Accrual

Definition: Recognize before cash exchanged

Scope:Very BroadDifficulty:Easy

Recognize before cash exchanged

Common Journal Entries
AccountDebitCredit
1. Accrue revenue
Services performed but not yet billed: $5,000.
Accounts ReceivableAsset+$5,000
Service RevenueRevenue+$5,000
Revenue recognized when earned, before cash is received.
2. Accrue expense
Salaries owed but not yet paid: $3,200.
Salaries ExpenseExpense+$3,200
Salaries PayableLiability+$3,200
Expense recognized when incurred, before cash is paid.

T-AccountsA visual representation of a ledger account shaped like the letter T. Left side shows debits, right side shows credits.

Accounts ReceivableAsset account — amounts owed by customers. Debits increase the balance. Credits decrease the balance.AssetA resource owned by the business. Normal balance: debit. Debits increase, credits decrease.
DebitLeft side of a journal entry. Increases assets and expenses. Decreases liabilities, equity, and revenue.
$5,000.00
Normal bal.
CreditRight side of a journal entry. Increases liabilities, equity, and revenue. Decreases assets and expenses.
$5,000.00
Service RevenueService RevenueRevenueIncome earned from business operations. Normal balance: credit. Credits increase, debits decrease.
DebitLeft side of a journal entry. Increases assets and expenses. Decreases liabilities, equity, and revenue.
CreditRight side of a journal entry. Increases liabilities, equity, and revenue. Decreases assets and expenses.
$5,000.00
Normal bal.
$5,000.00
Salaries ExpenseSalaries ExpenseExpenseA cost incurred in the process of earning revenue. Normal balance: debit. Debits increase, credits decrease.
DebitLeft side of a journal entry. Increases assets and expenses. Decreases liabilities, equity, and revenue.
$3,200.00
Normal bal.
CreditRight side of a journal entry. Increases liabilities, equity, and revenue. Decreases assets and expenses.
$3,200.00
Salaries PayableSalaries PayableLiabilityAn obligation the business owes to others. Normal balance: credit. Credits increase, debits decrease.
DebitLeft side of a journal entry. Increases assets and expenses. Decreases liabilities, equity, and revenue.
CreditRight side of a journal entry. Increases liabilities, equity, and revenue. Decreases assets and expenses.
$3,200.00
Normal bal.
$3,200.00
DurationN/A

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