An Accounting Overview

Accounting is frequently called the "language of business" because of its ability to communicate financial information about the organization. Various interested parties, such as managers, potential investors, creditors, and the government, depend on a company's accounting system to help them make informed financial decisions. An effective accounting system, therefore, must include accurate collecting, recording, classifying, summarizing, interpreting, and reporting of information on the financial status of an organization.

In order to achieve a standardized system, the accounting process follows accounting principles and rules. Regardless of the type of business or the amount of money involved, common procedures for handling and presenting financial information are used. Incoming money (revenues) and outgoing money (expenditures) are carefully monitored, and transactions are summarized in financial statements, which reflect the major financial activities of an organization.

The work of accountants is rather sophisticated. People who specialize in the field of accounting are known as bookkeepers and accountants. Bookkeepers deal in taxes and different business transactions of the company. The accountant's responsibility is to analyze and interpret the financial data and make it understandable for users. In the United States, accountants are usually classified as private, government, and public. Private accountants work solely for private companies or corporations that hire them to maintain financial records, and governmental accountants work for governmental agencies. Both private and governmental accountants are paid on a salary basis, whereas public accountants receive fees for their services. Public accountants work independently and provide accounting services such as auditing and tax computation to companies and individuals.

Many accountants have special certificates after they pass examinations in Institute of Accountants. Certified accountants in England are called chartered accountants. In the USA the certified accountants are called certified public accountants (CPA).

Through effective application of commonly accepted accounting systems, accountants provide accurate and timely financial information

that is necessary for organizational decision-making. No expansion or reorganization is planned without them. New products and advertising campaigns are also prepared with the help of the accountant.

II. Ответьте на вопросы.

1. Why is accounting called the "language of business"?

2. What are revenues and expenditures?

3. How is a standardized accounting system achieved?

4. What is the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?

5. How are accountants classified in the USA?

6. What kind of services do certified accountants provide?

7. How are they called in Britain and the USA?