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Basic Accounting Terms Every Business Owner Should Know 

To study accountancy and enter the corporate world in Louisville, it is crucial to understand basic accounting terminology. Being familiar with the terms allows you to quickly understand and grasp concepts without having to ask someone or Google every five minutes. It is even more important when you own a business and handle your own finances. 

Whether you are new to accountancy or aiming to learn more about it, knowing the language used in business environments is the key to your success. That being said, business owners already have a lot on their plate. Bookkeeping can take time out of your day that can be used for something else. Instead, taking help from accounting professionals in Louisville is more beneficial. 

Common accounting terms you must know.

  • Accounts payable.

The accounts payable department monitors both the revenue and expenses of a business. They also keep track of the money that a company owes its suppliers and creditors, ensuring that the amounts are correct and can be settled on time.

  • Accounts receivable.

The amounts owed to customers to whom we have sold products or services or spent costs on their behalf but have not yet received payment are referred to as accounts receivable and are included in current assets. It could consist of debtors, accounts receivable, etc., that can be quickly turned into cash to maintain the organization’s liquidity.

  • Asset.

Anything that is owned by the corporation which has a monetary value is called an asset. They are arranged in order of liquidity from cash, which is the most liquid, to land, which is the least liquid.

  • Equity.

The amount that remains after liabilities are subtracted is referred to as equity. It is important to know that assets are a sum of equity and liabilities. The part of the business that is owned by the owners and investors is called equity, and it is obtained by deducting liabilities from assets.

  • Balance sheet.

An organization’s current and fixed assets, current and noncurrent liabilities, and invested capital are all reconciled on a balance sheet. The Balance Sheet is a tool used by stakeholders to assess the organization’s and the government’s financial health. These stakeholders include creditors, stockholders, and banks who have extended loans to the organization.

  • Depreciation.

The loss of value in an asset is known as depreciation. In general, depreciating an asset requires it to have significant worth. Cars and machinery are examples of common assets that must be depreciated. Since depreciation does not directly affect a company’s cash position, it is sometimes classified as a non-cash expense when it appears on the income statement.

Now that you know the basic terminology, it is time to apply the knowledge in the real world. However, knowing the words does not make you good at accounting. To ensure error-free records, hire an accountant today!