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What is the purpose of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and the accounting cycle? Is it...

What is the purpose of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and the accounting cycle? Is it possible to deviate from GAAP and the accounting cycle and still prepare financial statements? Why? What are some possible consequences of this course of action? Cite your sources APA

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The purpose of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) is to ensure that the financial reporting is transparent and consistent from one organization to another. GAAP serves as a common language among accounting and finance professionals,thereby allowing stakeholders to compare financial statements across corporations. It also minimizes the risk of unintentional errors through implementation of checks and safeguards and provides confidence to the users of financial statements.

The purpose of Accounting Cycle is to help the business keep its accounting records systematically and to report financial information as it shows the correct financial position of the organization.It leads to the accuracy of all financial records.

Yes, it is possible to deviate from GAAP and accounting cycle and still prepare financial statements. Due to number of compliance and rules to be followed the small businesses and private companies may deviate from GAAP as it may become expensive and burdensome to comply with GAAP requirements. Some companies may also deviate from GAAP to produce internal financial reports for the process of decision making as they feel the non-GAAP earnings are more accurate measure of performance. GAAP is mainly designed for the needs of large companies.

For example: EBITDA (Earnings before interest tax and depreciation and amortization) is a non-GAAP earnings measure calculated by adding back the non-cash expenses of depreciation and amortization to a firm's operating income. It allows focus on the outcome of operating decisions while excluding the impacts of non-operating decisions like interest expenses, tax rates, or large non-cash items like depreciation and amortization.

Possible consequences of Deviation from GAAP and accounting cycle are:-

  1. Failure to get Bank financing as banks prefer GAAP financials.
  2. Suppliers of raw material may require GAAP Financials.
  3. Government and customers rely on GAAP Financials.
  4. Stakeholders may make it difficult to conduct business without the GAAP Financials.
  5. Reputation and brand image enhances in the market due to preparation of GAAP Financials
  6. The GAAP Financials are more reliable source for the potential investors and it will attract the potential investors to invest.
  7. GAAP Financials are also a reliable means of comparing of financial results from company to company.
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