After completing this chapter you should be able to: Identify the basic concepts of an accounting information system, describe the nature and purpose of a subsidiary ledger, explain how companies use special journals in journalizing,.and other contents. | CHAPTER 7 ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEMS Accounting Principles, Eighth Edition Identify the basic concepts of an accounting information system. Describe the nature and purpose of a subsidiary ledger. Explain how companies use special journals in journalizing. Indicate how companies post a multi-column journal. Study Objectives 1. On the topic, “Challenges Facing Financial Accounting,” what did the AICPA Special Committee on Financial Reporting suggest should be included in future financial statements? Non-financial Measurements (customer satisfaction indexes, backlog information, and reject rates on goods purchases). Forward-looking Information Soft Assets (a company’s know-how, market dominance, marketing setup, well-trained employees, and brand image). Timeliness (no real time financial information) Basic Concepts of Accounting Information Systems Subsidiary Ledgers Special Journals Computerized accounting systems Manual accounting systems Example Advantages Sales journal Cash receipts journal Purchases journal Cash payments journal Effects of special journals on general journal Accounting Information Systems Service Cost - Actuaries compute service cost as the present value of the new benefits earned by employees during the year. Future salary levels considered in calculation. Interest on Liability - Interest accrues each year on the PBO just as it does on any discounted debt. Actual Return on Plan Assets - Increase in pension funds from interest, dividends, and realized and unrealized changes in the fair market value of the plan assets. Amortization of Unrecognized Prior Service Cost - The cost of providing retroactive benefits is allocated to pension expense in the future, specifically to the remaining service-years of the affected employees. Gain or Loss - Volatility in pension expense can be caused by sudden and large changes in the market value of plan assets and by changes in the projected benefit obligation. Two items comprise the gain or loss: difference | CHAPTER 7 ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEMS Accounting Principles, Eighth Edition Identify the basic concepts of an accounting information system. Describe the nature and purpose of a subsidiary ledger. Explain how companies use special journals in journalizing. Indicate how companies post a multi-column journal. Study Objectives 1. On the topic, “Challenges Facing Financial Accounting,” what did the AICPA Special Committee on Financial Reporting suggest should be included in future financial statements? Non-financial Measurements (customer satisfaction indexes, backlog information, and reject rates on goods purchases). Forward-looking Information Soft Assets (a company’s know-how, market dominance, marketing setup, well-trained employees, and brand image). Timeliness (no real time financial information) Basic Concepts of Accounting Information Systems Subsidiary Ledgers Special Journals Computerized accounting systems Manual accounting systems Example Advantages Sales journal Cash .
