Financial Accounting Midterm Review: Structured Study Notes

Chapter 1: Financial Statements – An Overview

Underlying Assumptions of the Accounting Model

Financial accounting is built on several foundational assumptions that guide the preparation and presentation of financial statements.

• Objective of Financial Accounting: To provide external users (investors, creditors) with useful information for decision-making.

• Accounting Standards: Rules and guidelines (such as GAAP or IFRS) that standardize financial statement preparation.

• Auditor’s Opinion: An independent auditor provides an opinion on whether financial statements are presented fairly.

• Footnotes: Additional disclosures that provide context and detail beyond the main statements.

• Annual Report: Includes financial statements, management discussion, auditor’s report, and other disclosures.

Example: The annual report of a public company typically contains the balance sheet, income statement, statement of cash flows, statement of stockholders’ equity, and extensive footnotes.

Main Content of Financial Statements

• Statement of Stockholders’ Equity: Shows changes in equity accounts (common stock, retained earnings, etc.) over a period.

• Income Statement: Reports revenues, expenses, and net income for a period.

• Balance Sheet: Presents assets, liabilities, and equity at a specific point in time.

Chapter 2: The Balance Sheet

Inventory Accounting Methods

Inventory valuation affects both the balance sheet and the income statement. Common methods include FIFO, LIFO, and weighted-average.

• FIFO (First-In, First-Out): Assumes earliest goods purchased are the first sold.

• LIFO (Last-In, First-Out): Assumes latest goods purchased are the first sold.

• Weighted-Average: Uses average cost of all goods available for sale.

Example: In periods of rising prices, LIFO results in higher cost of goods sold and lower net income compared to FIFO.

Depreciation Methods

• Straight-Line Method: Allocates equal expense over the asset’s useful life.

• Double Declining Balance: Accelerates depreciation, resulting in higher expense in early years.

Formula (Straight-Line):

$\text{Annual Depreciation} = \frac{\text{Cost} - \text{Salvage Value}}{\text{Useful Life}}$

Classification of Accounts

• Current Liabilities: Obligations due within one year (e.g., accounts payable).

• Current Assets: Resources expected to be converted to cash or used within one year (e.g., inventory, receivables).

• Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: Contra-asset account estimating uncollectible receivables.

• Stockholders’ Equity: Includes common stock, retained earnings, and other equity items.

Chapter 3: Income Statement, Comprehensive Income, and Statement of Stockholders' Equity

Structure of the Income Statement

The income statement summarizes revenues and expenses to calculate net income for a period.

• Net Income: $\text{Net Income} = \text{Total Revenues} - \text{Total Expenses}$

• Gross Profit Margin: $\text{Gross Profit Margin} = \frac{\text{Gross Profit}}{\text{Net Sales}}$

• Comprehensive Income: Includes net income plus other gains/losses not included in net income (e.g., foreign currency translation adjustments).

• Other Revenue and Gains: Non-operating items such as investment income.

• Revenue Recognition Principle: Revenue is recognized when earned, not necessarily when cash is received.

Example: A company sells goods on account; revenue is recognized when goods are delivered, even if payment is received later.

Chapter 4: Statement of Cash Flows

Sections of the Statement of Cash Flows

The statement of cash flows reports cash inflows and outflows in three categories.

• Operating Activities: Cash flows from core business operations.

• Investing Activities: Cash flows from buying/selling assets (e.g., equipment).

• Financing Activities: Cash flows from borrowing, repaying debt, or issuing stock.

Classification and Calculation Methods

• Direct Method: Lists cash receipts and payments from operating activities.

• Indirect Method: Starts with net income and adjusts for non-cash items and changes in working capital.

• Ending Balance of Cash: $\text{Ending Cash} = \text{Beginning Cash} + \text{Net Cash from Operating, Investing, and Financing}$

Example: Depreciation is added back to net income in the indirect method because it is a non-cash expense.

Chapter 5: The Analysis of Financial Statements

Managerial vs. Financial Accounting Information

Managerial accounting focuses on internal decision-making, while financial accounting serves external users.

• Cost-Benefit Approach: Weighs the benefits of information against the costs of providing it.

• Planning vs. Control: Planning sets goals; control monitors performance.

• Value Chain Analysis: Examines business activities to improve efficiency and value creation.

Period Costs and Product Costs

• Period Costs: Expenses not directly tied to production (e.g., selling, general, and administrative expenses).

• Product Costs: Costs directly associated with manufacturing (e.g., direct materials, direct labor, manufacturing overhead).

Schedule of Cost of Goods Manufactured

Item	Computation
Beginning direct materials inventory
+ Direct material purchases
= Cost of direct materials available for use
- Ending direct materials inventory
= Direct materials used in production
+ Direct manufacturing labor
+ Manufacturing overhead
= Total manufacturing costs
+ Beginning work-in-process inventory
- Ending work-in-process inventory
= Cost of goods manufactured (COGM)

Schedule of Cost of Goods Sold

Item	Computation
Beginning finished goods inventory
+ Cost of goods manufactured
= Cost of goods available for sale
- Ending finished goods inventory
= Cost of goods sold

Cost Classifications

• Direct Costs: Traceable to a specific product (e.g., direct materials, direct labor).

• Indirect Costs: Not easily traceable (e.g., manufacturing overhead).

• Fixed Costs: Do not change with production volume (e.g., rent).

• Variable Costs: Change with production volume (e.g., raw materials).

Example: Factory supervisor salary is an indirect, fixed cost; direct materials are direct, variable costs.

Additional info: These notes synthesize and expand upon the provided review outline, adding definitions, formulas, and examples for clarity and completeness.