CONTENTS Preface How to use this book Acknowledgements 1 Introduction to accounting Introduction Learning outcomes What is accounting? Who are the users of accounting information? The conflicting interests of users How useful is accounting information? Providing a service Weighing up the costs and benefits Accounting as an information system Management accounting and financial accounting Scope of this book The changing face of accounting Accounting for business What is the purpose of a business? What kinds of business ownership exist? How are businesses organised? The quest for wealth creation Meeting the needs of other stakeholders Balancing risk and return Reasons to be ethical Not-for-profit organisations Summary Key terms References Further reading Review questions 2 Measuring and reporting financial position Introduction Learning outcomes The major financial statements - an overview The statement of financial position The effect of trading transactions Classifying assets Classifying claims Statement layouts Capturing a moment in time The role of accounting conventions Money measurement Valuing assets Meeting user needs Self-assessment question Summary Key terms Review questions Exercises 3 Measuring and reporting financial performance Introduction Learning outcomes The income statement Different roles Income statement layout Further issues Recognising revenue Recognising expenses Profit, cash and accruals accounting Depreciation Costing inventories Trade receivables problems Uses and usefulness of the income statement Self-assessment question Summary Key terms Further reading Review questions Exercises 4 Accounting for limited companies (1) Introduction Learning outcomes The main features of limited companies Legal safeguards Public and private companies Taxation The role of the Stock Exchange Capital market efficiency Managing a company Financing limited companies Share capital Reserves Bonus shares Share capital jargon Borrowings Raising share capital Withdrawing equity The main financial statements Dividends Self-assessment question Summary Key terms References Further reading Review questions Exercises 5 Accounting for limited companies (2) Introduction Learning outcomes The directors' duty to account The need for accounting rules Sources of accounting rules Problems with standards Accounting rules or accounting choice? The need for a conceptual framework The IASB framework The auditors' role The framework of annual financial reports Presenting the financial statements Management commentary Directors' report Strategic report Accounting standards and accounting policies Creative accounting Self-assessment question Summary Key terms References Further reading Review questions