In this chapter you explore important topics such as the FASB's conceptual framework that serve as a foundation for a more detailed study of financial statements, the way the statement elements are measured, and the concepts underlying these measurements and related disclosures. | ENVIRONMENT AND THEORETICAL STRUCTURE OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING Chapter 1 © 2013 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter 1: Environment and Theoretical Structure of Financial Accounting. Financial Accounting Environment Profit-oriented companies Not-for-profit entities Households Providers of Financial Information External User Groups Investors Creditors Employees Labor unions Customers Suppliers Government agencies Financial intermediaries Relevant Financial Information Several types of entities provide financial information to a variety of external users. Our primary focus in this book is on the financial information that profit-oriented companies provide to present and potential investors and to creditors. These profit-oriented companies also provide financial information that is used by financial intermediaries such as financial analysts, stockbrokers, mutual fund managers, and credit rating agencies. Not-for-profit organizations also provide financial information to external users such as citizen groups and donors. As an individual, you provide financial information to the internal revenue service and creditors when you seek credit. Financial Accounting Environment Relevant financial information is provided primarily through financial statements and related disclosure notes. Statement of Financial Position Statement of Comprehensive Income Statement of Cash Flows Statement of Changes in Equity The primary means that profit-oriented companies use to provide financial information to investors, creditors and other external parties is through financial statements and their accompanying disclosure notes. The four financial statements used most frequently for this purpose are the: Statement of Financial Position. Statement of Comprehensive Income. Statement of Cash Flows. Statement of Changes in Equity. The Economic Environment and Financial Reporting A sole proprietorship is owned by a single individual. A partnership is owned by two or more . | ENVIRONMENT AND THEORETICAL STRUCTURE OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING Chapter 1 © 2013 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter 1: Environment and Theoretical Structure of Financial Accounting. Financial Accounting Environment Profit-oriented companies Not-for-profit entities Households Providers of Financial Information External User Groups Investors Creditors Employees Labor unions Customers Suppliers Government agencies Financial intermediaries Relevant Financial Information Several types of entities provide financial information to a variety of external users. Our primary focus in this book is on the financial information that profit-oriented companies provide to present and potential investors and to creditors. These profit-oriented companies also provide financial information that is used by financial intermediaries such as financial analysts, stockbrokers, mutual fund managers, and credit rating agencies. Not-for-profit organizations also provide financial information to .
