What is accrual accounting? Why do generally accepted accounting principles require accrual accounting? What is the difference between accrual and cash accounting? When might an accountant use cash basis accounting without violating generally accepted accounting principles?
Accrual accounting is the reporting of revenues and expenses in the period of time that they occur, even if payment was not received or paid. Generally accepted accounting principles state that all revenues and expenses need to be reported during the time period that they occur. The cash-basis of accounting is the recording of revenue and expenses when payment is received and paid-out...
