9 TIMING OF TRANSACTIONS

The timing and frequency of business transactions will vary. Some, such as sales, may take place on a daily basis whilst others, such as salary payment, are paid monthly. Items such as electricity and gas bills may be paid on a quarterly basis. Purchases of equipment will probably be occasional, but infrequent.

Whenever transactions occur they should be promptly recorded in the accounting records on the day that they occur. This is important in order to ensure that the business records are complete and up to date. It is also necessary, as you will see in your later studies, to ensure that the annual financial statements show a true and fair view of the business to management, owners and other interested parties, such as banks and providers of finance.

FA1: RECORDING FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS

ACTIVITY 3

The manager of the research and development department of a large chemical business has been given control of the investigation of the potential healing properties of a naturally occurring compound found in the Amazonian rainforest.

  1. State why the manager will need to ensure careful records are maintained of the receipts and payments associated with this project.
  2. Explain why the manager will need to set up a system of authorisation and control for expenditure.
  3. Explain why timing is important when dealing with financial transactions under such a project.

For a suggested answer, see the Answers section at the end of the book