10 morning habits
Consider Company X, with a financial year ending on April 30. On April 5, 2025, Company X provides consulting services worth AED 12,000 to Customer A. Although the invoice is sent on May 10 and payment is received on June 15, revenue should be recognized on April 5, the date of service delivery. This ensures that revenue is recorded in the appropriate financial period, irrespective of invoice issuance or payment receipt.
Continuing from the previous example, let’s examine expense recognition. Customer A, with a financial year also ending on April 30, incurs an expense when receiving services from Company X on April 5, 2025. Even if the invoice is received later or payment is made after the service, the expense should be recognized on April 5, aligning with the accrual basis principle.
Embracing the accrual basis of accounting offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides a more accurate depiction of a company’s financial position by matching revenues with corresponding expenses, thus reflecting the true profitability of operations. Additionally, it enables better comparability across different accounting periods, facilitating informed decision-making for stakeholders.
In conclusion, understanding the accrual basis of accounting is paramount for businesses aiming to maintain transparency and accuracy in financial reporting. By recognizing revenue and expenditure when earned or incurred, rather than when cash transactions occur, companies can present a more comprehensive and reliable representation of their financial performance.