Learning Accountancy

Libraries and bookshops around the world have displayed over the years numerous books on bookkeeping and accountancy. In the very first chapter of this book, therefore, the question is asked: why then write yet another book?The traditional approach has been to introduce double entry bookkeeping principles almost at the outset and then expound those principles with the help of examples. In this book, no mention is made of double entry until Chapter 5. The book starts by demonstrating in a clear and simple way the function of cash flow statements, profit and loss statements, and balance sheets. It then explains the crucial differences between cash flow on the one hand and profit and loss on the other. The reader is only then introduced to the logic and application of the rules of double entry.The book goes on to cover a wide range of topics, including, with numerous examples, financial accounting, management information and internal control systems in a typical accounts department. This book does not aim to produce ‘full-fledged accountants,’ but rather to help the layman and the aspiring student to gain a valuable insight into both the theory and practice of bookkeeping and accountancy.