REAL ACCOUNTS is a commonly used term in accounting. The correct spelling of this term is [riːəl əˈkaʊnts]. The first syllable of the word is pronounced as "ree" (IPA symbol: [riː]). The second syllable follows the schwa sound (IPA symbol: ə). The final syllable, "-counts" is pronounced as "kaunts" (IPA symbol: [kaʊnts]). The term refers to the accounts that reflect the assets, liabilities, and equity of a company, as well as the income and expenditure of the business.
Real accounts, also known as permanent accounts or balance sheet accounts, are a category of accounts in financial accounting that represent the ongoing and long-term financial position of a company. These accounts consist of assets, liabilities, and owner's equity, which are all reflected on the company's balance sheet.
Real accounts capture transactions that have a lasting impact on a company's financial position. They do not get closed at the end of an accounting period like temporary accounts do. Instead, real accounts carry forward their ending balances to the next accounting period, ensuring the continuity of financial information.
Asset accounts within real accounts category include items such as cash, accounts receivable, inventory, and property, plant, and equipment. Liabilities accounts encompass obligations like accounts payable, loans, and deferred revenue. Lastly, owner's equity accounts reflect the residual interest in the company's assets after deducting liabilities.
Due to their permanence, real accounts play a crucial role in preparing the balance sheet, reflecting the financial standing of a company at a specific point in time. By recording all relevant financial transactions throughout an organization's lifespan, real accounts provide valuable information for management decision-making, financial analysis, and reporting to stakeholders.
It is important for accountants and financial professionals to distinguish between real and temporary accounts, as understanding the nature of accounts helps maintain accurate financial records and ensures compliance with accounting principles and standards.
The word "real" comes from the late Latin word "realis", which means "actual" or "genuine". It was derived from the Latin word "res", meaning "thing" or "matter". The word "accounts" originated from the Middle English word "accounte", which was borrowed from the Old French word "acompte", meaning "reckoning or calculation". So, when combined, "real accounts" can be understood as referring to genuine or actual calculations or reckonings.