Understanding the Role of Accounting
Understanding the Role of Accounting
UNIT 1
VOCAB
DISCUSSION
1. In broad and general terms, what is the purpose of accounting?
=> Accounting aims to systematically record, summarize, analyze, and report
financial transactions and information about an entity. It helps in making
informed business decisions, assessing financial health, and communicating
financial information to stakeholders.
2. Why is the knowledge of accounting terms and concepts useful to persons other
than professional accountants?
=> Because it helps business owners make informed financial decisions, investors
assess the financial health of companies, creditors evaluate creditworthiness,
managers analyze performance, and individuals manage personal finances
effectively.
3. What does the term accounting system mean? What are the main functions of the
accounting system?
=> An accounting system refers to the structured process of recording,
summarizing, and reporting financial transactions of an organization.
Its main functions include recording financial data, classifying transactions,
summarizing information into financial statements, and interpreting the results for
decision-making.
9. What is the principal function of public accountants? What other services are
commonly rendered by public accounting firms?
=> Public accountants primarily provide auditing, tax advisory, and consulting
services to various clients. They ensure compliance with regulations, offer
financial advice, and perform audits to ensure accuracy in financial reporting.
WRITING
Write an essay of 300 words explaining the role of accounting in the business
Moreover, accounting helps businesses plan for the future. By analyzing financial
data and trends, businesses can forecast future revenues, expenses, and cash flows.
This information is crucial for setting realistic goals, developing budgets, and making
strategic decisions to drive growth and profitability.
UNIT 2
VOCAB
DISCUSSION
1. What is accounting? Why is it necessary for companies and organizations?
=> Accounting is the process of recording, summarizing, analyzing, and
reporting financial transactions and information within a business or
organization.
It's necessary because it helps entities track their financial health, make informed
decisions, comply with regulations, attract investors, and plan for the future.
Essentially, it provides a snapshot of a company's financial status at any given
time.
WRITING
Write a composition expressing your own opinion on the topic: Why do people want
to
become an accountant? Use the following plan:
Firstly, one of the primary motivations is the stability and job security that comes with
a career in accounting. The demand for skilled accountants is consistently high, as
businesses and individuals require financial expertise to manage their finances
effectively. This stability can provide a sense of security for individuals pursuing a
career in accounting.
Secondly, people thoroughly take potential for career advancement and growth into
consideration. Accountants have the opportunity to climb the corporate ladder and
take on more challenging roles as they gain experience and expertise in the field. This
can lead to higher salaries, increased responsibilities, and greater job satisfaction for
those who are ambitious and dedicated to their profession.
To sum up, there are various reasons for individuals to become accountants namely
job stability, career advancement opportunities, and analytical challenges. Apart from
the mentioned motives, people can choose to pursue this profession due to their
feelings and other personal intentions.
UNIT 3
VOCAB
DISCUSSION
1. Should you need a university education to become an accountant?
=> While a university education can provide valuable knowledge and skills for a
career in accounting, it is not always a strict requirement. Some individuals may
choose to pursue alternative paths such as obtaining professional certifications or
gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue a university education for a career in
accounting depends on individual goals, preferences, and the specific
requirements of the job market.
WRITING (consider)
Write an essay of 300 words on what makes a good accountant.
Accounting is a complex and vital field that requires various skills, qualities,
attributes to excel in. A good accountant is a key asset for any business or
organization as he provides crucial financial insights and ensures the smooth
operation of financial systems. This essay will delve into the key factors that make a
good accountant.
First and foremost, good accountants are equipped with a solid foundation of
technical knowledge. They have a deep understanding of accounting principles, tax
regulations, financial reporting standards, and relevant software systems. This
technical expertise enables them to accurately record, analyze, and interpret financial
transactions, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
DISCUSSION
1. Have you ever done any bookkeeping?
=>
2. Why do you think bookkeepers are not as respected as chartered/certified
accountants?
=> Because some people perceive bookkeeping as less challenging and less
glamorous compared to other aspects of accountancy.
4. What is the significance of the double entry system for accounting? What other
accounting methods do you know?
=> By recording each financial transaction in at least two accounts (one debit
and one credit), the double entry system helps maintain the balance between
assets, liabilities, and equity. This system provides a clear audit trail, helps
prevent errors, and allows for the preparation of accurate financial statements.
Accounting is a complex and vital field requiring various skills, qualities, and
attributes to excel in. Apart from many technical requirements, effective writing skills
can be a crucial factor for accountants. This essay will delve into several writing
challenges accountants facing when trying to effectively communicate their findings.
UNIT 5
VOCAB
DISCUSSION
1. What is the importance of applying accounting principles and standards in
preparing reports?
=> Accounting principles and standards are crucial for ensuring consistency,
transparency, and accuracy in financial reporting. By following these principles,
companies can produce reliable financial statements that provide a standardized
view of their financial health. This is essential for stakeholders as it enables them
to make informed decisions based on comparable information. Without
accounting principles, financial reports may lack uniformity, making it difficult to
assess and compare the financial performance of different entities.
4. Is it necessary to have two systems for accounting for tax? Why / why not?
=> While having two systems for accounting (GAAP and tax accounting) provides
flexibility, it introduces complexity. The necessity depends on the regulatory and
business environment. In the context provided, the U.S. uses both systems, with
GAAP focusing on comprehensive financial reporting and tax accounting
emphasizing transactions impacting tax situations. This dual system can be
advantageous for tax planning but may lead to increased compliance costs.
Simplifying tax accounting to align more closely with GAAP, where feasible,
could reduce confusion and ease the burden on businesses, especially smaller
ones.
WRITING
In the present years, there has been raised debate on the conversion of GAAP
(Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) to IFRS (International Financial
Reporting Standards). Companies are using a system of inconsistent accounting
standards for their financial reporting. Compare and contrast GAAP and IFRS.
GAAP and IFRS are the two primary financial reporting standards used by
accountants around the world when preparing financial statements. A growing debate
on the conversion of these two standards has been fueled by the fact that companies
operate under a system of inconsistent accounting standards for their financial
reporting. This essay will compare and contrast the key differences between GAAP
and IFRS.
One of the major differences between GAAP and IFRS is their approach to inventory
costing methods. Under GAAP, companies have the flexibility to choose any of the
three inventory valuation methods including FIFO (First In, First Out), LIFO (Last In,
First Out) and the weighted average method. In contrast, IFRS generally allows the
FIFO and weighted average method. It does not allow the LIFO method as LIFO can
be manipulated to distort a company’s earnings to lower tax liability.
It is obvious that the treatment of research and development costs of the two
accounting standards are distinct. With GAAP, research costs are expensed as
incurred, while development costs can be capitalized under certain conditions.
Meanwhile, IFRS requires all research costs to be expensed and allows for the
capitalization of development costs only after specific criteria are met.
In general, despite the distinctions between GAAP and IFRS, it is undeniable that
without accounting standards, businesses could easily skew their financial results to
make themselves look more successful.
UNIT 6
VOCAB
DISCUSSION
1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of computerized accounting programs
over traditional manual accounting?
=> Compared to traditional manual accounting, computerized accounting is
faster and more efficient as transactions can be processed quickly, reducing the
time needed for data entry and calculation. Additionally, computerized systems
provide real-time access to financial data, facilitating quicker and more informed
decision-making.
However, implementing computerized accounting systems can be expensive,
requiring investment in hardware, software, and staff training. Moreover, there is
a risk of data breaches and unauthorized access, emphasizing the need for robust
cybersecurity measures as well as technical issues, such as system crashes or
software malfunctions.
3. Do you think it is important to keep a hard copy of financial records even if you
are using a computerized system? Why/ why not?
=> Yes, in case of a system failure or data loss, hard copies can serve as a
backup. It can also provide a physical audit trail that may be useful for internal
audits, regulatory inspections, or in the event of disputes.
WRITING
In your experience, what do people think of the work done by accountants? What do
they generally think about financial statements? How can accountants make the
numbers they produce easier to understand?
Accountants are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial
statements, which provide important information about an organization’s financial
performance. However, people’s perceptions of accountants’ work can be different
and their view on financial statements can vary as well.
It is obvious that people generally view financial statements as crucial documents that
provide a snapshot of an organization’s financial health and performance. These
statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement,
are used by investors, creditors, and other stakeholders to assess the financial position
of a company. Financial statements are considered as reliable and useful sources of
information in making decisions about investing or partnering with a business. On the
other hand, some individuals may find financial statements complex or difficult to
interpret, especially when they are not familiar with accounting principles.
Consequently, they may not be able to appreciate the importance of the financial
statements.
Another undeniable view indicates that due to the complexity of the accounting field,
the information provided by accountants is challenging. As a result, accountants
should apply various strategies to make the numbers easier to understand. These
include using plain language and visual presentation, highlighting key points,
providing comparisons or offering interpretations.
Generally, there are both positive and negative opinions on the accounting aspect
considering its complication. In an attempt to enhance people’s perceptions on
accounting, applying various ways to explain the information is necessary.
UNIT 7
VOCAB
DISCUSSION
1. What are the functions of an accounting department? Would you like to work
there? Is it difficult to prepare a balance sheet? Why?
=> The functions of an accounting department typically include recording
financial transactions, preparing financial statements, analyzing financial data to
provide insights for decision-making, ensuring compliance with financial
regulations and standards, managing payroll and taxes, and providing financial
guidance to management. Working in an accounting department can offer a
variety of challenges and opportunities for those interested in finance and
numbers. Whether someone would like to work there depends on their interests,
skills, and career goals.
WRITING (removed)
Study the balance sheet sample of any Vietnamese company and translate the main
items of it.
UNIT 8
VOCAB
DISCUSSION
1. Why do you think depreciation and amortization are so important in accounting?
=> Depreciation and amortization are important in accounting because they help
businesses accurately allocate the cost of their assets over their useful lives. By
spreading out the cost of assets over time, depreciation and amortization help
match expenses with the revenue generated by those assets. This practice provides
a more accurate representation of a company's financial performance and helps
in making informed business decisions. Additionally, depreciation and
amortization are essential for complying with accounting standards and tax
regulations.
2. Are there any assets that you think should not be depreciated? Why?
=> In general, assets that do not have a limited useful life or do not experience a
decrease in value over time should not be depreciated. Similarly, assets that are
classified as held for sale or assets that are not being used in the business
operations may also not be depreciated. It is important to consider the specific
characteristics of each asset and follow accounting standards and guidelines
when determining whether or not an asset should be depreciated.
3. Which types of assets are best depreciated using: a) The straight-line method? b)
The sum-of-years-digits method? c) The annuity method?
=> a) The straight-line method is best suited for assets that are expected to
provide a consistent level of benefits over their useful life and have a linear
pattern of depreciation. This method is commonly used for assets like buildings,
office equipment, and vehicles.
b) The sum-of-years-digits method is often used for assets that have a higher rate
of depreciation in the earlier years of their useful life. This method is suitable for
assets that are expected to be more productive in the earlier years and less
productive in the later years, such as machinery or equipment.
WRITING
Describe the depreciation method companies can use on their assets and the reasons
for choosing that method
UNIT 9
VOCAB
DISCUSSION
1. How can management accountants help a business?
=> Management accountants provide valuable insights by analyzing financial
data, preparing budgets, forecasting future financial performance, and identifying
cost-saving opportunities. They also assist in evaluating the profitability of
products or services, assessing the financial health of the business, and
developing strategies to improve efficiency and profitability. By providing
accurate and timely financial information, management accountants help
businesses optimize their resources, minimize risks, and drive sustainable growth.
Ultimately, their expertise and analysis contribute to the overall success and
competitiveness of the business.
3. 'Accounting records the past while management accounting predicts the future' Do
you agree? Why / why not?
=> Personally, I agree with this statement for the following reasons:
Traditional accounting, such as financial accounting, focuses on recording and
reporting historical financial transactions to provide stakeholders with an
accurate picture of the company's past performance. On the other hand,
management accounting involves analyzing data, preparing budgets, conducting
cost analysis, and providing financial forecasts to help management make
informed decisions and plan for the future. By looking at historical data and
trends, management accountants can make predictions and projections to guide
strategic decision-making and improve the company's performance in the future.
WRITING
With the rise of artificial intelligence, a wide variety of professions are at risk of
becoming obsolete. So just what is the future of accounting?
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has raised discussions about its
impact on various professions, including accounting. As AI evolves rapidly, there is a
growing concern that the traditional accounting roles may become outdated. However,
rather than viewing AI as a threat, it is essential to consider its role in the field of
accounting.
As the accounting profession evolves in the age of AI, accountants need to develop
new skills and competencies to remain relevant in the workforces. Apart from
technical proficiency, accountants will be required to possess strong critical thinking,
problem-solving, and communication skills. The ability to interpret and analyze data,
collaborate with AI systems, and communicate financial insights effectively will be
essential for accountants in the future.
UNIT 10
DISCUSSION
1. What particular skills do you think different kinds of accountants need?
2. Do you think you possess these skills? What are your assets and liabilities?
3. If you have yet to choose a career, do you think it could be accountancy?
WRITING (consider)
Comment on the following quotations
a) Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime (Aristotle, 384 – 322 B.C.).
b) A fool and his money are soon parted (G. Buchanan, 1506 – 1582).
UNIT 11
WRITING (removed)
You work for an accountancy firm and one of your clients is a small airline. This
airline is considering purchasing a new aircraft within the next twelve months to
expand its operations. The airline has asked your firm for advice concerning this
purchase and you have considered the airline's financial position. Write a report for
the airline. Your report should: explain which internal financial indicators most
accurately show the financial position of this airline, summarize the airline's current
financial position, outline what risks there would be in expansion, and advise the
airline on what steps to take next. Write your answer in 200 - 250 words in an
appropriate style.
UNIT 12
WRITING (removed)
The new head of your financial department wants to know about the taxation system
in your country. He also heard that the taxation system is closely connected with the
financial reporting requirements. Write a report to him explaining the major points
and referring to the relevant laws. Write 150-200 words.
UNIT 13
WRITING (removed)
Write a short report (10-12 sentences). Find information about taxation in Vietnam.
Compare the taxation of our country with taxation in the USA and the UK. Do these
systems have much in common? Is there any difference?
UNIT 14
VOCAB
WRITING (removed)
What responsibilities do auditors have in their relationship with their clients? How is
this regulated in your country or in a country you know? Is the regulation strong
enough?
UNIT 15
VOCAB
WRITING (removed)
Write an essay of 300 words on the opportunities and challenges facing those
working in the field of Accounting and Auditing.
NOTE
- Managerial accounting # management accounting
+ management accounting: the process of preparing management reports and
accounts that provide accurate financial and statistical information
+ managerial accounting: the branch of accounting which is mainly concerned
with providing information helpful to managers running a business.
- Receipt # invoice
- Accrual basis accounting # accrual accounting
+ accrual basis accounting: the method of accounting in which income and
expenditure are recorded at the date they are earned/incurred
+ accrual accounting: an accounting method that measures the performance and
position of a company by recognizing economic events regardless of when cash
transactions occur