To begin with, let me give you a brief explanation of both the terms i.e. Accounting policies and accounting principles- In order to maintain the financial statements, the company’s management adopts various Accounting Policies of its own. This generally includes the rules, the directions as to howRead more
To begin with, let me give you a brief explanation of both the terms i.e. Accounting policies and accounting principles-
In order to maintain the financial statements, the company’s management adopts various Accounting Policies of its own. This generally includes the rules, the directions as to how the financial statements will be prepared or how the valuation of depreciation would be done, and so on. These are flexible in nature and vary from company to company.
For Example 1, Johnson Co. uses FIFO (first in first out) method to value the inventory. That is to say that, while selling its product, it sells those goods or products which it has acquired or produced first.
It does not consider the LIFO or weighted average cost. The other company may adopt the other method as per its wish.
Example 2, Johnson Co. uses the straight-line method of depreciating an asset, whereas the other company can opt for a written down value method depending upon the need of the company.
So what I am trying to explain from this is that the accounting policies are flexible and can be adopted as per the needs of the company.
Accounting Principles are the rules which the accountants adopt universally for recording and reporting the financial data. It brings uniformity in accounting throughout the practice of accounting. These are generally less flexible in nature.
For Example, “Cost” is a principle. According to this accounting principle, an asset is recorded in the books at the price paid to acquire it and this cost will be the basis for all the subsequent accounting for the asset. However, asset market value may change over time, but for the accounting purpose, it continues to be shown at its book value i.e. at which it is acquired.
Some more examples would be of Matching principle, Consistency principle, Money measurement principle, etc.
Differences

Conclusion
The point is Accounting Principles are the broad direction to reach a goal and to reach that goal helps the accounting policies.
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To start with let me first explain the difference between receipts and income & payment and expenditure. Although Receipts and Income may look similar terms, there are some differences. Receipts have their relation with both cash and cheques received on account of various items of the organizatiRead more
To start with let me first explain the difference between receipts and income & payment and expenditure.
Although Receipts and Income may look similar terms, there are some differences.
Receipts have their relation with both cash and cheques received on account of various items of the organization. Whereas, income is considered as a revenue item for finding surplus or deficit of the organization. All the receipts collected during the year may not be considered as income.
For Example, if an organization sale of its assets that is of a capital nature, it would not be considered as an item of income and hence would be treated in the balance sheet.
Similarly, Payment and Expenditure are two different terms. Payments are those that have their relation with cash and cheques given for various activities of the organization. Whereas, Expenditure is considered as revenue expenditure for ascertainment of surplus or deficit in the case of a not-for-profit organization. All payments made during the year may not be considered as expenditures.
Differences

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