The U.S. GAAP standards in this image (and found in your book on page 80) were developed and codified by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and accepted by the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants). You have probably heard of the AMA (American Medical Association) for physicians. It is a professional organization that promotes and educates physicians. The professional organizations that developed GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) are similar to the AMA in that they provide a similar role for accountants providing guidance for how GAAP accounting standards must be applied.
Case Study 5-1 on pages 80-81 demonstrates the way professional accountants must use professional judgement when reporting results. Medicine is art and science. “Accounting is more art than science”. (Harrison and Harrison, 2013, p.80)
Read the case and discuss the following:
Which of the approaches in the case most accurately reflects the financial operations of the company for their first year of operation?
What are the two different accounting treatments offered? Do you find both acceptable, and why or why not?
Participation Requirements: The minimum number of posts this week is 3 substantive posts (total) for the week on 3 different days. Initial post is due by Wednesday. Please refer to the grading rubric for discussions in your gradebook. Remember that APA format is required.