focused viewpoint supports strategic planning and decision-making, bringing financial reporting into line with the ever-changing needs of contemporary companies.

Real-World Business Examples

Examples from everyday life demonstrate the usefulness of the Going Concern Concept. Companies in financial difficulties during recessions may raise questions about their ability to stay in business. Conversely, well-run companies with solid financial strategies demonstrate the applicability and robustness of the Going Concern Concept.

Tech businesses have demonstrated in recent times how this approach adjusts to fast expansion and shifting market conditions. Investor confidence and valuation are influenced by their capacity to project continuous operations.

Auditing’s Significance

An essential function of auditors is to confirm that the Going Concern Concept is being applied. By giving stakeholders an objective view of a company’s financial health, their evaluations enhance the trustworthiness of financial statements.

Auditors specifically address any uncertainties or hazards about the Going Concern status in their audit reports. This openness reinforces how crucial the idea is to preserve public confidence in financial reporting.

Worldwide View

The Going Concern Concept is widely recognised worldwide and is not limited to any one area or sector of the economy. This idea is included in international accounting standards like IFRS and GAAP, which guarantee uniformity in financial reporting across national boundaries.

This worldwide viewpoint improves comparability and makes international investment decisions easier. Businesses that follow the Going Concern Concept help to standardise accounting procedures around the globe.

Educational Importance

The Going Concern Concept is a well-known concept in accounting education. Aspiring accountants develop their ability to handle challenging company situations by applying this concept to the preparation of financial statements. Teachers place a strong emphasis on its application in the real world, preparing students for any obstacles they may face in the workplace.

Latest Advancements

Accounting is a dynamic field, and standards are always changing to meet new issues. The Going Concern Concept remains relevant notwithstanding recent advancements in accounting standards, such as amendments to IFRS or declarations by the FASB. These modifications show a dedication to improving accounting standards in response to new developments in the corporate world.

In summary

To sum up, the Going Concern Concept is a cornerstone in the accounting field. Financial statements, decision-making procedures, legal compliance, and international financial markets are all affected by their significance. The Going Concern Concept offers stability, openness, and a forward-looking viewpoint that are essential in the banking industry as companies negotiate a constantly shifting terrain.

FAQs

1. Does every kind of business apply the Going Concern Concept?

Yes, companies of all sizes and in all sectors can use this approach.

2. How frequently are going concern assessments made by auditors?

During their yearly audits and more frequently if there are signs of financial instability, auditors evaluate the going concern status.

3. Can outside variables, such as recessions in the economy, affect a company’s status as a going concern?

Indeed, external variables might provide threats to a business’s capacity to carry on with operations, underscoring the importance of careful consideration.

4. Which industries are most critical of the Going Concern Concept?

While significant in many industries, it could be more vital in those with significant volatility or quick technical advancements.

5. In what ways does financial transparency benefit from the Going Concern Concept?

The idea offers a thorough and transparent picture of a company’s financial situation by assuming the continuity of operations and assisting stakeholders in making defensible judgements.

Knowledge Series For Commerce Students: Know Your Home Loan

Home Loans cater to your needs or possibly a renovation, construction, or additional repairs…

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Home Loans cater to your needs or possibly a renovation, construction, or additional repairs to your humble abode. It is affiliated with a plethora of facets that the borrower needs to take into consideration before he/she can finally attempt to avail of such a loan.

How Much Of A Loan Amount Are You Eligible To Avail?
The predominant requirement is the eligibility of the borrower in the repayment of the loan that would determine the tenure, interest rates, and down payments attached to the loan amount. Your surplus income will drive the lender to figure out the actual amount of loan that you are eligible for.

So, your total assets, total liabilities, and the apparent stability of income play a pivotal role in gaining the lender’s trust. At the end of the day, a bank needs to ensure that your financial stability will not pose any problem for them in the repayment of the loan amount.

Additional Charges And Figures That You Need To Be Aware Of
Statistically, the bank assumes that as much as 50% of your income would suffice for your loan repayment, furthermore, the desired tenure, as well as pegged interest rate, will also impact the decision of assessing the amount of loan.

The majority of lenders expect around 10 to 20 per cent of the amount of home’s purchase in the form of a down payment on your part, and the remaining portion of the loan is eventually financed by the lender.

Now, this aggregate amount of loan encompasses certain charges, for instance, registration, transfer, stamp duty etc. You may be eligible for a larger amount but it does not necessarily mean that you have to get that much amount financed, even a significantly smaller amount can also be availed which directly relies on your requirement.

It is advisable, however, that keeping the ratio of down payment relatively higher than the ratio of loan amount so that the ultimate cost of interest payable can be mitigated and be kept at the desired level.

The Necessity Of A Co-Applicant
Additionally, having a co-applicant is an indispensable requirement to fulfil, so if you are the only owner of the property under scrutiny, then, in this case, an immediate sibling or any other family member can be anointed as a co-applicant.

What Specific Documents You Will Require For The Loan?
The documentation process is another integral and intrinsic phase where a checklist of specified documents is handed out by the bank which is to be filled accurately to steer clear of future ramifications.

Your unique identity proof, proof of residence, form 16/Income tax returns and recent salary slips which has to be decidedly authenticated by your employer and has to be self-attested.

But generally, in most cases, collateral security is also warranted such as insurance policies, units of mutual funds or any other significant investment. In most cases, the designated property is purposefully mortgaged in favour of the lender in the form of security until the loan has been repaid in its entirety.

Should You Secure Your Home Loan With An Insurance Policy?
It is vehemently advisable to secure insurance in favour of the home loan so that the liability does not fall on anyone else, but you alone will be secured enough to repay it. Now there are two prominent plans which are prevalent in today’s scenario, i.e. pure term insurance and the other one is a Mortgage insurance plan.

Now the loan amount should be equivalent to the insurance amount. As far as the premium is concerned, then a single premium, as well as regular premiums, will be the coveted choice. However, it is not mandatory to avail of insurance cover but a sense of self-assurance is generated by availing of such service.

Disbursement Of Loan
The documentation process is the precursor of the disbursement of the loan. The magnitude of the loan amount is solely scrutinised based on the documentary proof and that entails the procurement of a sanction letter from the bank which explicitly states the final amount of loan, duration, and applicable interest rate etc.

So in a nutshell, when the loan has finally been confirmed from the bank, it is commonly referred to as disbursement of the loan after getting through entire technical and legal or valuation activities and handover the cheque or demand draft in favour of seller after successful execution of sale deed and mortgage deed of the house.

Types Of Interest Rates
Rates of home loan can be distinct in the form of fixed or flexible. Calculation of EMI varies as per the various financial institutions/banks from where your loan has been sanctioned. Underlying additional charges also apply in tandem with the payment of the EMI such as processing fee which is generally about 0.5 to 1% of the loan amount. Now, repayment in the form of EMI begins right after the month when the loan has been disbursed.

Repayment Through ECS
Electronic Clearing System (ECS) is one of the avenues through which the repayment of the loan can be done, which involves direct payment of the loan amount from your salary account on a specific date of the repayment.

If you are eligible to pay higher EMI, then it will certainly benefit you since it acts as a long-term advance. Clearing the obligated amount faster will alleviate and relieve your mental stress easily.

Pre-Closure
The borrower always has this option at his disposal to pre-close his/her loan way ahead of the specified duration. However if the interest on your loan is of floating nature, then you will not be bound to pay additional charges, whereas if it is of a fixed nature, then certain charges may be applicable.

Every financer or lender should explicitly state in their statement the total interest as well as the principal amount payable at the very beginning of the financial year. This will eventually serve as a propellent factor to the department of accounts regarding your proof of investment for necessary tax deductions.

This phenomenon will serve you to reap tax benefits at the end of the year. It is prudent to pick the lender that renders the lowest EMIs option which can mean that you are paying a significantly lesser amount of money in the form of repayments as compared to other applicants from any other financial institution.

How Your Grievances Can Be Addressed
There may be incidences that a borrower may not be satisfied with the services rendered by the bank or some other pertaining relevant problem might occur.

So in that case, you can mention your grievance specifically in writing delineating the factors that displeased you, which needs to be addressed at the concerned branch and if however, the bank does not resolve or overlooks your concern then you have the option at your disposal to lodge your complaint with the ombudsman.

Income Tax Benefit of Housing Loan
Interest payment for housing loan is deductible under the head income from house property. The maximum limit is Rs. 2 Lacs p.a. u/s. 24(b). Moreover, we can also get benefit u/s. 80C of income tax for the principal repayment of housing loan with maximum limit of Rs. 1.50 Lacs. The stamp duty and registration charges paid at the time of registration of sale deed is also deductible u/s 80C of Income Tax Act, 1961.

Fixed Asset Accounting

Accounting involves keeping and maintaining the record of a corporation’s financial transactions in a…

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Accounting involves keeping and maintaining the record of a corporation’s financial transactions in a given year. The annals are further used for analysis by the stakeholders, agencies, and tax collection bodies making accountants a crucial wedge in the company’s innards.

Of the concepts an accountant should be well-versed with, the ones of assets and liabilities are the most basal yet indispensable. Here we introduce you to the fundamentals of fixed assets and their accounting.

What Are Fixed Assets?

Fixed assets are the non-liquid physical possessions an organization holds to generate income over the long haul. They are also referred to as capital assets or property, plant, and equipment (PP&Es). 

Fixed assets are not to be done away with in the same accounting year. The list comprehensively includes land, vehicles, office spaces, computers and software licensing, buildings, etc.

The principal criterion for anything to identify as a fixed asset is that it should be held by the company for more than one accounting year. Also, they are tangible and intangible. Long-term bonds and securities don’t make it to the list.

An esoteric aspect of fixed assets is that their book values usually exceed the capitalization limit as set by the organization. However, a company must be careful while setting a cap limit. A too higher or lower value can have far-reaching impacts on its balance sheet.

How? That requires us to delve deeper into the topic. Here is a verified Accounting Certificate Course in Ahmedabad you can take.

Initial Asset Inclusion

It is done at the time of purchase of an asset. 

Now, before adding to its capital stock, a corporation makes the requisite assessments. It compares the total cost incurred on the asset with the gross amount of cash flow it leads to. If the deal seems profitable, it is sealed. 

The initial recordation incorporates the cost of the assets, their transportation and installation amount, testing and preparation fees, taxes, and other such expenditures. Meanwhile, administrative charges, general overhead costs, and expenses not directly enhancing its utility are not recorded here.

When an asset is purchased at its market value, we note its fair value. On the other hand, the interest amount has to be mentioned while documenting for an asset bought on credit. 

The case of an asset being exchanged for another one calls for recording the fair value of the new body. While if it is not possible to assess its cost, the price of the one given up is considered.

Depreciation of Assets

Assets start losing their productivity or we say, they get used up with time. We need to make allowances for this downturn. In accounting, depreciation is apportioning the cost of an asset over its useful life.

Of all the techniques to account for the depreciation of assets, the written down value method is extensively used. As it shows the fair value of the asset at every end of the year. In this method, depreciation is more in the initial year compares to subsequent years. Another method of depreciation is the straight-line method. Here, the accountants are required to subtract the salvage value of the asset from its cost. The resulting difference is then divided by the number of years the company intends to hold the asset for. The figure they arrive at is the yearly monthly depreciation of the asset. In this method, the Depreciation of asset is uniform during the life of the asset.

Companies can choose their modus operandi. However, as per the caveats of the IAS (International Accounting Standards), they are allowed to change it only once. To know more about the IAS and their impact in the field, you can go for this Accounting Course in Ahmedabad as recommended by our experts.

Disposal Of Assets

After a certain point, when assets cease to be profitable, they are to be exscinded. It is usually done when their useful lives come to an end. Sometimes, an unforeseen circumstance (for instance, unexpected obsolescence) forces the company to discard an asset. 

It is however not necessary to throw a valuable possession away when it can be liquidated. The company can exchange the asset for newer ones. Also, they may sell it off. A price higher than the then book value of the asset marks a profit and a lower one points towards a loss.

Whatever the case may be, the loss of a company’s asset shows on its balance sheet. Fresh investments need to be undertaken.

Asset Impairment

Impairment of an asset is where its current carrying value exceeds the gross profits it is estimated to bring in. It is usually the result of unexpected predicaments. 

In simpler words, asset impairment has to do with the chance that fixed capital may not be as economically viable as it is computed to be. Impairment leads to a radical slump in a business’ profits. Asset impairment on the balance sheet is associated with a corresponding loss in the income statement. 

Intangible holdings such as copyrights and trademarks stand higher chances to get impaired. However, under circumstances like unexpected obsolescence, natural calamities, adverse market fluctuations, judgment failures or may be due to some unaccountable reason, fixed assets may undergo the same fate. 

Accountants are supposed to be on the lookout for such incidents. They must warn the stakeholders and the decision-makers of the company’s state of affairs.

Disclosure Of Assets

A corporation does not want every confidential detail to be presented on its annual financial statements. However, certain norms formulated by the national and international bodies need to be followed. An organization has to make the following disclosures about its fixed assets.

  • The carrying value of the assets at the beginning and the end of each accounting year
  • The useful life of the assets
  • Rate of depreciation and the method used to calculate it
  • The effects of acquisitions, disposals, and net foreign exchange on the value of the assets
  • Impacts of revaluation 

To learn about other disclosures, go to the link for this certified Accounting Training in Ahmedabad and stake in your growing accounting expertise.

The Strict Don’ts

While accounting for fixed assets, you need to eliminate the three commonly made mistakes. 

  • Not considering expense costs transportation charges, taxes, and installation amount while recording the purchase of a new asset
  • Disregarding the alteration in the assets’ use while maintaining them
  • Ignoring record-keeping demands relating to insurance

 

Double Entry System

Double entry system of book keeping is the most popular scientific system of accounting.…

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double-entry-system | Best Accounting Classes in Ahmedabad

Double entry system of book keeping is the most popular scientific system of accounting. According to it, every transaction has two-fold aspects – debit & credit and both aspects are to be recorded in the books of accounts. This system has been found of great use for recording the financial affairs for all institutions.

How Double book-keeping is helpful?
By the use of this system the accuracy of the accounting work can be established, through the device of trial balance,
Profit earned of loss suffered during the period can be ascertained together with details &
The position of a firm can be ascertained.

For the conceptual clarity, one must know the basic of accounting and the reason why they are used in the way we do. Because at S20, we want things to remain simple people joining our accounting classes, tally classes or GST classes will definitely appreciate this. So, let’s understand the concept of double entry system with an example –

A person starts his business with Rs. 10,000; capital and cash are both 10,000. Transactions entered into by the firm will alter the cash balance in two ways, one will increase the cash balance and other will reduce it. Payment for goods purchased, for salaries and rent etc., will reduce it; sales of goods for cash and collection from customers will increase it.

We can change the cash balance with each transaction but this will not be easy to tally at the end of the financial year. Instead it would be better if all the transaction that lead to an increase are recorded in one column and those that reduce the cash balance in another column; then their net result can be ascertained, if we add all increases to the opening balance of cash and then deduct the total if all decreased we shall know the closing balance. In this manner, significant information will be available relating to cash.

The two columns which are referred above are put usually in the firm of an account, called the ‘T’ form.

This is illustrated below by taking imaginary figures:

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What we have done is to put the increase of cash on the left-hand side and the increase on the right side; the closing balance has been ascertained by deducting the total of payment, Rs. 2,000 from the total of the left – hand side. Such a treatment of receipt and payment of cash is very convenient.

The proper form of an account is as follows:

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The columns are self-explanatory except that the column for reference (Ref.) is meant to indicate the source where information about the entry is available.

The aforementioned outflow and inflow of cash have their specific nature in wider terms which is explained in the next article Rule of debit and credit. Your feedback on this article may be shared at info@s20.in. we are known as premier accounting institute in Ahmedabad. Our flagship Executive of Commerce Course is known for its detailed coverage of accounting topics.

Accounting for small business

Accounting has been major worry for small businesses. Timely entries, filing timely returns of…

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Accounting has been major worry for small businesses. Timely entries, filing timely returns of GST, TDS etc. and year end finalisation.

All this has been a headache. Right? Especially, when you are not having any knowledge / understanding of accounting. So what to do?

You have three solutions:

1. Hire a part time accountant:

Well you can do that. It is a good option. We have tried to enlist pros and cons of this alternative for you.

Pros:
– Hiring a part time accountant’s service removes burden from entrepreneur.
– Well this solution is of course the most cost effective solution in our opinion.
– When you remuneration to part timer, you can assign responsibility to them.

Cons:
– Many part time accountants are very unprofessional and at times have low level of expertise.
– Being part timers, they are quite irregular in service, since they have other commitments at other firms.
– Leakage of proprietary information has been a major worry.
– Many times these people force clients to take service of their so called ‘tied up’ Chartered Accountants.

2. Learn Accounting / Tally:

Do it yourself and that too with perfection. Sounds good. So what can be done.

You can learn accounting, tally, taxation, excel etc., which is useful in getting you through your task by joining Executive of Commerce Course of Super 20 Training Institute or such other course. You can get more information about the course from S20.

Now let us understand pros and cons of this approach.

Pros:
– No dependence on somebody.
– No leakage of proprietary information.
– Even if you hire an accountant, he cannot fool you, since you yourself know the knitty gritties.
– You can have time flexibility and do it at your own convenience.
– Zero rupee cost. (Has time as a cost).

Cons:
– You may not be as good as a pro. (You can take help of a Chartered Accountant for returns and finalization, so this problem can be solved)
– Will take your own time. You can invest this time in other important activities.

3. Outsource to a professional firm:

In this case, you are hiring a professional firm, who specialize in accounting, taxation etc.

You can contact consulting team of www.S20.in/consulting which is an offshoot of Jigar Patel & Associates (A CA Firm) or such other firm.

Now let us understand pros and cons of this approach.

Pros:
– These people are professionals, so no questions about the quality of service.
– They have non-disclosure ethics, so no leakage of proprietary information.
– Outsourcing accounting service removes burden from entrepreneur entirely.
– Even it is better than hiring a full time employee in certain cases, because you do not need to monitor the employee here.

Cons:
– On and average 20-50% costlier than hiring a part time accountant.

So, entrepreneurs, all the best. You cannot ignore accounting, but you can manage it.