Table of contents

1. Introduction to Accounting1h 21m
2. Transaction Analysis1h 13m
3. Accrual Accounting Concepts2h 38m
4. Merchandising Operations2h 30m
5. Inventory1h 55m
6. Internal Controls and Reporting Cash1h 16m
7. Receivables and Investments3h 8m
8. Long Lived Assets5h 1m
9. Current Liabilities2h 19m
10. Time Value of Money1h 23m
- Time Value of Money Equations
  35m
- Using Time Value of Money Tables
  47m
11. Long Term Liabilities2h 45m
12. Stockholders' Equity2h 15m
13. Statement of Cash Flows2h 24m
14. Financial Statement Analysis5h 25m
15. GAAP vs IFRS56m

3. Accrual Accounting Concepts

Closing Entries

Financial Accounting

3. Accrual Accounting Concepts

Closing Entries

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Multiple Choice

What is the primary purpose of closing entries in the accounting cycle?

To prepare the financial statements for the next accounting period

To adjust asset and liability accounts to their fair market value

To transfer the balances of temporary accounts to retained earnings

To record the purchase of new assets

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of closing entries: Closing entries are journal entries made at the end of an accounting period to transfer the balances of temporary accounts (such as revenues, expenses, and dividends) to permanent accounts (like retained earnings). This process resets the temporary accounts to zero for the next accounting period.

Identify temporary accounts: Temporary accounts include revenue accounts, expense accounts, and dividend accounts. These accounts accumulate balances during the accounting period but need to be cleared to start fresh in the next period.

Recognize the purpose of closing entries: The primary purpose is to transfer the balances of temporary accounts to retained earnings, which is a permanent account. This ensures that the financial statements reflect the cumulative financial position of the company.

Understand the impact on financial statements: Closing entries help prepare the financial statements for the next accounting period by ensuring that temporary accounts do not carry over balances, which could distort the financial results of the new period.

Learn the process of recording closing entries: Closing entries typically involve debiting revenue accounts and crediting retained earnings, as well as debiting retained earnings and crediting expense accounts. Dividends, if applicable, are also closed to retained earnings.