Introduction Introduction toto

Accounting Accounting 120120

Mr. Binet / Moncton High School

Class #6: Accounting Cycle, Various Accounting Careers, Assignments

1. We will briefly go over the Accounting Cycle and Accounting Careers.

2. We will have a chance to finish Chapter 1 Textbook Questions and the Enron/Accounting Scandal Questions

In Today’s Class…In Today’s Class…

Accounting procedures occur in a cycle, meaning the events are performed routinely during a business' fiscal period. Fiscal period is the interval of time for which financial change is measured. The normal fiscal period is equivalent to a calendar year but does not necessarily run from January through December. The fiscal period of a business begins on the first day of operation. This date then remains the first day of this business' fiscal period. The measurement of business activity over a specific period of time is necessary to determine growth and profitability.

The Accounting CycleThe Accounting Cycle

The accounting procedures are divided into eight steps. Some accounting activities occur daily, while others occur monthly or even yearly. The focus of this course is to provide an understanding of these eight steps.

The Accounting CycleThe Accounting Cycle

There are numerous accounting jobs. Some are entry-level positions and may be learned through on-the-job training or through some degree of schooling. Other advanced accounting careers require extensive post-secondary education.

An individual with an entry-level accounting position is often referred to as an accounting clerk or a bookkeeper. Duties are generally routine procedures but are essential to the successful operation of a business.

Accounting CareersAccounting Careers

Some of the duties of an accounting clerk may include:

Recording daily financial changes or events, such as a deposit to the bank or the sale of merchandise

Determining amounts and preparing payroll cheques

Providing financial information for other accounting clerks

Duties of Accounting Duties of Accounting ClerkClerk

A higher-level professional accountant may be responsible for some or all of the following activities:

Maintaining an entire accounting system Supervising employees Analyzing financial information Preparing formal financial documents Contributing to strategic planning Evaluating, implementing and measuring

the effectiveness of processes

Accounting ManagerAccounting Manager

The following is an organizational chart for a medium-sized organization.

Organizational ChartOrganizational Chart

The controller (also spelled comptroller) is usually a chartered accountant who understands the entire accounting system. They audit accounts and supervise the financial affairs of the business. Audit is the examination of the financial documents of a business to ensure accuracy and to make any necessary adjustments. Some companies hire a public accountant to audit their books. A public accountant serves the general public for a fee, in the same way a lawyer does. The controller would report directly to the Vice-President of Finance or, in a smaller company, directly to the owner.

The government may also audit a business. Routinely, governments randomly select businesses and verify that proper accounting and tax procedures are being maintained.

Controller/Controller/ComptrollerComptroller

Other Accounting Other Accounting CareersCareers

Other Accounting Other Accounting CareersCareers

Please complete all definitions and textbook questions for Chapter 1 on page 10. These will be do, at the latest on Monday, Feb 15th.

Enron response + scandal questions due (q. 1 & 2) by Friday, Feb 12th as well!)

Please try to type up all answers and keep files on your U drive (ex: Chapter 1 Answers.doc) – this will be hugely beneficial when studying!

Textbook Textbook QuestionsQuestions