Three ledgers each with its own balanced scale and an accountant checking one
Accounting

Quick answer: In a large business the ledger is split into a debtors (sales) ledger, a creditors (purchase) ledger and

Accountant sorting asset purchases and running costs into two trays, illustrating capital and revenue payments
Accounting

Quick answer: A capital payment is a one-off cash payment that buys or pays back something with long-term value, such

Campaign spending spread across three future years like stepping stones
Accounting

Quick answer: Deferred revenue expenditure is a large revenue expense whose benefit lasts several years, such as a launch advertising

One large coin from an asset sale versus a stream of sales coins, illustrating capital vs revenue income
Accounting

Quick answer: Capital income is a one-off receipt that does not come from normal trading, such as the sale of

Accountant comparing a damaged van ledger with an unpaid invoice, illustrating capital loss vs revenue loss
Accounting

Quick answer: A capital loss arises outside the normal course of business, usually from fixed assets or capital, such as

Two jars separating regular sales profits from a one-off gain on selling a machine
Accounting

Quick answer: Capital profits come from non-recurring transactions outside normal trading, such as securities premium or selling a fixed asset

Accountant sorting asset purchases and everyday bills into two trays
Accounting

Quick answer: Capital expenditure buys or improves a long-term asset, such as machinery, buildings or a licence, and benefits the

Bookkeeper with a ledger beside an accountant presenting statements, illustrating bookkeeping vs accounting
Accounting

Quick answer: Bookkeeping and accounting both record money transactions, use the same source documents, follow the double-entry system and accounting

Owners, investors, bankers and officials reading a financial report, illustrating users of accounting information
Accounting

Quick answer: Accounting information is used inside the business by owners and managers, and outside it by investors, lenders and

Accountant with ledger, calculator and balance scale illustrating the need for accounting
Accounting

Quick answer: Accounting is needed to record every transaction systematically, work out profit or loss, show the financial position, meet