Accounting is the systematic process of recording, categorizing, summarizing, analyzing, and reporting financial transactions to help internal and external stakeholders make informed decisions. [1, 2]
Core Steps in the Accounting Process
Recording (Bookkeeping): Capturing daily financial events—such as sales, purchases, and expenses—in chronological order. [1, 2]
Classifying (Posting): Sorting recorded transactions into specific ledger accounts like assets, liabilities, equity, revenues, and expenses. [1, 2]
Summarizing (Trial Balance): Compiling data into trial balances and formal financial statements to review overall performance. [1, 2]
Analyzing & Reporting (Interpretation): Evaluating financial health through ratio analysis and sharing insights with managers, investors, and regulators. [1, 2]
Key Financial Statements
Income Statement (Profit & Loss): Shows revenues, costs, and expenses over a specific period to reveal net profit or loss. [1, 2]
Balance Sheet: Provides a snapshot of assets, liabilities, and owner's equity at a specific moment, following the fundamental equation: Assets = Liabilities + Equity. [1, 2]
Cash Flow Statement: Tracks cash inflows and outflows from operating, investing, and financing activities