... and role of budget. The mission/purpose is defined by the goals of the organization. The purpose of a commercial business is to make money. A non-profit organization’s purpose is to provide a service, without compensation from the people being served. The source of revenue comes from net income, which comes from a sale of goods or services in the private sector or in the public sector comes from tax dollars or donations. The longevity potential for a private business depends on the ability to generate a profit. In contrast a non-profit relies upon tax dollars or donations. The stakeholders of a private corporation are the owners/stockholder/investors. The stakeholders of a public organization are the taxpayers and general public being served. The budget in the private sector is flexible, depending on revenues and directors. The budget within a public organization is typically not flexible and has to be followed exactly. 1-3. Identify and briefly describe the three organizations that set standards for state and local governments, the federal government, and nongovernmental not-for-profit organizations. FASAB: Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board provides accounting standards for congressional oversight groups, executive agencies, and other users of federal financial information. FASB: Financial Accounting Standards Board provides standards within the private that govern the preparation of financial reports by nongovernmental entities GASB:...
Words: 984 - Pages: 4
...many other occupations has a rich history behind it, as well as it’s own language. Throughout this rich history it is clear to see that certain organizations relating to the accounting profession have made significant strives to improve the reliability and accuracy of what is reported. These organizations ensure that there is a framework for standards which accountants use in today’s world to speak this common language of business. The organizations, which have provided this framework, are the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Accounting Standards Board, Government Accounting Standards Board, and International Accounting Standards Committee. Each organization plays a major role in defining rules and guidelines to ensure uniformity throughout the profession. One such organization is the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The history of this organization dates back to 1887, when the American Association of Public Accountants was formed. In 1916, the American Association was succeeded by the Institute of Public Accountants. In 1957, the name was finally changed to what we now know it as today, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. “The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants is the national, professional organization for all Certified Public Accountants. Its mission is to provide members with the resources, information, and leadership that enable them to...
Words: 2905 - Pages: 12
...Reporting and Standard Setting by the SEC, FASB, IASB, and, GASB Abstract In the accounting industry there are different organizations that have been established to design, implement, and oversee accounting standards and financial presentation processes. Such organizations include the Securities Exchange Commission, SEC, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, FASB, the International Accounting Standards Board, IASB, and the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, GASB. Each of these organizations works closely with the others to attempt to provide the accounting industry with a similar, if not identical, set of accounting standards that align with those of the U.S. GAAP – Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and IFRS – International Financial Reporting Standards. The strengths and weaknesses of these organizations identify their similarities and differences and enable the organizations to continue to grow with the finance and accounting industries. In the accounting industry there are several different organizations specifically designed to set, maintain, and regulate accounting standards and financial statement presentation. Among these organizations are the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, the International Accounting Standards Board, or IASB, and the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, or GASB. Each organization was established to carry...
Words: 1963 - Pages: 8
...services to the public. 2. Sources of Revenues-A for-profit business’s source of revenue is its net income (total revenues (sales)-total expenses). A government’s source of revenue is mainly from taxes. 3. Potential for Longevity-State and local governments rarely go out of business, because they are given the ability to tax. For this reason, governments view accounting operations on a long-term basis instead of short-term. Governments focus on maintaining services and how to meet future demands. 4. Relationship with Stakeholders-Since a Governments main source of revenue is taxes, which are paid by citizens; they are required to account for these public funds. Whereas a business can use its resources as it chooses. 5. Role of Budget-Business’s prepare a budget for planning and control purposes and are normally not provided to creditors or investors. Governments on the other hand, prepare a budget which is expressed as a public policy, which prevents spending outside their budgetary authority. 1-3. Identify and briefly describe the three organizations that set standards for state and local governments, the federal government, and nongovernmental not-for-profit organizations. 1. FASAB-(Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board) Provides accounting and...
Words: 1140 - Pages: 5
...Most budgets are prepared on a cash or modified cash basis. 4. Neither the GASB nor the FASB sets standards for budgetary accounting. 5. State and local governments must prepare their GAAP budgetary comparisons on the modified accrual basis of accounting. 6. When budgets are integrated into a government’s accounting system, estimated revenues are debited. 7. Encumbrances and expenditures both reduce total fund balances of state and local governments. 8. Not-for-profit budgets focus first on revenues and secondarily on expenditures. 9. State and local governments’ budget-to-actual comparisons present both original and final budget amounts. 10. Cash-basis budgets help governments focus on interperiod equity. 11. Reserve for encumbrances accounts should be closed at year-end. 12. Capital budgets concentrate on long-lived assets Chapter 12 1. FASB Statement No. 117 directs that revenues and expenses be reported in a statement of financial position. 2. In the statement of activities, FASB Statement No. 117 requires revenues to be reported as increases in one of the three categories of net assets, depending on donor-imposed restrictions; however, all expenses should be reported as decreases in unrestricted net assets. 3. Restricted contributions may be reported as unrestricted if the restriction has been met in the same period as the contribution is made. 4. FASB Statement No. 95 requires not-for-profits to use the direct method in their...
Words: 1735 - Pages: 7
...Chapter 1 The Government and Not-For-Profit Environment ------------------------------------------------- Questions for Review and Discussion 1. The critical distinction between for-profit businesses and not-for-profits including governments is that businesses have profit as their main motive whereas the others have service. A primary purpose of financial reporting is to report on an entity’s accomplishments — how well it achieved its objectives. Accordingly, the financial statements of businesses measure profitability, their key objective. Financial reports of governments and other not-for-profits should not focus on profitability, since it is not a relevant objective. Ideally, therefore, they should focus on other performance objectives, such as how well the organizations met their service goals. In reality, however, the goal of reporting on how well they have achieved such goals has proven difficult to attain and the financial reports have focused mainly on financially-related data. 2. Governments and not-for-profits are “governed” by the budget, whereas businesses are governed by the marketplace. The budget is the key political and fiscal document of governments and not-for-profits. It determines how an entity obtains its resources and how it allocates them. It encapsulates most key decisions of consequence made by the organization. In a government the budget is not merely a managerial document; it is the law. 3. Owing to the significance of the budget...
Words: 5073 - Pages: 21
...Question 1: * Proficient-level: * There are several important functions performed in an organization, among which accounting is one of them. Define the accounting function and discuss how it differs from double-entry bookkeeping. Answer: According to the Dictionary of Accounting Terms, Accounting is defined as a one step process of recording, measuring, interpreting and communicating financial data by preparing financial statements in order to reflect financial condition and operating performance whereas Double-entry bookkeeping is the record of transactions that require entries in at least two accounts. * What types of information are critical to the performance of the accounting function in an organization? Answer: Accurate financial information is critical to a business, according to the Accounting principle text, information allows informed judgements and decisions by the users of this information such as owners and partners. * Distinguished-level: * What are the three groups of functions performed by accountants? Answer: According to the text, Accountants observe, identify and measure financial terms and are often referred to as analyze. * Discuss the activities that are part of each group. Answer: the economic events are recorded, classified into meaningful groups and then summarized. They (accountants) report on economic events by preparing financial statements and reports, they also interpret these reports for management...
Words: 1012 - Pages: 5
...Chapter 1 The Government and Not-For-Profit Environment Questions for Review and Discussion 1. The critical distinction between for-profit businesses and not-for-profits including governments is that businesses have profit as their main motive whereas the others have service. A primary purpose of financial reporting is to report on an entity’s accomplishments — how well it achieved its objectives. Accordingly, the financial statements of businesses measure profitability, their key objective. Financial reports of governments and other not-for-profits should not focus on profitability, since it is not a relevant objective. Ideally, therefore, they should focus on other performance objectives, such as how well the organizations met their service goals. In reality, however, the goal of reporting on how well they have achieved such goals has proven difficult to attain and the financial reports have focused mainly on financially-related data. 2. Governments and not-for-profits are “governed” by the budget, whereas businesses are governed by the marketplace. The budget is the key political and fiscal document of governments and not-for-profits. It determines how an entity obtains its resources and how it allocates them. It encapsulates most key decisions of consequence made by the organization. In a government the budget is not merely a managerial document; it is the law. 3. Owing to the significance of the budget, constituents want assurance that the entity achieves...
Words: 5520 - Pages: 23
...CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL REPORTING FOR GOVERNMENTAL AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT ENTITIES OUTLINE |Number |Topic |Type/Task |Status | | | | |(re: 15/e) | |Questions: | | | | |1-1 |Unique characteristics of governments and NFPs that create demand for |Identify/Explain |New | | |accountability | | | |1-2 |Distinguishing between general purpose and special purpose governments|Identify |New | |1-3 |Standards-setting bodies |Contrast |Same | |1-4 |Determining which standard-setting body sets standards for a |Identify/Explain |New | | |nongovernmental NFP | | ...
Words: 2445 - Pages: 10
...fourth on is the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) put in to place for to help keep up the standards for nongovernment financial accounting and reporting. The fifth one is the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) is a part of the FASB that are of the state and local levels. The sixth on is the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB) is the one that develop the accounting standards. The FASAB was put in order in1990 to help put together the GAAP for the federal government. The Seventh on is, International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) is the ones that makes sure that all the International accounting laws are followed. They are the ones that developed the standards going through other countries across the world. The eighth on is, Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) is the ones that come up with the auditing standards for the public auditing firms. All accounting firms have to register with the (PCAOB). The (PCAOB) are there to make sure that accounting work is being done right. If there is something not being done right they have the right to make any person that is working for that firm have to provide a testimony or that person could be suspended or debarred. The last one is the American Institution of Public Accountants (AICPA). They are the ones that work with the FASB to set standards and technical support. References Appendix H. (N/A). Regulatory Bodies with Roles in Accounting....
Words: 317 - Pages: 2
...The financial structures of health care entities non-profit, for-profit and government are different with funding, ownership, and type of services rendered. Financial managers, financial markets, and investors are the essential components that make up the financial world within a healthcare organization. Financial managers basically rely on investors to supply money through the financial markets when determining whether to use debt or use equity financing. To understand the full benefit of the financial resources, it is important to understand the overall financial structure. In other words how it is set up. In this paper, I will try to compare the financial environment of for-profit Pruitt Health Clinic, not-for-profit Phoebe Memorial Hospital, and VA Clinics. (to the best of my ability) In the health care sector entities regardless of their status (for-profit, not-for-profit, or government owned) should have the same common goal of providing quality healthcare to the residents of its community. Health care organizations are very different compared to other business when it comes to finances. The financial structure is described as the way funds are financed and the balance sheet shows what the organization looks like at a particular point in time. For example Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital will compare fiscal year to another fiscal year to decide what needs to stay, go or be “tweaked”. Some organizations have a method to reading the spread sheet as well. PPMH for...
Words: 1282 - Pages: 6
...document • Be sure to review the Funds summary document • The exam covers TCOs A, B, C, D, and E. • The exam is worth 150 points, including ten multiple-choice questions at five points each, two essay questions at 30 points each, and one essay question at 40 points. • There are two pages to the exam. You do not have to complete the questions or the pages in order. • You will have 2 hours and 30 minutes to take the exam. • Note: Essay questions will not be included in the eCollege auto-grading function. • Remember to SAVE frequently, because when the time limit is reached you will automatically be exited from the exam. • Please make a note of the Help Desk phone number: 800-594-2402. Multiple choice topics: • GAAP, GASB, FASB, AICPA roles • Measurement focus and basis of accounting • CAFR • Major funds • Nonexchange transactions • Budgetary accounts • Fund balance categories • Recording fixed (capital) assets • Tax Anticipation Note Payable • Capital projects fund • Special revenue fund • Debt service fund Essay Questions: 30 point essay question topics: • Sources of funding for general government capital projects • When and why capital project funds are used • Interest accrual of bonds in a debt service fund • Characteristics of fiduciary funds & comparison of the two types • Characteristics and uses of capital projects, debt service, and special revenue funds • Determination of major funds 40 point essay question: • Journal entries and preparation...
Words: 252 - Pages: 2
...Financial Accounting Standards Board The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has been the assigned organization in a private sector for establishing standards. These standards are important to be useful because it allows investors to make informed decisions. Financial information must be reliable, consistent and transparent. Since 1973, FASB has been part of a structure that’s independent of all other business and professional organizations. The rest of the parts are Financial Accounting Foundation (FAF), Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council (FASAC), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council (GASAC). The role of monitoring and controlling business reporting and accounting practices in a modern organization is to establish and improve standards of financial accounting. FASB has a board full of members that participate in accomplishing the mission. There are 7 board members as well as several staff members that help assist. The board members are: * Russell Golden is a chairman. He began in July of 2013. He served six years as a staff member (technical Director) for the FASB before he got appointed to the chairmen. His term will end in 2017, but then he can get an appointment to an additional 3 more years. He is also chaired in FASB’S emerging issues task force. * James Kroeker is the vice chairman. He was appointed in September 2013. He served as the deputy managing partner for professional...
Words: 2085 - Pages: 9
...1 Financial Reporting Overview Chapter 1 is an overview chapter covering accounting users, financial reporting, GAAP, accounting organizations, the conceptual framework, accounting careers, and ethics. The topics are wide ranging and very heavy on the new terminology side of things. Although it is a good chapter for introductory purposes, the concepts and organizations covered are so extensive that it will make a good chapter to come back to later, or at the end of intermediate accounting, to review. In fact, many parts of the chapter will make more sense and come together in your mind better only after you have dealt with specific details and examples in later chapters. Focus mostly on the terminology at this point in time. Making sense of it all will be easier later on. The final section on accounting careers and ethics may make for some interesting reading, but don’t expect to be tested much on it. The conceptual framework will probably get the bulk of the examination questions, both for this class and for the CPA exam. As such, understanding Exhibit 1-5 in the textbook is very important. Learning Objectives Refer to the Review of Learning Objectives at the end of the chapter. It is crucial that this section of the chapter is second nature to you before you attempt the homework, a quiz, or exam. This important piece of the chapter serves as your CliffsNotes or “cheat sheet” to the basic concepts and principles that must be mastered. If after reading...
Words: 9014 - Pages: 37
...approach this problem using critical-thinking skills to obtain and document evidence underlying a conclusion relating to an issue or problem currently confronting the accountant or auditor. 3. Accounting, auditing, or tax research are necessary in order to determine the proper recording, classification, and disclosure of economic events; to determine compliance with authoritative pronouncements; or to determine the preferability of alternative accounting procedures. 4. The objective of accounting, auditing, or tax research is a systematic investigation of an issue or problem utilizing the researcher’s professional judgment to arrive at appropriate and timely conclusions regarding the issues at hand. 5. Research plays an important role within an accounting firm or department. It is critical for the accountant/auditor to be able to find and locate applicable authoritative pronouncements and to ascertain their current status. Given the number and diversity of clients served, public accounting firms constantly engage in research on a wide array of accounting, auditing, or tax issues. This research process is usually conducted by the local office staff, selected local or regional...
Words: 6804 - Pages: 28
