The spelling of the phrase 'expense account' can be understood through the International Phonetic Alphabet as /ɪkˈspɛns əˌkaʊnt/. The 'e' in 'expense' is pronounced with a short 'e' sound (/ɛ/) and the stress is on the second syllable. The 'a' in 'account' is pronounced with a schwa sound (/ə/) and the stress is on the first syllable. The 'ou' in 'account' is pronounced as a diphthong (/aʊ/), making the whole phrase sound like "ik-spens-uh-kount".
An expense account refers to a financial arrangement between an employer and an employee that allows the latter to be reimbursed for costs incurred during the performance of their job duties. It is a system used by organizations to manage and track employee expenses and ensure they are properly recorded for accounting and taxation purposes.
Typically, an employee is assigned an expense account or given a company credit card, enabling them to pay for business-related expenses directly. These expenses may include travel, meals, accommodation, transportation, and other costs that are essential for the individual to fulfill their work responsibilities. The employee then submits documentation, such as receipts, invoices, and expense reports, to their employer for verification and approval.
The purpose of an expense account is to facilitate the smooth functioning of business operations by removing the financial burden on employees for certain necessary expenses. It aims to ensure that employees have the resources they need to carry out their duties effectively without having to use their personal funds. Simultaneously, it establishes a transparent and accountable process for managing and reimbursing work-related expenses, preventing potential misuse or fraudulent claims.
Expense accounts are commonly used in industries with frequent business travel, such as sales, consulting, and client-oriented professions. They are subject to internal policies and guidelines defined by the organization, outlining what expenses are eligible for reimbursement and the specific procedures involved in submitting and approving expense claims.
The word "expense" originates from the Latin word "expensum", which is the past participle of "expendere", meaning "to weigh out" or "to pay out". The term "account" comes from the Latin word "computare", meaning "to calculate" or "to count". Therefore, the combination of "expense" and "account" implies a specific record or calculation of money spent or paid out. The phrase "expense account" was first used in the early 20th century to refer to a financial arrangement where an employee is reimbursed by their employer for business-related expenses incurred during their work.