Investopedia

Accounting Theory

Filed Under »
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Accounting Theory'

Assumptions, methodologies and frameworks used in the study and application of financial principles. The study of accounting theory involves a review of both the historical foundations of accounting practices, as well as the way in which accounting practices are verified and added to the regulatory framework that governs financial statements and financial reporting.

Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Accounting Theory'

Accounting as a discipline has existed since the 15th Century. Since then both businesses and economies have greatly evolved. Accounting theory is a continuously-evolving subject, as it must adapt to new ways of doing business, new technological standards and gaps that are discovered in reporting mechanisms. Organizations such as the International Accounting Standards Board help create practical applications of accounting theory, and professionals such as CPAs help companies navigate accounting standards.

Articles Of Interest

  1. The Flow Of Company Information

    Learn how to gather all the pieces before you start to put together your puzzle.
  2. Understanding The Income Statement

    Learn how to use revenue and expenses, among other factors, to break down and analyze a company.
  3. A Clear Look At EBITDA

    This measure has its benefits, but it can also present earnings through rose-colored glasses.
  4. International Reporting Standards Gain Global Recognition

    Comparing financial numbers from corporations in different countries is possible with the adoption of IFRS.
  5. Depreciation: Straight-Line Vs. Double-Declining Methods

    Appreciate the different methods used to describe how book value is "used up".
  6. Financial Statement: Extraordinary Vs. Nonrecurring Items

    When it comes to analyzing a company, successful analysts spend considerable time differentiating between accounting items that are likely to recur going forward from those that most likely will ...
  7. Get A Career In Showbiz Accounting

    An accounting career doesn't have to be boring. If you love numbers, but want excitement as well, consider the field of showbiz accounting.
  8. What Management Accountants Do

    If you like keeping track of a company's income and expenses but also want to hold a position with significant responsibility and authority, management accounting could be the job for you.
  9. GAAP And The IFRS Standards Convergence Efforts In 3 Substantial Areas

    Understand the specific steps that have been taken in hopes of converging the GAAP and the IFRS accounting standards, despite the philosophically and culturally based methodological differences ...
  10. Using The Price-To-Book Ratio To Evaluate Companies

    The P/B ratio can be an easy way to determine a company's value, but it isn't magic!
comments powered by Disqus
Marketplace
Hot Definitions
  1. Winner's Curse

    Because of incomplete information, emotions or any other number of factors regarding the item being auctioned, bidders can have a difficult time determining the item's intrinsic value. As a result, the largest overestimation of an item's value ends up winning the auction.
  2. Glocalization

    A combination of the words "globalization" and "localization" used to describe a product or service that is developed and distributed globally, but is also fashioned to accommodate the user or consumer in a local market.
  3. Disaster Loss

    A special type of tax-deductible loss, similar to a casualty loss, where a loss has been incurred by taxpayers who reside in an area that has been designated as a federal disaster area by the President.
  4. Fool In The Shower

    The notion that changes or policies designed to alter the course of the economy should be done slowly, rather than all at once.
  5. Pattern Day Trader

    An SEC designation for traders who trade the same security four or more times per day (buys and sells) over a five-day period, and for whom same-day trades make up at least 6% of their activity for that period.
  6. Cost-Push Inflation

    A phenomenon in which the general price levels rise (inflation) due to increases in the cost of wages and raw materials.
Trading Center