Explanation
The convention of conservatism is the convention of caution, or the policy of playing safe. This principle requires that in the situation of uncertainty and doubt, the business transactions should be recorded in such a manner that the profits and assets are not overstated and losses and liabilities are not understated. The following are some examples:
1. Closing stock is valued at cost price or Net realisable value, whichever is lower.
2. Joint life insurance policy is shown only at surrender value as against the amount paid.
3. Provision for doubtful debt is created in anticipation of bad debts etc.
4. Provision for pending law suit against the firm, which may either be decided in its favour.
The matching principle requires that revenues and any related expenses be recognized together in the same reporting period. Thus, if there is a cause-and-effect relationship between revenue and certain expenses, then record them at the same time. If there is no such relationship, then charge the cost to expense at once.
This is one of the most essential concepts in accrual accounting, since it mandates that the entire effect of a transaction be recorded within the same reporting period.
The concept of conservatism (also called ‘prudence’) provides guidance for recording transactions in the book of accounts and is based on the policy of playing safe.
The concept states that a conscious approach should be adopted in ascertaining income so that profits of the enterprise are not overstated.
The concept of conservatism requires that profits should not to be recorded until realised but all losses, even those which may have a remote possibility, are to be provided in the books of accounts.
The principle of full disclosure requires that all material and relevant facts concerning financial performance of an enterprise must be fully and completely disclosed in the financial statements and their accompanying footnotes.
This is to enable the users to make correct assessment about the profitability and financial soundness of the enterprise and help them to take informed decisions.
On the basis of this concept, inventories should be valued at the lower of, cost and net realisable value.
The cost concept requires that, all assets are recorded in the book of accounts at their purchase price, which includes cost of acquisition, transportation, installation and making the asset ready to use.
For example, an old plant was purchased for Rs. 50 lakh, which is into the business of manufacturing detergent powder. The following were the other expenses incurred for its installation:
1. Transporting the plant to the factory site- Rs. 10,000
2. Repairs for bringing the plant into running position- Rs. 15,000
3. Installation- Rs. 25,000
The total amount at which the plant will be recorded in the books of account would be the sum of all these, i.e. Rs. 50,50,000.
The concept of going concern assumes that a business firm would continue to carry out its operations indefinitely, i.e. for a fairly long period of time and would not be liquidated in the foreseeable future.
This is an important assumption of accounting as it provides the very basis for showing the value of assets in the balance sheet.
Conversely, this means the entity will not be forced to halt operations and liquidate its assets in the near term at what may be low fire-sale prices.
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