General Accounting

Organizational leaders everywhere have to manage financial accounts of some sort. Whether it was a personal savings account, business checking account or bill for services performed, we have all had to think about how financial activity affects the bottom line.

General accounting lends itself to several basic principles and objectives. Before you hire an accountant, there a few facts you must know about general accounting and the principles behind it.

Tax Service & Tax Planning

Whether you own a small business that requires comprehensive business accounting services or the financial representative of a corporation that needs an annual summary, we provide customized options to help meet your specific needs.

We compile transactions from bank statements and/or other documents as well as prepare financial statements and other management reports.

We can provide simple cash basis reporting or do the more complex accrual multi-location, multi-department complete with budget comparison reports.

Structure the best system for you to meet your payroll processing needs. We can maintain earnings records and process payroll reports including all forms and consulting regarding requirements.

Background

Accounting can be divided into several categories including governmental accounting, management accounting, financial accounting and general accounting. These categories reflect the type of activity and standards associated with the collection, presentation and documentation of financial statements. All accounting categories operate under specific regulations, principles and laws.

Identification

General accounting, much like its name suggests, deals with the collection and ledger of general account activity including debits and credits (i.e., account charges) as well as how financial statements are documented for the fiscal or calendar year. This activity is related to the general activity associated with a business account, entity or organization including government and non-profit ventures. A general account does not offer sub-category information about management.

Significance

Unlike other accounting categories, general accounting relates to a business entity as a whole versus a specific subgroup within that entity. Using an accounting system, a general accountant will review and prepare tax returns and examine what tax breaks are available. Based on the calendar year, the debits and credits made during that year and the type of business or organization, a general accountant will provide his client with the following services: financial statements including income and balance sheet statements, general ledgers, bank statements and quarterly reports. Services for small businesses include tax preparation including payroll, state, sales and other applicable taxes.

Considerations

All general accountants must demonstrate objectivity–all financial data must be factual and not compromised, including all financial notes and statements. Other information related to consultancy services must be turned over to all applicable persons within a reasonable amount of time. An accountant must use the same practices on a consistent basis (year-to-year). An accountant must act in the best interest of the account holder and/or business entity.