Theory Base of Accounting Test - 44

Dual aspect is the foundation or basic principle of accounting. This concept states that every transaction has a dual or two-fold effect and should therefore be recorded at two places.

The duality principle is commonly expressed in terms of fundamental Accounting Equation, which is as follows :

Assets = Liabilities + Capital

In other words, the equation states that the assets of a business are always equal to the claims of owners and the outsiders. The claims also called equity of owners is termed as Capital (owners’ equity) and that of outsiders, as Liabilities (creditors equity).

The concept of conservatism (also called ‘prudence’) provides guidance for recording transactions in the book of accounts and is based on the policy of playing safe. 

The concept states that a conscious approach should be adopted in ascertaining income so that profits of the enterprise are not overstated.  

The concept of conservatism requires that profits should not to be recorded until realised but all losses, even those which may have a remote possibility, are to be provided in the books of accounts.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) constituted the Accounting Standards Board (ASB) on 21st April, 1977 ) to harmonise the diverse accounting policies and practices in use in India. ASB of the ICAI has been issuing accounting standards. 

Since then, it has issued 32 Accounting Standards.

As per AS-2, Valuation of inventories prescribed the accounting treatment for inventories and sets the guidance to determine the value at which the inventories are carried in the financial statement. 

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs. 

The cost of inventories should comprise all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing  the inventories to their present location and condition. 

As per AS-2, "Inventories should be valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value."

The concept of money measurement states that only those transactions and happenings in an organisation which can be expressed in terms of money such as sale of goods or payment of expenses or receipt of income, etc. are to be recorded in the book of accounts. 

Monetary concepts defines that business records only those transactions which are measured in monetary terms. 

1. Accounting standards codify the generally accepted accounting principles.

The convention of conservatism mean that the convention of caution, or the policy of playing safe. This principle requires that in the situation of uncertainty and doubt, the business transactions should be recorded in such a manner that the profits and assets are not overstated and losses and liabilities are not understated.

Closing stock being valued at cost price or Net realisable value, whichever is lower, is the best example of it.

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs. 

The cost of inventories should comprise all costs of purchase, Costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing  the inventories to their present location and condition. 

Hence, as per AS-2 and conservatism concept, "Inventories should be valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value."

As per AS-2, Valuation of inventories prescribed the accounting treatment for inventories and sets the guidance to determine the value at which the inventories are carried in the financial statement. 

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs. 

The cost of inventories should comprise all costs of purchase, Costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing  the inventories to their present location and condition. 

As per AS-2, "Inventories should be valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value."