Explanation
The convention of conservatism mean that 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 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.
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 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.
On the basis of this concept, inventories should be valued at the lower of, cost and net realisable value.
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.
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