ACCOUNTING CYCLE Definition

Bookmark and Share

ACCOUNTING CYCLE is the sequence of steps in preparing the financial statements for a given period. It refers to the fact that because financial reports are given each period (usually a year) there are a set of steps (cycle) taken each period that result in the reports and preparation for the next period or cycle. The term cycle is used because every period there is a start and an end. The cycle usually starts with the budget, goes through the journal entries, adjusting entries, posting to the accounts, financial reports, and closings.

Learn new Accounting Terms

13TH PERIOD in the fiscal year is the period used for fiscal year-end adjusting entries (periods 1-12 being the months in the fiscal year).

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI) is the measure of change in consumer prices as determined by a monthly survey by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Among the CPI components are the costs of food, housing, transportation, and electricity (i.e., the average cost of a "basket" of goods and services). Also known as the cost-of-living index.

Suggest a Term

Enter Search Term

Enter a term, then click the entry you would like to view.