Introduction to Business Structures
Introduction to Business Structures
What is business?
An organization set up to meet customer demand and to make a profit for its owners
Or
A business is an organization that provides goods and services.
What is Organization?
An organization or organization is an entity, such as a company, an institution, or an
association, comprising one or more people and having a particular purpose.
Almost every country consists of two business sectors, the private sector and the public
sector. Private sector businesses are operated and run by individuals, while public sector
businesses are operated by the government.
Private sector firms are set up by individuals, entrepreneurs who seek to make profit from
their business activities. Although many private sector firms are controlled by
entrepreneur(s), they may be owned by different people (or organizations)
Incorporated Business
Companies in the private sector that want to expand can go through the process of
incorporation. This allows the business organization to create its own legal identity.
Business that has a separate legal identity from its owner(s) e.g. If the business goes
bankrupt, the owners won’t be held responsible and only lose the money they invested.
Is a separate legal identity from its owner(s) / shareholder(s)
Owners have limited liability
Types: private limited company, public limited company
Unlimited Liability
Owners are held liable for the business. If the business goes in debt, the owner needs to
pay back with their own money.
Means owners are personally responsible for all debts of the business
The liability of the owners is not limited just to what they invested in the business
Note: owners can be declared bankrupt if they cannot repay all debts even using
Their own personal money
Limited Liability
Separate legal status allows the owner to have limited liability, which will make it easier for
the business to raise finance. Limited liability means that the owners, are not liable for the
company’s debts and can only lose the capital or equity that they have invested in the
business.
(Opposite of Unlimited liability, if a business fails, the owners only lose what they invested)
Means the legal responsibility of the shareholders in a company to repay its debts
is only limited to the amount they invested into the company
Shareholders are not personally responsible for the business.
Note: whatever happens, the most the owners can lose is (limited to) only what
They have invested
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held every year and all shareholders are invited to
attend so that they can elect their Board of Directors. Normally, Director are majority
shareholders who has the power to do whatever they want. However, this is not the case
for public limited companies since there can be millions of shareholders. Anyway, when
directors are elected, they have to power to make important decisions. However, they must
hire managers to attend to day to day decisions.
Therefore:
Shareholders own the company
Directors and managers control the company
Auditor
Auditor an independent accountant
Who examines the accounts of a limited company on behalf of the owners to see if they
show a ‘true and fair’ view of how the business is performing
The accounts of Limited Liability Companies need to be checked and approved by an
independent accountant, known as an auditor.
Sole traders
Define ‘sole trader’
Ownership of business in the hands of one individual/person or
unincorporated business owned by one person
Features
Simple to startup and setup with less legal requirements than other organization
types.
No account documentation required by the government
Owner usually carries out most operations and tasks himself / herself
Excellent for smaller and simpler businesses
No legal separation between owner and business
Unlimited liability – full legal liability (responsibility) for all company obligations by the
owner
Partnerships
Features
Partnership Deed
A partnership is a business set up by the deed of partnership document (deed of
partnership a formal agreement to begin a partnership).
The deed of partnership document sets out the terms of the partnership.
• The capital or equity contributed by each partner
It states how much money each partner invested in the partnership and what role each
partner will have in the partnership.
•How profits or losses should be divided (the ratio at which profits and losses are to be
shared)
•Salaries to be paid to partners
•Interest, if any, to be paid on capital or equity
•Interest, if any, to be charged on partners’ drawings.
•How many votes each partner has (usually based on proportion of capital provided).
•Rules on how to take on new partners.
•How the partnership is brought to an end, or how a partner leaves.
Limited partnership a type of partnership where partners are responsible for the
partnership’s debts only up to the amount they originally invested.
This sector provides goods and services to the community through public corporations,
local government and other statutory agencies (e.g. the National Health Service). The profit
motive is not so prominent: the emphasis in the public sector is on providing for the
community by the community, using funding supplied through taxes and government
borrowing.
In order to increase the welfare of their citizens, they don’t work to earn a profit. It is funded
by the taxpaying citizens’ money, so they work in the interest of these citizens to provide
them with services.
Objectives:
Financial
Although these businesses do not aim to maximize profits, they will have to meet the
profit target set by the government. This is so that it can be reinvested into the
business for meeting the needs of the society
Service
The main aim of this organization is to provide a service to the community that must
meet the quality target set by the government
Social
Most of these social enterprises are set up in order to aid the community. This can
be by providing employment to citizens, providing good quality goods and services at
an affordable rate, etc.
They help the economy by contributing to GDP, decreasing unemployment rate and
raising living standards.
Stakeholder
A Stakeholder is any person or business who is affected by the actions of that business.
These include: owners, managers, employees, customers, suppliers, competitors, providers
of external finance and the government.
‘Stakeholder ‘
Defined as people or groups of people who can be affected by, and therefore, have an
interest in, a business/organization.
Mark scheme
Owners who are interested in how much profit the business makes.
Managers who are concerned about their salary.
Workers who want to earn high wages and keep their jobs.
Customers who want the business to produce quality products at reasonable prices.
Suppliers who want the business to continue to buy their products.
Lenders who want to be repaid on time and in full.
The community which has a stake in the business as employers of local people.
Business activity also affects the local environment. For example, noisy night-time
deliveries or a smelly factory would be unpopular with local residents.
Internal Stakeholders
Are those impacted by business activity inside the business: owners, shareholders,
managers and employees.
Shareholder/ Owners
These are the risk takers of the business. They invest capital into the business to set up
and expand it. These shareholders are liable to a share of the profits made by the business.
They compare the business performance with the previous year to judge how safe their
capital or equity is and whether they would get a return on their investment. The owners
look at the Income Statement to assess if they will receive any share of profit.
Objectives:
Shareholders are entitled to a rate of return on the capital they have invested into the
business and will therefore have profit maximization as an objective.
Business growth will also be an important objective as this will ensure that the value
of the shares will increase.
Workers
These are the people that are employed by the business and are directly involved in its
activities.
Objectives:
Contract of employment that states all the right and responsibilities to and of the
employees.
Regular payment for the work done by the employees.
Workers will want to benefit from job satisfaction as well as motivation.
The employees will want job security– the ability to be able to work without the fear
of being dismissed or made redundant.
Managers
They are also employees but managers control the work of others. Managers are in charge
of making key business decisions.
Objectives:
Like regular employees, managers too will aim towards a secure job.
Higher salaries due to their jobs requiring more skill and effort.
Managers will also wish for business growth as a bigger business means that
managers can control a bigger and well known business.
External stakeholders
Are not owners or employees but are affected by the activity of the business. For example,
customers, government, banks, local community and suppliers.
Customers
They are a very important part of every business. They purchase and consume the goods
and services that the business produces/ provides. Successful businesses use market
research to find out customer preferences before producing their goods.
Objectives:
Price that reflects the quality of the good.
The products must be reliable and safe. i.e., there must not be any false
advertisement of the products.
The products must be well designed and of a perceived quality.
Government
The role of the government is to protect the workers and customers from the business’
activities and safeguard their interests.
Objectives:
The government will want the business to grow and survive as they will bring a lot of
benefits to the economy. A successful business will help increase the total output of
the country, will improve employment as well as increase government revenue
through payment of taxes.
They will expect the firms to stay within the rules and regulations set by the
government.
Banks
These banks provide financial help for the business’ operations’
Objectives:
The banks will expect the business to be able to repay the amount that has been lent
along with the interest on it. The bank will thus have business liquidity as its
objective.
Community
This consists of all the stakeholder groups, especially the third parties that are affected by
the business’ activities.
Objectives:
The business must offer jobs and employ local employees.
The production process of the business must in no way harm the environment.
Products must be socially responsible and must not pose any harmful effects from
consumption.
Suppliers
Suppliers and other strategic alliances are interdependent, where the success of one will
impact the success of another. As a result, suppliers are closely related to organizations as
key external stakeholders. Timely payments, shipments, communication, and operational
processes are key to maintaining a strong relationship with this stakeholder group.
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Use of technology in accounting
This software provides an accessible and online information panel with information about
the business’s funds, clients, liabilities, assets, equities, expenses, revenues and sales, and
advertising directions and merchandise. The data be able to use by managers about
deciding which products advertise or cut of expenditures and unnecessary costs, and
where to remove expenses, when to position the supply and raw material orders and which
customers require support.
Off-the-shelf packages
Already made and available in shops rather than being designed for a specific customer.
Off the Shelf Software, also called commercial software, is any kind of software solution
that has been developed for the mass market. It is a ready-made product that you can
purchase.
Revenue
This involves preparation and printing of revenue invoices, credit notes and month end
statements. Data from these documents is entered, processed and recorded:
In the customer accounts in the receivables ledger
By automatic update of the inventory records.
Purchases
Data from purchase invoices and credit notes is entered, processed and recorded:
In the supplier accounts in the payables ledger
By automatic update of the inventory records
Via a print-out of remittance.
Many banks offer online banking facilities. These mean the organization’s bank account is
always up to date.
All receipts and payments are linked to the personal accounts of the trade receivables and
trade payables. The system allows for such transactions to automatically update these
accounts.
Many banks now offer apps (applications) that you can download for your phone. They
allow you to access your account anywhere, as long as you have internet access. This is
known as mobile banking.
Wages/Salaries
Organizations have the option of using a combined computerized accounting and
wages/salary package. Alternatively, they may use a separate payroll package. Such
packages perform all the necessary payroll functions.
Inventory control
Includes raw materials and ordinary goods purchased for resale. This means that inventory
records are automatically updated after each revenue invoice or purchase invoice is
entered into the system. This ensures an accurate figure of inventory is held in the system
at all times.
At the end of the financial year when an organization undertakes an inventory check, it is
crucial to have an up-to-date inventory list. A computerized accounting system ensures this
list is available. Inventory lists are used in the physical inventory check and allow variances
to be identified and amended.
Management reports
One of the main features of a computerized accounting system is the facility to provide the
owners and/or managers of the business with useful financial data and reports. At the end
of each month or specific accounting period, certain ‘month end/year end’ functions are
carried out to provide the following information:
Day books for customers and suppliers
General (nominal) ledger and bank account transactions
Activity reports on all ledger transactions
An audit trail
Analysis reports for aged trade receivables and trade payables
Financial statements including the trial balance, income statement, statement of
financial position
Ratio analysis
Reports (such as on staff attendance etc.) for human resources and payroll.
Spreadsheets
Disadvantages
Installation can be expensive. Ongoing maintenance and updating costs can also be
high.
The introduction of the system will affect most other areas of the business, which
may lead to considerable disruption. Staff may also be resentful of a new system.
Staff will need to be trained to use the system. There will be training costs.
System downtime can be very disruptive.
Data back-up at regular intervals is essential.
Fraudulent access can seriously affect the business’s operation and its profitability.
Security measures are vital. For example, passwords for staff and protection against
viruses and hacking.
There are health risks associated with the use of computer keyboards and screens.
These include eyestrain, back problems due to poor posture, and muscular fatigue in
the arms and wrists from keyboard use. Regular rest intervals away from
workstations are essential.
Security
All organizations regard their financial information as sensitive. Most want their financial
information to remain confidential, except when legislation demands that certain information
is made available to external bodies. Preventing unauthorized access to electronic
accounting data is vital.
Staff working on computerized accounting systems are allocated passwords that restrict
access to their area of work. Passwords should be changed regularly to help prevent the
possibility of non-authorized persons accessing the system. Most computer systems have
packages to resist viruses and attack by hacking. These systems must be constantly
reviewed and updated.
Most medium-sized or large organizations will use computer networks rather than
standalone computers. This calls for extra security measures, such as ensuring that the
network is not public.
To protect your hardware and software it is worth taking the following actions.
Install a firewall »»»» This helps to control the information that goes to and from your
computer. It can block internet traffic based on the security features you select.
Install antivirus software »»»» This will search for, detect and remove any possible viruses
on your computer and prevent new viruses from damaging your files.
Install anti-spyware software »»»» This stops programs such as malware from being
installed on your computer. Malware allows other users to look at your work and may allow
someone else to take control of your computer.
Use complex and secure passwords »»»» Always make sure your password contains upper
and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Never write down your passwords. You must
change your password regularly.
Check the security settings on your internet Browsers »»»» You can set your internet zone
security to high or medium.
Professional ethics
Ethics
The moral principles that guide the way a business behaves distinguishing between ‘right’
and ‘wrong’ and then making the ‘right’ choice.
Code of ethics
This refers to fair dealing and trustworthiness. An accountant must be straightforward and
honest in all professional and business relationships. An accountant must not knowingly
produce financial statements or financial reports that contain false or misleading
information. In addition, they must not produce financial statements or financial reports that
deliberately omit any data that could lead to misunderstandings. Behaving with integrity
also includes not taking bribes to change the data they are presenting.
Objectivity
All accountants must make their own judgments on the accounts.
Accountants must be free from bias or conflict of interest and must not be under the
influence of others. Behaving with integrity includes not preparing the accounts of a family
member or for a company that they have shares in.
Confidentiality
Accountants have a legal obligation to maintain the confidentiality of materials they have
been given. This includes not giving key information to third parties such as competitors or
investors, as this could break confidentiality agreements.
Public interest
Accountants need to behave in the public interest, i.e. in a manner so that the public can
have confidence that profits stated are true and fair. They must not mislead the public with
overstated figures when producing accounts for a firm.
Accounts payable.
This role is responsible for keeping a check on the money that goes out of the business to
pay for bills and expenses. Payments have to go out on time. The role also involves
maintaining good relationships with trade payables and checking the business is getting the
best deals, for example by seeing if any discounts are available. In this role, it is important
to ensure no costs are incurred for late payments and no interest is incurred.
Accounts receivable.
This role involves checking that the business has received all the money it is entitled to.
This includes tracking invoices to make sure they are paid on time. A ‘friendly’ reminder
service can be set up for customers to make sure no irrecoverable debts occur.
Payroll.
This is a critical part of an accountancy department, ensuring that all staff are paid on time
and the government receives the correct amount of tax.
Public Interest
To understand the term public interest, it is easier to look at what is meant by the term
‘public’ and what is meant by the term ‘interest’. For accountants, the term ‘public’ includes
the following.
Investors,
Owners and business owners of public sector and private sector organizations. These
parties require good financial information that is free from bias. They need to base their
actions and decisions on the most reliable data.
Taxpayers.
Any financial information that may have a detrimental impact on taxpayers is of significant
interest to these parties.
The term ‘interest’ can be defined as all things that are valued by society.
This includes economic wellbeing and certainty in the business environment. Sound
financial information must be given to stakeholders so that they are not misled.
Comparing the financial information from two different companies allows investors to make
the best decisions. Sound financial data can improve the efficiency and lower the costs of
government and private organizations. The term ‘interest’ also includes financial information
that leads to the protection of the environment and reduces the depletion of natural
resources.
Accounting Concepts
What are Accounting Concepts?
Accounting concepts are the basic rules, assumptions, and conditions that define the
parameters and constraints within which accounting operates. In other words, accounting
concepts are generally accepted accounting principles, which form the fundamental basis of
consistently preparing the universal form of financial statements.
Accounting principles
Basic rules that are applied in recording transactions & preparing financial statements. They
are also known as concepts.
The Accounting Principles They are several assumptions concerned with the recording
of transactions in the books. The most important is that the financial statements
known as the final accounts must be drafted in the same way. This is so that there is a
common format that all accounting users of information can understand.
The following accounting principles are followed to provide consistent usable financial
statements.
1) Relevance
Financial information is considered relevant if it affects the business decisions.
2) Reliability
Information should be free from significant errors, bias & independently verified.
3) Comparability
Could be compared with other periods and similar business.
4) Understandability
The financial report "Income statement (trading & profit & loss account) & balance sheet"
must be capable of being understood by the users of the report.
Entity concept
Entity concept assumes that business Enterprise is separate from its owners. Accounting
transactions should be recorded with this concept only.
The main intention of this concept is to keep the business transactions keep away from the
influence of personal transactions of its owners.
Only the business transactions are recorded and reported and not the personal
transactions of the owners.
Income or profit is the property of the business unless distributed among the owners.
The personal assets of the owners or shareholders are not considered while
recording and reporting the assets of the business entity.
Events which cannot be expressed in money terms do not find place in the books of
account though they may be very important for the business.
Non-monetary events like, death, dispute, sentiments, efficiency etc. are not recorded in the
books, even though these may have a great effect.
Accrual concept
As per this concept transactions should be recognized in the books of accounts only when
they occur and not on any cash basis. The main advantage of this concept is that financial
Statements prepared as per this concept inform the users not only about past events
involving payment and receipt of cash but also about obligations to pay cash in the future
and resources that represent cash to be received in the future.
Matching concept
As per this concept all the expenses which can be matched with the revenue of that period
only should be taken into consideration for financial reporting. This concept is based on
Accrual concept as it gives importance to occurrence of an expense which is spent for
generating a revenue. This concept leads to adjustments at the end like outstanding
expenses, income and prepaid expenses, incomes.
Consistency
Transactions of a similar nature should be recorded in the same way (that is, consistently)
in the same accounting period & the future accounting periods.
Realisation concept
This concept says that any change in value of an asset is to be recorded only when the
business relaises it. This concept highly prefers Realisation of the value for which we want
to give effect in books of accounts.
An expense should be recognized when goods are bought or services are received,
whether cash is paid or not.
Example: If the buyer has made the payment for corresponding goods before the delivery is
made, then according to the realization concept, the revenue is not going to be recognized
until and unless the goods are transferred to the buyer, even though the cash has been
received.
Advantages
The realization concept gives more importance to the recognition of revenue.
It is commonly followed in a business organization as per the accrual system of
accounting.
It guides the accounting process and recognition of revenue.
Through realization principles, the inflation of revenue and profits can be controlled.
The true and fair view is better reflected in the realization concept.
Materiality
Recognizes that some types of expenditure are less important in a business context than
others & the business should not waste time recording transactions that involve small
amounts of money
The prudence concept refers to a crucial principle used in accounting to ensure that income
and assets are not overstated in financial statements. Alternatively known as the
conservatism principle, it also makes sure that liabilities are not understated and provisions
are made for income and losses.
Advantages
Keeps financial reporting realistic
Prevents overly optimistic income projections from providing an unrealistic overview
of business finances
Can help to prevent cash flow problems
Ensures that there are enough funds to cover liabilities without resorting to high-
interest bridging loans
Can be used as a comparison to other reporting methods.
Ans C 1 Mark
May 2015
6 When depreciating his machinery, a trader always uses the reducing balance method.
Which accounting concept is he applying?
A Accrual
B Consistency
C Dual aspect
D Going concern
1 Mark
14 Rekha believes that if the closing stock is valued at selling price, the partnership profit
Will increase.
(e) Evaluate this statement, making reference to relevant accounting concepts. (5 Marks)
Award (1) mark for confirming that this will increase her profits.
Award (1) mark for stating how stock should be valued and (1) mark for identifying that this
suggestion would be in contravention of the prudence concept.
A further (1) mark for stating the effect on both profit and assets and (1) mark for an
appropriate conclusion.
Sample Answer
Rekha is correct in her statement that valuing the closing stock at selling price will increase
her profits as the cost of sales will be reduced (1). However, stock should be valued at the
lower of cost or net realisable value (1) which is an application of the concept of prudence
(1). By over valuing the stock both the profit and the assets will be over-valued (1). Hence
Rekha should be advised that her suggestion is not appropriate (1).
May 2017
6 A business decides to include the cost of small items of office equipment as expenses in
the profit and loss account. Which accounting concept is being applied?
A accruals
B business entity
C materiality
D prudence
12 (e) State two accounting concepts that are relevant to the calculation of depreciation.
Consistency/consistency (1)
Accruals/accruals / Matching/matching (1)
(2 Marks)
May 2018
14 (b) State which accounting concept has not been complied with in each of the following
situations.
(3 Marks)
Materiality(1)
Consistency (1)
Business entity/ entity (1)
15 Stavros has been in business for some years as a sole trader. He has recently been
Approached by a friend who wishes to join him in business and form a partnership.
(a) State two advantages and two disadvantages for Stavros of forming a partnership.
Advantages
• additional capital
• share the risk
• share the workload
• new ideas
• additional skills
Disadvantages
• receiving less profit
• delaying business decisions
• possible conflicts
• responsible for all debts
May 2019
7 Which one of the following is an accounting concept?
A Comparability
B Materiality
C Objectivity
D Understandability
14 (c) State which accounting concept has not been applied in each scenario.
(2 Marks)
Business entity (1)
Materiality (1)
17 (c) Evaluate how the introduction of accounting software will improve the accuracy of a
business’s accounts. (5 Marks)
Business accounts will be more accurate because all the ledger accounts will be updated
automatically (1), however, if the wrong amount is entered this will not be identified (1).
The business will be able to reduce the number of errors through constant monitoring (1)
therefore producing accurate financial statements (1).
Overall, Mohan’s business accounts would be more accurate (1).
17 (d) State two ways to protect the security of electronic data. (2 Marks)
Passwords (1).
Firewall (1).
18 (b) State two stakeholders who may be interested in a business’s financial statements.
Suppliers (1).
Providers of external finance (1).
Customers (1).
Owners (1).
Competitors (1).
Employees (1).
Government (1).
Investors (1).
(2 Marks)
13 Evaluate the effect that the introduction of a computerized bookkeeping system may
Have on a business. (5 Marks)
By introducing a computerised bookkeeping system the business owner will find that time
will be saved (1) as the system will process the double entry without the need to make two
entries (1). However there will be a cost (1) involved in this decision which may include the
cost of training staff to use the system together with the cost of purchasing the system itself
(1)
Time saved may eventually cover the costs of purchasing the system and training staff. (1)
(d) Explain, with reference to an accounting concept, why it may be necessary to make a
provision for irrecoverable debts.
Concept
Prudence (1)
Explanation
By not overstating the value of trade receivables (1), hence ensures that a true and fair
view is presented (1).
Disadvantages
Arianna may incur additional costs including the cost of the software
and hardware (1) and, in addition, Arianna may have to pay to train
staff on new technology. (1)
There may be technical issues or viruses (1) which could reduce the
effectiveness of the business. (1)
18 (a) Complete the following table to show four groups of stakeholders and the interests
they would have in the financial statements of a business. (8 Marks)
Employees (1)-To check the possibility of receiving a pay rise/ensuring job security (1)
Customers (1)-To check on security of supply (1)
Suppliers (1)-To ensure that payment will be made (1)
Government (1)-To monitor profit for tax purposes (1)
Investors (1)-To check the security of their investment (1)
Providers of external finance (1)-To ensure that repayments will be made (1)
January 2020
4 Inventory should be valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Which accounting
concept is this an application of?
A Accruals
B Consistency
C Materiality
D Prudence
May 2020
2 Which is not an accounting concept?
A Business entity
B Confidentiality
C Consistency
D Materiality
June 2021
4 Identify which of the following is not a principle of professional ethics.
A Confidentiality
B Duality
C Integrity
D Objectivity
Nov 2021
17 (c) State three accounting concepts together with a brief description of each. (6 Marks)
June 2022
7 Identify the accounting concept being described.
“Financial statements can record only information that has a monetary value”
A Business entity
B Materiality
C Money measurement
D Prudence
12 (a) State one difference between the objectives of private sector organisations and
public sector organisations. (2 Marks)
The objective of private sector organisations is to generate a profit (1) whereas the
objective of public sector organisations is to provide a service to the general public (1).
(b) Identify three stakeholders that may have an interest in the financial statements of a
private sector organisation. (3 Marks)
• Suppliers / Trade payables
• Customers / Trade receivables
• Providers of finance / Banks
• Government
• Employees
• Owners
June 2023
4 Inventory should be valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Identify which
accounting concept this is an application of.
A Accruals
B Consistency
C Money measurement
D Prudence
17 (c) State two ways Carson could maintain the security of his computerized data.
• Firewall (1)
• Anti-spyware software (1)
• Anti-virus software (1)
• Passwords (1)
January 2014
7 Which item would appear in the appropriation account of a limited company?
A debenture interest paid
B directors’ remuneration
C dividends paid
D investment income received
8 A trader owes a month’s rent at the end of his financial year. He adds this amount to the
rent actually paid during the year to obtain the total rent expense for the year.
Which accounting concept is he applying?
A accruals/matching
B business entity
C consistency
D going concern
12 Cable and Carr are in partnership sharing profits and losses equally.
Their partnership agreement also provides for the following: interest on capital at 10% per
annum Cable to have a salary of £7 000 per annum.
(a) State two differences between a partnership and a limited liability company. (2 Marks)
A limited liability company has separate identity from its owners.
The owners (shareholders) in a company have limited liability, unlike a
partnership where each partner is liable for all debts of the partnership.
Companies can raise capital through the issue of shares.
Companies pay dividends to their shareholders
January 2016
10 Which accounting concept is being applied when a business uses the same method of
depreciation each year?
A business entity
B consistency
C money measurement
D prudence
12 (b) Making appropriate reference to the accounting concepts that you have used, explain
your treatment of additional information (4) and (5).
Sample answer
It was necessary to adjust business rates and insurance in order to comply with the
accruals concept (1). These adjustments ensure that the business’ profits are not
understated or overstated (1).
It was necessary to adjust the purchases figure by the amount of stock withdrawn by
the owner of the business in order to comply with the business entity concept (1).
This adjustment ensures that the correct purchases figure is shown in the trading
thus ensuring that a correct gross profit figure is shown (1).
All of these adjustments also ensure that the balance sheet of the business shows a
true and fair view of the business’ assets and liabilities (1).
January 2017
7 A trader always uses the diminishing balance method of depreciation for machinery.
Which accounting concept is being applied?
A accrual
B consistency
C dual aspect
D going concern
13 Adam and Bob are in partnership. Their partnership agreement provides for Adam to
Receive a salary of £20 000 per annum.
(a) State two advantages of forming a partnership. (2 Marks)
Share workload
Additional capital
Expertise
13 Adam and Bob are considering dissolving their partnership and forming a limited
company.
(f ) Evaluate this proposal and explain the implications for the partners of this change of
business structure.
Sample answer
This change of structure will result in the partners having limited liability (1) which means
that each partner’s liability is limited to the amount of money they have invested in the
business (1).
The partners may lose some control of their business (1) due to the issue of shares and
may also suffer financially as they will now be rewarded through dividends (1)
However they may be able to have access to more sources of finance and see their
business grow. (1)
January 2018
7 At the end of the financial year a trader added monies outstanding for rent to the rent
amount paid during the year to obtain the total rent for the year. Which accounting concept
was being adhered to?
A accruals
B business entity
C going concern
D materiality
13 (c) Evaluate Finn Bar’s decision to purchase accounting software to help him run his
business. (5 Marks)
By introducing accounting software to help him run his business Finn Bar will find that he
will save time (1) as the software will process the double entry without the need to make
two entries (1). However there will be a cost (1) involved in this decision which may include
the cost of training staff to use the software together with the cost of purchasing the
software itself (1)
Time saved may eventually cover the costs of purchasing the software and training staff. (1)
January 2019
4 A sole trader included the purchase of a motor vehicle for private use as a business
Asset. Which accounting concept has not been complied with?
A accruals
B business entity
C going concern
D materiality
14 Stylos and Kristos are considering converting their business to a private limited
company.
(c) Evaluate this proposed change to their business structure.
Advantages
Both partners will become shareholders of the business and as such will have limited
liability which means that the extent of their liability for business debts will be limited to the
amount of money they have invested in the business (1).
The partners may also become employees of this new business as directors and as such
will receive a directors salary as opposed to just one of them receiving a salary as at
present (1)
They may be able to attract more investment from outside agencies such as banks that are
more likely to lend money where the ownership of the business is wider (1).
Disadvantages
However they may find that they have less control over the day to day operations of the
business as they may have other shareholders who have a say in the running of the
business (1).
There will also be a change to the way in which the accounts are prepared and to the type
of taxation paid on the business profits (1)
They will also have to ensure that they abide by all the legislation which relates to the
management and administration of companies. (1)
Conclusion
Although there are many advantages to the partnership of this proposal Stylos and Kristos
will be well advised to seek professional advice before embarking on this change as they
need to be aware of the disadvantages too. (1)
35 Which accounting objective is being applied when financial information affects business
decisions?
A comparability
B relevance
C reliability
D understandability
2018 May
1 Which statement about a computerized accounting system is correct?
A The general ledger does not include non-current asset accounts.
B The income statement always shows a profit.
C The statement of financial position does not include non-current assets.
D The trial balance always balances.
30 A trader spreads the cost of a machine over the years which benefit from the use of that
machine.
Which accounting principle is being applied?
A accounting year
B dual aspect
C matching / accruals
D materiality
2019 May
28 A business prepares its accounts on the basis that it will continue to trade in the
foreseeable future.
Which accounting principle is being applied?
A accounting entity
B accounting year
C going concern
D matching/accruals
29 A cheque paid by a business for fuel for the delivery vehicle was recorded in the books
of the business. A cheque paid by the business owner for fuel for his motorcycle was not
recorded in the books of the business.
Which accounting principle was applied?
A accounting entity
B going concern
C materiality
D money measurement
May/June 2020
32 Which external parties would be interested in the accounting ratios of a business?
A government
B investors
C managers
D tax authorities
33 At the end of the financial year, a company did not account for the unused stationary
valued at $50.
Which accounting principle did the company apply?
A matching
B materiality
C money measurement
D prudence
May/June 2021
25 What is an advantage of forming a partnership?
October/November 2021
35 Which accounting objective requires that financial information is provided in time for a
decision to
be made?
A comparability
B relevance
C reliability
D understandability
May/June 2017
1 What is a disadvantage of Information and Communications Technology in book-
keeping?
A accuracy of calculations
B capacity of information storage
C cost of training staff
D speed of processing information
30 Mario has decided that all items purchased by his business should be recorded at the
amount he actually paid for them.
Which accounting principle is Mario applying?
A accounting entity
B consistency
C going concern
D historical cost
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In large corporations, especially public limited companies (PLCs), the ownership is separated from control due to the presence of numerous shareholders who own the company but do not manage it directly. Instead, directors and managers are in charge of company operations. This situation creates the principal-agent problem, where the interests of the business owners (principals) might not align with those managing the company (agents). For instance, while shareholders seek dividends, directors might prioritize expanding the company's operations, creating a potential conflict of interest .
Unincorporated businesses, such as sole traders and partnerships, do not have a separate legal identity from their owners, making the owners subject to unlimited liability. This means if the business incurs debt, the owners are personally responsible and might need to pay from their personal funds . Incorporated businesses, like private and public limited companies, have a separate legal identity, allowing owners to enjoy limited liability, meaning they can lose only what they invested if the business fails .
Two accounting concepts crucial for accuracy and reliability are the Prudence Concept and the Consistency Concept. Prudence requires losses to be recognized immediately while gains are only recorded when realized, preventing overstatement of financial health . The Consistency Concept mandates consistent use of accounting methods over periods, allowing stakeholders to make meaningful comparisons and ensure reliability of financial data .
Unlimited liability implies that a sole trader is personally responsible for all business debts. If the business incurs debt, the sole trader must repay it, potentially using personal assets. This personal liability increases financial risk for sole traders compared to the limited liability protection in incorporated businesses .
Limited liability is advantageous for businesses trying to raise finance because it limits the owners' financial responsibility to the amount they invested, thus encouraging more people to invest without fear of personal asset loss beyond their investment. This perceived lower risk makes it more attractive for potential investors and banks, thereby enhancing the company’s ability to secure additional funds .
Stakeholders, including owners, managers, employees, customers, suppliers, and government bodies, all influence and are affected by a business’s operations. Conflicts may arise when their interests diverge, such as owners seeking higher profits, which could conflict with employees desiring better wages, or customers demanding lower prices while suppliers want higher payments. Such divergent interests can create tension and require careful management to balance the needs of different stakeholders .
Accountants face ethical challenges like conflicts of interest, pressures to falsify reports, and breaches of confidentiality. To maintain integrity, they adhere to principles such as Objectivity, avoiding bias; Integrity, ensuring honesty; Professional Behavior, upholding reputation; and Confidentiality, securing sensitive information. These principles ensure accurate, fair reporting, maintaining trust with stakeholders and regulatory compliance .
Changing from a reducing balance method to a straight-line method impacts a business's financial statements by altering the depreciation charge in each period. This could affect reported profits, as the straight-line method spreads the asset's cost evenly, potentially increasing profit in early years compared to the reducing balance method, which accelerates depreciation. The change affects asset values and equity in the balance sheet, altering financial ratios used by stakeholders for decision-making .
Public sector organizations, operated by the government, focus on service provision and societal welfare rather than profit maximization. They aim to improve community standards by employing local populations and providing essential services funded by taxpayers, which stabilizes economy and reduces unemployment. In contrast, private sector firms prioritize profit and may enhance economic growth but do not inherently focus on societal welfare, potentially leading to income inequality if unchecked .
A computerized bookkeeping system enhances financial reporting by increasing speed and accuracy, as it automates double entries and processes transactions more efficiently. This reduces human errors, allows for real-time monitoring, and improves the quality of financial statements. However, initial costs and potential technical issues may arise, which businesses must consider .