4

COMPLETING THE
ACCOUNTING CYCLE
objectives
After studying this chapter, you
should be able to:

1 Review the seven basic steps of the

accounting cycle.

2 Prepare a work sheet.

3 Prepare financial statements from a

work sheet.

4 Prepare the adjusting and closing

entries from a work sheet.

5 Explain what is meant by the fiscal

year and the natural business year.

6 Analyze and interpret the financial

solvency of a business by computing
working capital and the current ratio.
PHOTO: © CORBIS
 M ost of us have had to file a personal tax return. At the beginning of the year,
you estimate your upcoming income and decide whether you need to increase your
payroll tax withholdings or perhaps pay estimated taxes. During the year, you earn
income, make investments, and enter into other tax-related transactions, such as mak-
ing charitable contributions. At the end of the year, your employer sends you a tax
withholding information form (W-2 form), and you collect the tax records needed for
completing your yearly tax forms. If any tax is owed, you pay it; if you overpaid your
taxes, you file for a refund. As the next year begins, you start the cycle all over again.
Businesses also go through a cycle of activities. At the beginning of the cycle, man-
agement plans where it wants the business to go and begins the necessary actions
to achieve its operating goals. Throughout the cycle, which is normally one year, the
accountant records the operating activities (transactions) of the business. At the end
of the cycle, the accountant prepares financial statements that summarize the oper-
ating activities for the year. The accountant then prepares the accounts for recording
the operating activities in the next cycle.
As we saw in Chapter 1, the initial cycle for NetSolutions began with Chris Clark’s
investment in the business on November 1, 2005. The cycle continued with record-
ing NetSolutions’ transactions for November and December, as we discussed in Chap-
ters 1 and 2. In Chapter 3, the cycle continued and we recorded the adjusting entries
for the two months ending December 31, 2005. Now, in this chapter, we discuss the
flow of the adjustment data into the accounts and into the financial statements.

Accounting Cycle The accounting process that begins with analyzing and journalizing transactions and
objective 1 ends with summarizing and reporting these transactions is called the accounting
Review the seven basic steps cycle. The most important output of this cycle is the financial statements.
of the accounting cycle. The basic steps of the accounting cycle are shown, by number, in the flowchart
in Exhibit 1.
In earlier chapters, we described and illustrated the analysis and record-
In a computerized accounting sys- ing of transactions, posting to the ledger, preparing a trial balance, ana-
tem, the software automatically lyzing adjustment data, preparing adjusting entries, and preparing financial
records and posts transactions.
The ledger and supporting records
statements. In this chapter, we complete our discussion of the accounting
are maintained in computerized cycle by describing how work sheets may be used as an aid in preparing
master files. In addition, a work the financial statements. We also describe and illustrate how closing entries
sheet is normally not prepared. and a post-closing trial balance are used in preparing the accounting records
for the next period.

Work Sheet Accountants often use working papers for collecting and summarizing data they
objective 2 need for preparing various analyses and reports. Such working papers are useful
Prepare a work sheet. tools, but they are not considered a part of the formal accounting records. This is
in contrast to the chart of accounts, the journal, and the ledger, which are essential
parts of the accounting system. Working papers are usually prepared by using a
Common spread- spreadsheet program on a computer.
sheet programs used The work sheet is a working paper that accountants can use to summarize ad-
in business include
justing entries and the account balances for the financial statements. In small com-
Microsoft Excel® and
Lotus 1-2-3®. panies with few accounts and adjustments, a work sheet may not be necessary. For
example, the financial statements for NetSolutions can be prepared directly from the
adjusted trial balance illustrated in Chapter 3. In a computerized accounting system,
 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle 141

•Exhibit 1 Accounting Cycle

② Accts. Rec. 112

①
⑤ Cash 111

Source Documents Journal

Ledger
⑦ ③
XYZ Co.
XYZ Co. Work Sheet
Post-Closing Trial Balance For the Period Ended December 31, 20––
December 31, 20––
Adjusted
Trial Trial Income Balance
Balance Adjustments Balance Statement Sheet

Post-Closing
Work Sheet
Trial Balance
⑤
(optional) ④

⑥
Balance Sheet

① Transactions are analyzed and recorded in the journal. Statement of

② Transactions are posted to the ledger.

Retained Earnings

③ A trial balance is prepared, adjustment data are Income Statement

assembled, and an optional work sheet is completed.

④ Financial statements are prepared.
⑤ Adjusting entries are journalized and posted to the ledger.
⑥ Closing entries are journalized and posted to the ledger.
⑦ A post-closing trial balance is prepared. Financial Statements

a work sheet may not be necessary be-

cause the software program automatically
posts entries to the accounts and prepares
The work sheet is a useful
financial statements. device for understanding
The work sheet (Exhibits 2 through 5
on pages 142–146) is a useful device for
the flow of the accounting
understanding the flow of the accounting data from the unadjusted
data from the unadjusted trial balance to
the financial statements (Exhibit 6). This
trial balance to the financial
flow of data is the same in either a man- statements.
ual or a computerized accounting system.

Unadjusted Trial Balance Columns

To begin the work sheet, list at the top the name of the business, the type of
working paper (work sheet), and the period of time, as shown in Exhibit 2. Next,
enter the unadjusted trial balance directly on the work sheet. The work sheet in
Exhibit 2 shows the unadjusted trial balance for NetSolutions at December 31,
2005.
142 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle

•Exhibit 2 Work Sheet with Unadjusted Trial Balance Entered

NetSolutions
Work Sheet
For the Two Months Ended December 31, 2005
Adjusted Income
Trial Balance Adjustments Trial Balance Statement Balance Sheet
Account Title Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr.
1 Cash 2,065 1
2 Accounts Receivable 2,220 2
3 Supplies 2,000 3
4 Prepaid Insurance 2,400 4
5 Land 20,000 The work sheet is used for sum- 5
6 Office Equipment 1,800 marizing the effects of adjusting 6
7 Accounts Payable 900 entries. It also aids in preparing 7
8 Unearned Rent 360 financial statements. 8
9 Capital Stock 25,000 9
10 Dividends 4,000 10
11 Fees Earned 16,340 11
12 Wages Expense 4,275 12
13 Rent Expense 1,600 13
14 Utilities Expense 985 14
15 Supplies Expense 800 15
16 Miscellaneous Expense 455 16
17 42,600 42,600 17
18 18

Adjustments Columns
The adjustments that we explained and illustrated for NetSolutions in Chapter 3 are
entered in the Adjustments columns, as shown in Exhibit 3. Cross-referencing (by
letters) the debit and credit of each adjustment is useful in reviewing the work sheet.
It is also helpful for identifying the adjusting entries that need to be recorded in the
journal.
The order in which the adjustments are entered on the work sheet is not im-
portant. Most accountants enter the adjustments in the order in which the data are
assembled. If the titles of some of the accounts to be adjusted do not appear in the
trial balance, they should be inserted in the Account Title column, below the trial
balance totals, as needed.
To review, the entries in the Adjustments columns of the work sheet are:

(a) Supplies. The supplies account has a debit balance of $2,000. The cost of the
supplies on hand at the end of the period is $760. Therefore, the supplies
expense for December is the difference between the two amounts, or $1,240.
Enter the adjustment by writing (1) $1,240 in the Adjustments Debit column on
the same line as Supplies Expense and (2) $1,240 in the Adjustments Credit
column on the same line as Supplies.
(b) Prepaid Insurance. The prepaid insurance account has a debit balance of
$2,400, which represents the prepayment of insurance for 24 months beginning
December 1. Thus, the insurance expense for December is $100 ($2,400/24).
Enter the adjustment by writing (1) $100 in the Adjustments Debit column on
 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle 143

the same line as Insurance Expense and (2) $100 in the Adjustments Credit
column on the same line as Prepaid Insurance.
(c) Unearned Rent. The unearned rent account has a credit balance of $360, which
represents the receipt of three months’ rent, beginning with December. Thus,
the rent revenue for December is $120. Enter the adjustment by writing (1) $120
in the Adjustments Debit column on the same line as Unearned Rent and (2)
$120 in the Adjustments Credit column on the same line as Rent Revenue.
(d) Wages. Wages accrued but not paid at the end of December total $250. This
amount is an increase in expenses and an increase in liabilities. Enter the ad-
justment by writing (1) $250 in the Adjustments Debit column on the same line
as Wages Expense and (2) $250 in the Adjustments Credit column on the same
line as Wages Payable.
(e) Accrued Fees. Fees accrued at the end of December but not recorded total
$500. This amount is an increase in an asset and an increase in revenue. Enter
the adjustment by writing (1) $500 in the Adjustments Debit column on the same
line as Accounts Receivable and (2) $500 in the Adjustments Credit column on
the same line as Fees Earned.
(f) Depreciation. Depreciation of the office equipment is $50 for December. Enter
the adjustment by writing (1) $50 in the Adjustments Debit column on the same
line as Depreciation Expense and (2) $50 in the Adjustments Credit column on
the same line as Accumulated Depreciation.

Total the Adjustments columns to verify the mathematical accuracy of the adjust-
ment data. The total of the Debit column must equal the total of the Credit column.

Adjusted Trial Balance Columns

The adjustment data are added to or subtracted from the amounts in the unadjusted
Trial Balance columns. The adjusted amounts are then extended to (placed in) the
Adjusted Trial Balance columns, as shown in Exhibit 3. For example, the cash
amount of $2,065 is extended to the Adjusted Trial Balance Debit column, since
no adjustments affected Cash. Accounts Receivable has an initial balance of $2,220
and a debit adjustment (increase) of $500. The amount to write in the Adjusted
Trial Balance Debit column is the debit balance of $2,720. The same procedure
continues until all account balances are extended to the Adjusted Trial Balance
columns. Total the columns of the Adjusted Trial Balance to verify the equality of
debits and credits.

Income Statement and Balance Sheet

Columns
The work sheet is completed by extending the adjusted trial balance amounts to the
Income Statement and Balance Sheet columns. The amounts for revenues and ex-
penses are extended to the Income Statement columns. The amounts for assets, li-
abilities, owner’s capital, and drawing are extended to the Balance Sheet columns.1
In the NetSolutions work sheet, the first account listed is Cash, and the balance
appearing in the Adjusted Trial Balance Debit column is $2,065. Cash is an asset,
is listed on the balance sheet, and has a debit balance. Therefore, $2,065 is ex-
tended to the Balance Sheet Debit column. The Fees Earned balance of $16,840 is
extended to the Income Statement Credit column. The same procedure continues
until all account balances have been extended to the proper columns, as shown in
Exhibit 4 (page 145).
After all of the balances have been extended to the four statement columns, to-
tal each of these columns, as shown in Exhibit 5. The difference between the two

1The balances of the retained earnings and dividends accounts are also extended to the Balance Sheet columns because

this work sheet does not provide for separate Retained Earnings Statement columns.
144 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle

•Exhibit 3 Work Sheet with Unadjusted Trial Balance, Adjustments, and Adjusted Trial
Balance Entered

NetSolutions
Work Sheet
For the Two Months Ended December 31, 2005
Adjusted Income
Trial Balance Adjustments Trial Balance Statement Balance Sheet
Account Title Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr.
1 Cash 2,065 2,065 1
2 Accounts Receivable 2,220 (e) 500 2,720 2
3 Supplies 2,000 (a)1,240 760 3
4 Prepaid Insurance 2,400 (b) 100 2,300 The adjustments on the 4
5 Land 20,000 20,000 work sheet are used in 5
6 Office Equipment 1,800 1,800 preparing the adjusting 6
7 Accounts Payable 900 900 journal entries. 7
8 Unearned Rent 360 (c) 120 240 8
9 Capital Stock 25,000 25,000 9
10 Dividends 4,000 4,000 10
11 Fees Earned 16,340 (e) 500 16,840 11
12 Wages Expense 4,275 (d) 250 4,525 The adjusted trial balance 12
13 Rent Expense 1,600 1,600 amounts are determined by 13
14 Utilities Expense 985 985 adding the adjustments to or 14
15 Supplies Expense 800 (a)1,240 2,040 subtracting the adjustments from 15
16 Miscellaneous Expense 455 455 the trial balance amounts. For 16
17 42,600 42,600 example, the Wages Expense 17
18 Insurance Expense (b) 100 100 debit of $4,525 is the trial bal- 18
19 Rent Revenue (c) 120 120 ance amount of $4,275 plus the 19
20 Wages Payable (d) 250 250 $250 adjustment debit. 20
21 Depreciation Expense (f) 50 50 21
22 Accumulated Depreciation (f) 50 50 22
23 2,260 2,260 43,400 43,400 23
24 24
25 25

Accounts are added, as

needed, to complete the
adjustments. Income Statement column totals is the amount of the net income or the net loss for
the period. Likewise, the difference between the two Balance Sheet column totals
is also the amount of the net income or net loss for the period.
If the Income Statement Credit column total (representing total revenue) is greater
than the Income Statement Debit column total (representing total expenses), the dif-
ference is the net income. If the Income Statement Debit column total is greater
than the Income Statement Credit column total, the difference is a net loss. For Net-
Solutions, the computation of net income is as follows:

Total of Credit column (revenues) $16,960

Total of Debit column (expenses) 9,755
Net income (excess of revenues over expenses) $ 7,205

As shown in Exhibit 5 (page 146), write the amount of the net income, $7,205,
in the Income Statement Debit column and the Balance Sheet Credit column. Write
 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle 145

•Exhibit 4 Work Sheet with Amounts Extended to Income Statement and Balance Sheet Columns

NetSolutions
Work Sheet
For the Two Months Ended December 31, 2005
Adjusted Income
Trial Balance Adjustments Trial Balance Statement Balance Sheet
Account Title Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr.
1 Cash 2,065 2,065 2,065 1
2 Accounts Receivable 2,220 (e) 500 2,720 2,720 2
3 Supplies 2,000 (a)1,240 760 760 3
4 Prepaid Insurance 2,400 (b) 100 2,300 2,300 4
5 Land 20,000 20,000 20,000 5
6 Office Equipment 1,800 1,800 1,800 6
7 Accounts Payable 900 900 900 7
8 Unearned Rent 360 (c) 120 240 240 8
9 Capital Stock 25,000 25,000 25,000 9
10 Dividends 4,000 4,000 4,000 10
11 Fees Earned 16,340 (e) 500 16,840 16,840 11
12 Wages Expense 4,275 (d) 250 4,525 4,525 12
13 Rent Expense 1,600 1,600 1,600 13
14 Utilities Expense 985 985 985 14
15 Supplies Expense 800 (a)1,240 2,040 2,040 15
16 Miscellaneous Expense 455 455 455 16
17 42,600 42,600 17
18 Insurance Expense (b) 100 100 100 18
19 Rent Revenue (c) 120 120 120 19
20 Wages Payable (d) 250 250 250 20
21 Depreciation Expense (f) 50 50 50 21
22 Accumulated Depreciation (f) 50 50 50 22
23 2,260 2,260 43,400 43,400 23
24 24
25 25

The revenue and The asset, liability,

expense amounts capital stock, and
are extended dividends amounts
to (placed in) the are extended to
Income Statement (placed in) the Ba-
columns. lance Sheet columns.

the term Net income in the Account Title column. If there was a net loss instead of
net income, you would write the amount in the Income Statement Credit column
and the Balance Sheet Debit column and the term Net loss in the Account Title col-
If the total of the Balance Sheet
Debit column of the work sheet umn. Inserting the net income or net loss in the statement columns on the work
is $350,000 and the total of the sheet shows the effect of transferring the net balance of the revenue and expense
Balance Sheet Credit column is accounts to the retained earnings account. Later in this chapter, we explain how to
$400,000, what is the net income journalize this transfer.
or net loss?
After the net income or net loss has been entered on the work sheet, again total
$50,000 net loss ($350,000
each of the four statement columns. The totals of the two Income Statement columns
$400,000) must now be equal. The totals of the two Balance Sheet columns must also be equal.
146 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle

•Exhibit 5 Completed Work Sheet with Net Income Shown

NetSolutions
Work Sheet
For the Two Months Ended December 31, 2005
Adjusted Income
Trial Balance Adjustments Trial Balance Statement Balance Sheet
Account Title Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr.
1 Cash 2,065 2,065 2,065 1
2 Accounts Receivable 2,220 (e) 500 2,720 2,720 2
3 Supplies 2,000 (a)1,240 760 760 3
4 Prepaid Insurance 2,400 (b) 100 2,300 2,300 4
5 Land 20,000 20,000 20,000 5
6 Office Equipment 1,800 1,800 1,800 6
7 Accounts Payable 900 900 900 7
8 Unearned Rent 360 (c) 120 240 240 8
9 Capital Stock 25,000 25,000 25,000 9
10 Dividends 4,000 4,000 4,000 10
11 Fees Earned 16,340 (e) 500 16,840 16,840 11
12 Wages Expense 4,275 (d) 250 4,525 4,525 12
13 Rent Expense 1,600 1,600 1,600 13
14 Utilities Expense 985 985 985 14
15 Supplies Expense 800 (a)1,240 2,040 2,040 15
16 Miscellaneous Expense 455 455 455 16
17 42,600 42,600 17
18 Insurance Expense (b) 100 100 100 18
19 Rent Revenue (c) 120 120 120 19
20 Wages Payable (d) 250 250 250 20
21 Depreciation Expense (f) 50 50 50 21
22 Accumulated Depreciation (f) 50 50 50 22
23 2,260 2,260 43,400 43,400 9,755 16,960 33,645 26,440 23
24 Net income 7,205 7,205 24
25 16,960 16,960 33,645 33,645 25

The difference between the Income State-

ment column totals is the net income (or net
loss) for the period. The difference between
the Balance Sheet column totals is also the
net income (or net loss) for the period.

Financial Statements The work sheet is an aid in preparing the income statement, the re-
objective 3 tained earnings statement, and the balance sheet, which are presented
Prepare financial statements in Exhibit 6. In the following paragraphs, we discuss these financial
from a work sheet. statements for NetSolutions, prepared from the completed work sheet
in Exhibit 5. The statements are similar in form to those presented in
Chapter 1.
 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle 147

•Exhibit 6 Financial Statements Prepared from Work Sheet

NetSolutions
Income Statement
For the Two Months Ended December 31, 2005
Fees earned $16 8 4 0 00
Rent revenue 1 2 0 00
Total revenues $16 9 6 0 00
Expenses:
Wages expense $ 4 5 2 5 00
Supplies expense 2 0 4 0 00
Rent expense 1 6 0 0 00
Utilities expense 9 8 5 00
Insurance expense 1 0 0 00
Depreciation expense 5 0 00
Miscellaneous expense 4 5 5 00
Total expenses 9 7 5 5 00
Net income $ 7 2 0 5 00

NetSolutions
Retained Earnings Statement
For the Two Months Ended December 31, 2005
Net income for November and December $ 7 2 0 5 00
Less dividends 4 0 0 0 00
Retained earnings, December 31, 2005 $ 3 2 0 5 00

NetSolutions
Balance Sheet
December 31, 2005
Assets Liabilities
Current assets: Current liabilities:
Cash $ 2 0 6 5 00 Accounts payable $ 9 0 0 00
Accounts receivable 2 7 2 0 00 Wages payable 2 5 0 00
Supplies 7 6 0 00 Unearned rent 2 4 0 00
Prepaid insurance 2 3 0 0 00 Total liabilities $ 1 3 9 0 00
Total current assets $ 7 8 4 5 00
Property, plant, and equipment:
Land $20 0 0 0 00
Office equipment $1,800 Stockholders’ Equity
Less accum. depr. 50 1 7 5 0 00 Capital stock $25 0 0 0 00
Total property, plant, Retained earnings 3 2 0 5 00
and equipment 21 7 5 0 00 Total liabilities and
Total assets $29 5 9 5 00 stockholders’ equity $29 5 9 5 00

Income Statement
The income statement is normally prepared directly from the work sheet. However,
the order of the expenses may be changed. As we did in Chapter 1, we list the ex-
penses in the income statement in Exhibit 6 in order of size, beginning with the
larger items. Miscellaneous expense is the last item, regardless of its amount.
148 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle

INTEGRITY IN BUSINESS

THE ROUND TRIP

A common type of fraud involves artificially inflating rev- product to C and is paid with the money just loaned to
enue. One fraudulent method of inflating revenue is called C! This looks like a sale in the accounting records, but in
“round tripping.” Under this scheme, a selling company (S) reality, S is shipping free product. The fraud is exposed
“lends” money to a customer company (C). The money is when it is determined that there was no intent to repay
then used by C to purchase a product from S. Thus, S sells the original loan.

I’m one of the

world’s largest hotel Retained Earnings Statement
operating companies, The first item normally presented on the retained earnings statement is the balance
with names such as
these under my roof: Sheraton,
of the retained earnings account at the beginning of the period. Since NetSolutions
Westin, St. Regis, W, Ciga, Luxury began operations on November 1, this balance is zero in Exhibit 5. Then, the re-
Collection and Four Points. Some tained earnings statement shows the net income for the two months ended Decem-
of my better known units include ber 31, 2005. The amount of dividends is deducted from the net income to arrive at
the St. Regis in New York; the the retained earnings as of December 31, 2005.
Phoenician in Scottsdale, Ariz.;
the Hotel Danieli in Venice; and
For the following period, the beginning balance of retained earnings for NetSolu-
the Palace Hotel in Madrid. My tions is the ending balance that was reported for the previous period. For example,
Westin division recently bought assume that during 2006, NetSolutions earned net income of $59,595 and paid div-
nine legendary luxury hotels in idends of $24,000. The retained earnings statement for the year ending December
Europe. I own, lease, manage or 31, 2006, for NetSolutions is as follows:
franchise more than 700 hotels
with more than 217,000 rooms
in some 80 countries. I aim to
increase earnings per share by
15 percent annually. Who am I? NetSolutions
(Go to page 169 for answer.) Retained Earnings Statement
For the Year Ended December 31, 2006
Retained earnings, January 1, 2005 $ 3 2 0 5 00
Net income for the year $659 5 9 5 00
Less dividends 24 0 0 0 00
Increase in retained earnings 35 5 9 5 00
Retained earnings, December 31, 2006 $38 8 0 0 00

For NetSolutions, the amount of dividends was less than the net income. If the
dividends had exceeded the net income, the order of the net income and the divi-
dends could have been reversed. The difference between the two items would then
be deducted from the beginning Retained Earnings balance. Other factors, such as
a net loss, may also require some change in the form of the retained earnings state-
ment, as shown in the following example:

Retained earnings, January 1, 20— . . . . . . . . . . . $45,000

Net loss for the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,600
Dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,500
Decrease in retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15,100
Retained earnings, December 31, 20— . . . . . . . . $29,900

Some accountants prefer to debit dividends directly to Retained Earnings. When

you are preparing a retained earnings statement and there is no dividends account
in the ledger, you will need to refer to the retained earnings account to determine
the beginning balance of Retained Earnings and the amount of the dividends paid
during the period.
 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle 149

Balance Sheet
The balance sheet in Exhibit 6 was expanded by adding subsections for current as-
sets; property, plant, and equipment; and current liabilities. Such a balance sheet is
a classified balance sheet. In the following paragraphs, we describe some of the
sections and subsections that may be used in a balance sheet. We will introduce
additional sections in later chapters.

Assets
Assets are commonly divided into classes for presentation on the balance sheet. Two
of these classes are (1) current assets and (2) property, plant, and equipment.

Current Assets Cash and other assets that are expected to be con-
verted to cash or sold or used up usually within one year or less,
Two common classes of through the normal operations of the business, are called current as-
assets are current assets and sets. In addition to cash, the current assets usually owned by a ser-
vice business are notes receivable, accounts receivable, supplies, and
property, plant, and other prepaid expenses.
equipment. Notes receivable are amounts customers owe. They are written
promises to pay the amount of the note and possibly interest at an
agreed-upon rate. Accounts receivable are also amounts customers
owe, but they are less formal than notes and do not provide for interest. Accounts
receivable normally result from providing services or selling merchandise on ac-
count. Notes receivable and accounts receivable are current assets because they will
usually be converted to cash within one year or less.

Property, Plant, and Equipment The property, plant, and equipment section
may also be described as fixed assets or plant assets. These assets include equip-
ment, machinery, buildings, and land. With the exception of land, as we discussed
in Chapter 3, fixed assets depreciate over a period of time. The cost, accumulated
depreciation, and book value of each major type of fixed asset is normally reported
on the balance sheet or in accompanying notes.

Liabilities
Liabilities are the amounts the business owes to creditors. The two
Two common classes of most common classes of liabilities are (1) current liabilities and (2)
liabilities are current liabilities long-term liabilities.
and long-term liabilities.
Current Liabilities Liabilities that will be due within a short time
(usually one year or less) and that are to be paid out of current as-
sets are called current liabilities. The most common liabilities in this
group are notes payable and accounts payable. Other current liability accounts
commonly found in the ledger are Wages Payable, Interest Payable, Taxes Payable,
and Unearned Fees.

Long-Term Liabilities Liabilities that will not be due for a long time (usually more
than one year) are called long-term liabilities. If NetSolutions had long-term lia-
bilities, they would be reported below the current liabilities. As long-term liabil-
ities come due and are to be paid within one year, they are classified as current
liabilities. If they are to be renewed rather than paid, they would continue to be
classified as long-term. When an asset is pledged as security for a liability, the oblig-
ation may be called a mortgage note payable or a mortgage payable.

Stockholders’ Equity
The stockholders’ right to the assets of the business is presented on the balance
sheet below the liabilities section. The stockholders’ equity is added to the total li-
abilities, and this total must be equal to the total assets.
 150 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle

Adjusting and Closing Entries As we discussed in Chapter 3, the adjusting entries are recorded in the journal at
objective 4 the end of the accounting period. If a work sheet has been prepared, the data for
Prepare the adjusting and these entries are in the Adjustments columns. For NetSolutions, the adjusting entries
closing entries from a work prepared from the work sheet are shown in Exhibit 7.
sheet. After the adjusting entries have been posted to NetSolutions’ ledger,
shown in Exhibit 11 (on pages 153–157), the ledger is in agreement with
the data reported on the financial statements. The balances of the ac-
counts reported on the balance sheet are carried forward from year to
year. Because they are relatively permanent, these accounts are called
real accounts. The balances of the accounts reported on the income statement are
not carried forward from year to year. Likewise, the balance of the dividends ac-
count, which is reported on the retained earnings statement, is not carried forward.
Because these accounts report amounts for only one period, they are called tem-
porary accounts or nominal accounts.

•Exhibit 7
Adjusting Entries for JOURNAL Page 5
NetSolutions Post.
Date Description Ref. Debit Credit
1 Adjusting Entries 1
2005
2 Dec. 31 Supplies Expense 55 1 2 4 0 00 2
3 Supplies 14 1 2 4 0 00 3
4 4
5 31 Insurance Expense 56 1 0 0 00 5
6 Prepaid Insurance 15 1 0 0 00 6
7 7
8 31 Unearned Rent 23 1 2 0 00 8
9 Rent Revenue 42 1 2 0 00 9
10 10
11 31 Wages Expense 51 2 5 0 00 11
12 Wages Payable 22 2 5 0 00 12
13 13
14 31 Accounts Receivable 12 5 0 0 00 14
15 Fees Earned 41 5 0 0 00 15
16 16
17 31 Depreciation Expense 53 5 0 00 17
18 Accumulated Depreciation–– 18
19 Office Equipment 19 5 0 00 19

To report amounts for only one period, temporary accounts should have
Closing entries transfer the zero balances at the beginning of a period. How are these balances converted
to zero? The revenue and expense account balances are transferred to an ac-
balances of temporary count called Income Summary. The balance of Income Summary is then
accounts to the retained transferred to the retained earnings account. The balance of the dividends ac-
count is also transferred to the retained earnings account. The entries that
earnings account. transfer these balances are called closing entries. The transfer process is
called the closing process. Exhibit 8 is a diagram of this process.
 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle 151

•Exhibit 8 T H E C LO S I N G P R O C E S S

ME SU M M A R
I NCO
2 1
Y

EXPENSES REVENUES
are transferred to are transferred to
Income Summary Income Summary

4 3
NET INCOME
DIVIDENDS or NET LOSS
are transferred to Retained Earnings is transferred
Retained Earnings to Retained Earnings

You should note that Income Summary is used only at the end of
the period. At the beginning of the closing process, Income Summary
The income summary account has no balance. During the closing process, Income Summary will be
does not appear on the debited and credited for various amounts. At the end of the closing
process, Income Summary will again have no balance. Because In-
financial statements. come Summary has the effect of clearing the revenue and expense
accounts of their balances, it is sometimes called a clearing account.
Other titles used for this account include Revenue and Expense Sum-
mary, Profit and Loss Summary, and Income and Expense Summary.
It is possible to close the temporary revenue and expense accounts without us-
ing a clearing account such as Income Summary. In this case, the balances of the
revenue and expense accounts are closed directly to the retained earnings account.
This process is automatic in a computerized accounting system. In a manual sys-
tem, the use of an income summary account aids in detecting and correcting errors.

Journalizing and Posting Closing Entries

Four closing entries are required at the end of an accounting period, as outlined in
Exhibit 8. The account titles and balances needed in preparing these entries may be
obtained from the work sheet, the income statement and the retained earnings
statement, or the ledger. If a work sheet is used, the data for the first two entries
appear in the Income Statement columns. The amount for the third entry is the net
income or net loss appearing at the bottom of the work sheet. The amount for the
fourth entry is the dividends account balance that appears in the Balance Sheet Debit
column of the work sheet.
A flowchart of the closing entries for NetSolutions is shown in Exhibit 9. The bal-
ances in the accounts are those shown in the Adjusted Trial Balance columns of the
work sheet in Exhibit 3.
If total revenues are $600,000, The closing entries for NetSolutions are shown in Exhibit 10. After the closing
total expenses are $525,000, and
entries have been posted to the ledger, as shown in Exhibit 11 (on pages 153–157),
dividends are $50,000, what is the
balance of the income summary the balance in the retained earnings account will agree with the amount reported
account that is closed to retained on the retained earnings statement and the balance sheet. In addition, the revenue,
earnings? expense, and dividend accounts will have zero balances.
After the entry to close an account has been posted, a line should be inserted in
$75,000 ($600,000
$525,000).
The dividends account balance is both balance columns opposite the final entry. The next period’s transactions for
closed directly to retained earnings, the revenue, expense, and dividends accounts will be posted directly below the clos-
rather than to Income Summary. ing entry.
152 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle

•Exhibit 9 Flowchart of Closing Entries for NetSolutions

Stockholders’ Equity
Wages Expense Income Summary Fees Earned
Bal. 4,525 4,525
② 9,755 16,960
① 16,840 Bal. 16,840
7,205
Rent Expense Rent Revenue

Bal. 1,600 1,600 120 Bal. 120

Depreciation Expense
Bal. 50 50

Utilities Expense Retained Earnings

Bal. 985 985 4,000 Bal. 0
7,205
③
1. Debit each revenue account for the amount of
Supplies Expense
its balance, and credit Income Summary for the
Bal. 2,040 2,040 total revenue.
2. Debit Income Summary for the total expenses,
Insurance Expense and credit each expense account for the amount
Bal. 100 100 of its balance.
3. Debit Income Summary for the amount of its
Miscellaneous Expense balance (net income), and credit the retained
earnings account for the same amount. (The
Bal. 455 455 accounts debited and credited are reversed if there
is a net loss.)
Dividends
Bal. 4,000 4,000
④ 4. Debit the retained earnings account for the balance
of the dividends account, and credit the dividends
account for the same amount.

•Exhibit 10 Closing Entries for NetSolutions

JOURNAL Page 6
Post.
Date Description Ref. Debit Credit
1 Closing Entries 1
2005
2 Dec. 31 Fees Earned 41 16 8 4 0 00 2
3 Rent Revenue 42 1 2 0 00 3
4 Income Summary 34 16 9 6 0 00 4
5 5
6 31 Income Summary 34 9 7 5 5 00 6
7 Wages Expense 51 4 5 2 5 00 7
8 Rent Expense 52 1 6 0 0 00 8
9 Depreciation Expense 53 5 0 00 9
10 Utilities Expense 54 9 8 5 00 10
11 Supplies Expense 55 2 0 4 0 00 11
12 Insurance Expense 56 1 0 0 00 12
13 Miscellaneous Expense 59 4 5 5 00 13
14 14
15 31 Income Summary 34 7 2 0 5 00 15
16 Retained Earnings 32 7 2 0 5 00 16
17 17
18 31 Retained Earnings 32 4 0 0 0 00 18
19 Dividends 33 4 0 0 0 00 19
 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle 153

•Exhibit 11 Ledger for NetSolutions

LEDGER
ACCOUNT Cash ACCOUNT NO. 11

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Debit Credit Debit Credit
2005
Nov. 1 1 25 0 0 0 00 25 0 0 0 00
5 1 20 0 0 0 00 5 0 0 0 00
18 1 7 5 0 0 00 12 5 0 0 00
30 1 3 6 5 0 00 8 8 5 0 00
30 1 9 5 0 00 7 9 0 0 00
30 2 2 0 0 0 00 5 9 0 0 00
Dec. 1 2 2 4 0 0 00 3 5 0 0 00
1 2 8 0 0 00 2 7 0 0 00
1 2 3 6 0 00 3 0 6 0 00
6 2 1 8 0 00 2 8 8 0 00
11 2 4 0 0 00 2 4 8 0 00
13 3 9 5 0 00 1 5 3 0 00
16 3 3 1 0 0 00 4 6 3 0 00
20 3 9 0 0 00 3 7 3 0 00
21 3 6 5 0 00 4 3 8 0 00
23 3 1 4 5 0 00 2 9 3 0 00
27 3 1 2 0 0 00 1 7 3 0 00
31 3 3 1 0 00 1 4 2 0 00
31 4 2 2 5 00 1 1 9 5 00
31 4 2 8 7 0 00 4 0 6 5 00
31 4 2 0 0 0 00 2 0 6 5 00

ACCOUNT Accounts Receivable ACCOUNT NO. 12

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Debit Credit Debit Credit
2005
Dec. 16 3 1 7 5 0 00 1 7 5 0 00
21 3 6 5 0 00 1 1 0 0 00
31 4 1 1 2 0 00 2 2 2 0 00
31 Adjusting 5 5 0 0 00 2 7 2 0 00

ACCOUNT Supplies ACCOUNT NO. 14

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Debit Credit Debit Credit
2005
Nov. 10 1 1 3 5 0 00 1 3 5 0 00
30 1 8 0 0 00 5 5 0 00
23 3 1 4 5 0 00 2 0 0 0 00
Dec. 31 Adjusting 5 1 2 4 0 00 7 6 0 00
154 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle

•Exhibit 11
(continued)
ACCOUNT Prepaid Insurance ACCOUNT NO. 15

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Debit Credit Debit Credit
2005
Dec. 1 2 2 4 0 0 00 2 4 0 0 00
31 Adjusting 5 1 0 0 00 2 3 0 0 00

ACCOUNT Land ACCOUNT NO. 17

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Debit Credit Debit Credit
2005
Nov. 5 1 20 0 0 0 00 20 0 0 0 00
— —

ACCOUNT Office Equipment ACCOUNT NO. 18

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Debit Credit Debit Credit
2005
Dec. 4 2 1 8 0 0 00 1 8 0 0 00
— —

ACCOUNT Accumulated Depreciation ACCOUNT NO. 19

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Debit Credit Debit Credit
2005
Dec. 31 Adjusting 5 5 0 00 5 0 00
— —

ACCOUNT Accounts Payable ACCOUNT NO. 21

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Debit Credit Debit Credit
2005
Nov. 10 1 1 3 5 0 00 1 3 5 0 00
30 1 9 5 0 00 4 0 0 00
Dec. 4 2 1 8 0 0 00 2 2 0 0 00
11 2 4 0 0 00 1 8 0 0 00
20 3 9 0 0 00 9 0 0 00

ACCOUNT Wages Payable ACCOUNT NO. 22

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Debit Credit Debit Credit
2005
Dec. 31 Adjusting 5 2 5 0 00 2 5 0 00
— —
 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle 155

•Exhibit 11
(continued)
ACCOUNT Unearned Rent ACCOUNT NO. 23

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Debit Credit Debit Credit
2005
Dec. 1 2 3 6 0 00 3 6 0 00
31 Adjusting 5 1 2 0 00 2 4 0 00

ACCOUNT Capital Stock ACCOUNT NO. 31

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Debit Credit Debit Credit
2005
Nov. 1 1 25 0 0 0 00 25 0 0 0 00

ACCOUNT Retained Earnings ACCOUNT NO. 32

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Debit Credit Debit Credit
2005
Dec. 31 Closing 6 7 2 0 5 00 7 2 0 5 00
31 Closing 6 4 0 0 0 00 3 2 0 5 00

ACCOUNT Dividends ACCOUNT NO. 33

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Debit Credit Debit Credit
2005
Nov. 30 2 2 0 0 0 00 2 0 0 0 00
Dec. 31 4 2 0 0 0 00 4 0 0 0 00
31 Closing 6 4 0 0 0 00 — —

ACCOUNT Income Summary ACCOUNT NO. 34

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Debit Credit Debit Credit
2005
Dec. 31 Closing 6 16 9 6 0 00 16 9 6 0 00
31 Closing 6 9 7 5 5 00 7 2 0 5 00
31 Closing 6 7 2 0 5 00 — —
156 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle

•Exhibit 11
(continued)
ACCOUNT Fees Earned ACCOUNT NO. 41

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Debit Credit Debit Credit
2005
Nov. 18 1 7 5 0 0 00 7 5 0 0 00
Dec. 16 3 3 1 0 0 00 10 6 0 0 00
16 3 1 7 5 0 00 12 3 5 0 00
31 4 2 8 7 0 00 15 2 2 0 00
31 4 1 1 2 0 00 16 3 4 0 00
31 Adjusting 5 5 0 0 00 16 8 4 0 00
31 Closing 6 16 8 4 0 00 — —

ACCOUNT Rent Revenue ACCOUNT NO. 42

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Debit Credit Debit Credit
2005
Dec. 31 Adjusting 5 1 2 0 00 1 2 0 00
31 Closing 6 1 2 0 00 — —

ACCOUNT Wages Expense ACCOUNT NO. 51

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Debit Credit Debit Credit
2005
Nov. 30 1 2 1 2 5 00 2 1 2 5 00
Dec. 13 3 9 5 0 00 3 0 7 5 00
27 3 1 2 0 0 00 4 2 7 5 00
31 Adjusting 5 2 5 0 00 4 5 2 5 00
31 Closing 6 4 5 2 5 00 — —

ACCOUNT Rent Expense ACCOUNT NO. 52

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Debit Credit Debit Credit
2005
Nov. 30 1 8 0 0 00 8 0 0 00
Dec. 1 2 8 0 0 00 1 6 0 0 00
31 Closing 6 1 6 0 0 00 — —
 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle 157

•Exhibit 11
(concluded)
ACCOUNT Depreciation Expense ACCOUNT NO. 53

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Debit Credit Debit Credit
2005
Dec. 31 Adjusting 5 5 0 00 5 0 00
31 Closing 6 5 0 00 — —

ACCOUNT Utilities Expense ACCOUNT NO. 54

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Debit Credit Debit Credit
2005
Nov. 30 1 4 5 0 00 4 5 0 00
Dec. 31 3 3 1 0 00 7 6 0 00
31 4 2 2 5 00 9 8 5 00
31 Closing 6 9 8 5 00 — ––

ACCOUNT Supplies Expense ACCOUNT NO. 55

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Debit Credit Debit Credit
2005
Nov. 30 1 8 0 0 00 8 0 0 00
Dec. 31 Adjusting 5 1 2 4 0 00 2 0 4 0 00
31 Closing 6 2 0 4 0 00 — —

ACCOUNT Insurance Expense ACCOUNT NO. 56

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Debit Credit Debit Credit
2005
Dec. 31 Adjusting 5 1 0 0 00 1 0 0 00
31 Closing 6 1 0 0 00 — —

ACCOUNT Miscellaneous Expense ACCOUNT NO. 59

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Debit Credit Debit Credit
2005
Nov. 30 1 2 7 5 00 2 7 5 00
Dec. 6 2 1 8 0 00 4 5 5 00
31 Closing 6 4 5 5 00 — —
158 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle

Post-Closing Trial Balance

The last accounting procedure for a period is to prepare a trial balance after the
closing entries have been posted. The purpose of the post-closing (after closing)
trial balance is to make sure that the ledger is in balance at the beginning of the
next period. The accounts and amounts should agree exactly with the accounts and
amounts listed on the balance sheet at the end of the period. The post-closing trial
balance for NetSolutions is shown in Exhibit 12.

•Exhibit 12
Post-Closing Trial NetSolutions
Balance Post-Closing Trial Balance
December 31, 2005
Cash 2 0 6 5 00
Accounts Receivable 2 7 2 0 00
Supplies 7 6 0 00
Prepaid Insurance 2 3 0 0 00
Land 20 0 0 0 00
Office Equipment 1 8 0 0 00
Accumulated Depreciation 5 0 00
Accounts Payable 9 0 0 00
Wages Payable 2 5 0 00
Unearned Rent 2 4 0 00
Capital Stock 25 0 0 0 00
Retained Earnings 3 2 0 5 00
29 6 4 5 00 29 6 4 5 00

Instead of preparing a formal post-closing trial balance, it is possible to list the ac-
counts directly from the ledger, using a computer. The computer printout, in effect,
becomes the post-closing trial balance. Without such a printout, there is no efficient
means of determining the cause of unequal trial balance totals.

FINANCIAL REPORTING AND DISCLOSURE

INTERNATIONAL DIFFERENCES
F inancial statements prepared under accounting prac- of balance sheet is organized to emphasize creditor inter-
tices in other countries often differ from those prepared pretation and analysis. For example, current assets and cur-
under generally accepted accounting principles found in rent liabilities are presented first, so that working capital
the United States. This is to be expected, since cultures (current assets
current liabilities) and the current ratio
and market structures differ from country to country. (current assets  current liabilities) can be easily com-
To illustrate, BMW Group prepares its financial state- puted. Likewise, to emphasize their importance, liabilities
ments under German law and German accounting princi- are reported before owner’s equity.
ples. In doing so, BMW’s balance sheet reports fixed assets Regardless of these differences, the basic principles un-
first, followed by current assets. It also reports owner’s derlying the accounting equation and the double-entry ac-
equity before the liabilities. In contrast, balance sheets pre- counting system are the same in Germany and the United
pared under U.S. accounting principles report current as- States. Even though differences in recording and report-
sets followed by fixed assets and current liabilities followed ing exist, the accounting equation holds true: the total as-
by long-term liabilities and owner’s equity. The U.S. form sets still equal the total liabilities and owner’s equity.
 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle 159

Fiscal Year In the NetSolutions illustration, operations began on November 1 and

objective 5 the accounting period was for two months, November and December.
Explain what is meant by the Since Chris Clark, the sole stockholder, decided to adopt a calendar-year
fiscal year and the natural accounting period, NetSolutions’ accounts were closed on December 31,
business year. 2005. In future years, the financial statements for NetSolutions will be
prepared for twelve months ending on December 31 each year.
The annual accounting period adopted by a business is known as its fiscal year.
Fiscal years begin with the first day of the month selected and end on the last day
of the following twelfth month. The period most commonly used is the calendar
year. Other periods are not unusual, especially for businesses organized as corpo-
rations. For example, a corporation may adopt a fiscal year that ends when busi-
ness activities have reached the lowest point in its annual operating cycle. Such a
fiscal year is called the natural business year. At the low point in its operating
cycle, a business has more time to analyze the results of operations and to prepare
financial statements.
Because companies with fiscal years often have highly seasonal operations, in-
vestors and others should be careful in interpreting partial-year reports for such com-
panies. That is, you should expect the results of operations for these companies to
vary significantly throughout the fiscal year.
The financial history of a business may be shown by a series of balance sheets
and income statements for several fiscal years. If the life of a business is expressed
by a line moving from left to right, the series of balance sheets and income state-
ments may be graphed as follows:

F I NAN C IAL H I STO RY OF A BUSINESS

Income statement DE C . 3
1 Income statement DE C . 3
1 Income statement DE C . 3
1
2 0 0 4 2 0 0 5 2 0 0 6
for the year ended for the year ended for the year ended
Dec.31, 2004 Dec.31, 2005 Dec.31, 2006
Balance sheet Balance sheet Balance sheet
Dec.31, 2004 Dec.31, 2005 Dec.31, 2006

Percentage of Companies You may think of the income statements, balance sheets, and
with Fiscal Years Ending in: financial history of a business as similar to the record of a college
January 5% July 1% football team. The final score of each football game is similar to
February 2 August 3 the net income reported on the income statement of a business.
March 3 September 6 The team’s season record after each game is similar to the balance
April 1 October 3 sheet. At the end of the season, the final record of the team mea-
May 3 November 3 sures its success or failure. Likewise, at the end of a life of a busi-
June 8 December 62 ness, its final balance sheet is a measure of its financial success
Source: Accounting Trends & Techniques, 56th edition, 2002
or failure.
(New York: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants).
160 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle

Financial Analysis and InterpretationThe ability of a business to pays its debts is called solvency. Two financial mea-
objective 6 sures for evaluating a business’s short-term solvency are working capital and the
Analyze and interpret the fi- current ratio. Working capital is the excess of the current assets of a business over
nancial solvency of a business its current liabilities, as shown below.
by computing working capital
and the current ratio. Working capital  Current assets
Current liabilities

An excess of the current assets over the current liabilities implies that the business
is able to pay its current liabilities. If the current liabilities are greater than the cur-
rent assets, the business may not be able to pay its debts and continue in business.
To illustrate, NetSolutions’ working capital at the end of 2005 is $6,455, as com-
puted below. This amount of working capital implies that NetSolutions can pay its
current liabilities.

Working capital  Current assets
Current liabilities

Working capital  $7,845
$1,390
Working capital  $6,455

The current ratio is another means of expressing the relationship between cur-
rent assets and current liabilities. The current ratio is computed by dividing current
assets by current liabilities, as shown below.

Current ratio  Current assets/Current liabilities

To illustrate, the current ratio for NetSolutions at the end of 2005 is 5.6, com-
puted as follows:

Current ratio  Current assets/Current liabilities

Current ratio  $7,845/$1,390  5.6

The current ratio is useful in making comparisons across companies and with in-
dustry averages. To illustrate, assume that as of December 31, 2005, the working
capital of a company that competes with NetSolutions is much greater than $6,455,
but its current ratio is only 1.3. Considering these facts alone, NetSolutions is in a
more favorable position to obtain short-term credit, even though the competing com-
pany has a greater amount of working capital.

SPOTLIGHT ON STRATEGY

WHAT’S NEXT FOR AMAZON?

A mazon.com built its online business strategy on of- tive of their prices and have refused to make Amazon.com
fering books at significant discounts that traditional chains an authorized dealer. As Lauren Levitan, a noted financial
couldn’t match. Over the years, Amazon has expanded its analyst, recently said, “It’s hard to be the low-cost retailer.
online offerings to include DVDs, toys, electronics, and You have to execute flawlessly on a very consistent basis.
even kitchen appliances. But can its low-cost, discount Most people who try a low-price strategy fail.” This risk of
strategy continue to work across a variety of products? failing at the low-cost strategy was validated by Kmart’s
Some have their doubts. The electronics business has lower filing for bankruptcy protection in 2002 because of its in-
margins and more competition than books. For example, ability to compete with Wal-Mart’s low prices.
Dell Computers is already an established low-cost
provider of personal computers and software. In addition, Source: Saul Hansell, “A Profitable Amazon Looks to Do an Encore,”
some electronic manufacturers such as Sony are protec- The New York Times, January 26, 2002.
 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle 161

A ppendix Reversing Entries

Some of the adjusting entries recorded at the end of an accounting period have an
important effect on otherwise routine transactions that occur in the following period.
A typical example is accrued wages owed to employees at the end of a period. If
there has been an adjusting entry for accrued wages expense, the first payment of
wages in the following period will include the accrual. In the absence of some
special provision, Wages Payable must be debited for the amount owed for the ear-
lier period, and Wages Expense must be debited for the portion of the payroll that
represents expense for the later period. However, an optional entry—the reversing
entry—may be used to simplify the analysis and recording of this first payroll entry
in a period. As the term implies, a reversing entry is the exact opposite of the
adjusting entry to which it relates. The amounts and accounts are the same as the
adjusting entry; the debits and credits are reversed.
We will illustrate the use of reversing entries by using the data for NetSolutions’
accrued wages, which were presented in Chapter 3. These data are summarized in
Exhibit 13.

•Exhibit 13 Accrued Wages

1. Wages are paid on the second and fourth Fridays for the two-week periods ending on
those Fridays.

2. The wages accrued for Monday and Tuesday, December 30 and 31, are $250.

3. Wages paid on Friday, January 10, total $1,275.

December
S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Wages expense
(paid), $950
15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Wages expense
(paid), $1,200
Wages expense 29 30 31
(accrued), $250

January

1 2 3 4

Wages expense 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
(paid), $1,275
162 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle

The adjusting entry for the accrued wages of December 30 and 31 is as follows:

Dec. 31 Wages Expense 51 2 5 0 00

Wages Payable 22 2 5 0 00

After the adjusting entry has been posted, Wages Expense will have a debit bal-
ance of $4,525 ($4,275  $250), and Wages Payable will have a credit balance of
$250. After the closing process is completed, Wages Expense will have a zero bal-
ance and will be ready for entries in the next period. Wages Payable, on the other
hand, has a balance of $250. Without a reversing entry, it is necessary to record the
$1,275 payroll on January 10 as follows:

2006
Jan. 10 Wages Payable 22 2 5 0 00
Wages Expense 51 1 0 2 5 00
Cash 11 1 2 7 5 00

The employee who records the January 10th entry must refer to the prior pe-
riod’s adjusting entry to determine the amount of the debits to Wages Payable and
Wages Expense. Because the January 10th payroll is not recorded in the usual man-
ner, there is a greater chance that an error may occur. This chance of error is re-
duced by recording a reversing entry as of the first day of the fiscal period. For
example, the reversing entry for the accrued wages expense is as follows:

2006
Jan. 1 Wages Payable 22 2 5 0 00
Wages Expense 51 2 5 0 00

The reversing entry transfers the $250 liability from Wages Payable to the credit
side of Wages Expense. The nature of the $250 is unchanged—it is still a liability.
When the payroll is paid on January 10, the following entry is recorded:

Jan. 10 Wages Expense 51 1 2 7 5 00

Cash 11 1 2 7 5 00

After this entry is posted, Wages Expense has a debit balance of $1,025. This
amount is the wages expense for the period January 1–10. The sequence of entries,
including adjusting, closing, and reversing entries, is illustrated in the following
accounts:

ACCOUNT Wages Payable ACCOUNT NO. 22

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Debit Credit Debit Credit
2005
Dec. 31 Adjusting 5 2 5 0 00 2 5 0 00
2006
Jan. 1 Reversing 7 2 5 0 00 — —
 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle 163

ACCOUNT Wages Expense ACCOUNT NO. 51

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Debit Credit Debit Credit
2005
Nov. 30 1 2 1 2 5 00 2 1 2 5 00
Dec. 13 3 9 5 0 00 3 0 7 5 00
27 3 1 2 0 0 00 4 2 7 5 00
31 Adjusting 5 2 5 0 00 4 5 2 5 00
31 Closing 6 4 5 2 5 00 — —
2006
Jan. 1 Reversing 7 2 5 0 00 2 5 0 00
10 7 1 2 7 5 00 1 0 2 5 00

In addition to accrued expenses (accrued liabilities), reversing entries may be

journalized for accrued revenues (accrued assets). For example, the following re-
versing entry could be recorded for NetSolutions’ accrued fees earned:

Jan. 1 Fees Earned 41 5 0 0 00

Accounts Receivable 12 5 0 0 00

Reversing entries may also be journalized for prepaid expenses that are initially
recorded as expenses and unearned revenues that are initially recorded as revenues.
These situations are described and illustrated in Appendix C.
As we mentioned, the use of reversing entries is optional. However, with the in-
creased use of computerized accounting systems, data entry personnel may be in-
putting routine accounting entries. In such an environment, reversing entries may
be useful, since these individuals may not recognize the impact of adjusting entries
on the related transactions in the following period.

Key Points
1 Review the seven basic steps
of the accounting cycle.
The basic steps of the accounting
7. A post-closing trial balance is pre-
pared.
dends to the Balance Sheet columns.
The Adjusted Trial Balance amounts
of revenues and expenses are ex-
cycle are:
1. Transactions are analyzed and
2 Prepare a work sheet.

The work sheet is prepared by first

tended to the Income Statement
columns. The net income (or net
loss) for the period is entered on the
recorded in a journal. entering a trial balance in the Trial
work sheet in the Income Statement
2. Transactions are posted to the Balance columns. The adjustments
Debit (or Credit) column and the
ledger. are then entered in the Adjustments
Balance Sheet Credit (or Debit) col-
3. A trial balance is prepared, adjust- Debit and Credit columns. The Trial
umn. Each of the four statement
ment data are assembled, and an Balance amounts plus or minus the
columns is then totaled.
optional work sheet is completed. adjustments are extended to the
4. Financial statements are prepared.
5. Adjusting entries are journalized
and posted to the ledger.
Adjusted Trial Balance columns. The
work sheet is completed by ex-
tending the Adjusted Trial Balance
3 Prepare financial statements
from a work sheet.
The income statement is normally
6. Closing entries are journalized amounts of assets, liabilities, capital prepared directly from the work
and posted to the ledger. stock, retained earnings, and divi- sheet. On the income statement, the
164 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle

expenses are normally presented in total liabilities. The total liabilities balance sheet. In addition, the rev-
the order of size, from largest to and total stockholders’ equity must enue, expense, and dividends ac-
smallest. equal the total assets. counts will have zero balances.
The basic form of the retained The last step of the accounting
earnings statement is prepared by
listing the beginning balance of re-
4 Prepare the adjusting and
closing entries from a work
sheet.
cycle is to prepare a post-closing
trial balance. The purpose of the
tained earnings, adding net income The data for journalizing the adjust- post-closing trial balance is to make
during the period, and deducting ing entries are in the Adjustments sure that the ledger is in balance at
dividends. columns of the work sheet. The four the beginning of the next period.
Various sections and subsections
are often used in preparing a bal-
ance sheet. Two common classes of
entries required in closing the tem-
porary accounts are: 5 Explain what is meant by the
fiscal year and the natural
business year.
assets are current assets and fixed 1. Debit each revenue account for
the amount of its balance, and The annual accounting period
assets. Cash and other assets that are adopted by a business is known as
normally expected to be converted credit Income Summary for the
total revenue. its fiscal year. A corporation may
to cash or sold or used up within one adopt a fiscal year that ends when
year or less are called current assets. 2. Debit Income Summary for the
total expenses, and credit each business activities have reached the
Property, plant, and equipment may lowest point in its annual operating
also be called fixed assets or plant expense account for the amount
of its balance. cycle. Such a fiscal year is called the
assets. The cost, accumulated de- natural business year.
preciation, and book value of each 3. Debit Income Summary for the
major type of fixed asset are nor-
mally reported on the balance sheet.
amount of its balance (net in-
come), and credit the retained
earnings account for the same
6 Analyze and interpret the fi-
nancial solvency of a business
by computing working capital
Two common classes of liabilities
amount. (Debit and credit are re- and the current ratio.
are current liabilities and long-term
liabilities. Liabilities that will be due versed if there is a net loss.) The ability of a business to pay its
within a short time (usually one year 4. Debit the retained earnings ac- debts is called solvency. Two fi-
or less) and that are to be paid out count for the balance of the div- nancial measures for evaluating a
idends account, and credit the business’s short-term solvency are
of current assets are called current
dividends account for the same working capital and the current ra-
liabilities. Liabilities that will not be
amount. tio. Working capital is the excess
due for a long time (usually more
of the current assets of a business
than one year) are called long-term After the closing entries have been
over its current liabilities. The cur-
liabilities. posted to the ledger, the balance in
rent ratio is computed by dividing
The stockholders’ claim against the retained earnings account will
current assets by current liabilities.
the assets is presented below the agree with the amount reported on
liabilities section and added to the the retained earnings statement and

Key Terms
accounting cycle (140) fixed (plant) assets (149) real accounts (150)
clearing account (151) Income Summary (150) reversing entry (161)
closing entries (150) long-term liabilities (149) solvency (160)
closing process (150) natural business year (159) temporary (nominal) accounts
current assets (149) notes receivable (149) (150)
current liabilities (149) post-closing trial balance (158) work sheet (140)
current ratio (160) property, plant, and equipment working capital (160)
fiscal year (159) (149)
 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle 165

Illustrative Problem
Three years ago, T. Roderick organized Harbor Realty Inc. At July 31, 2006, the end
of the current fiscal year, the trial balance of Harbor Realty is as follows:

Harbor Realty Inc.

Trial Balance
July 31, 2006
Cash 3 4 2 5 00
Accounts Receivable 7 0 0 0 00
Supplies 1 2 7 0 00
Prepaid Insurance 6 2 0 00
Office Equipment 51 6 5 0 00
Accumulated Depreciation 9 7 0 0 00
Accounts Payable 9 2 5 00
Unearned Fees 1 2 5 0 00
Capital Stock 5 0 0 0 00
Retained Earnings 24 0 0 0 00
Dividends 5 2 0 0 00
Fees Earned 59 1 2 5 00
Wages Expense 22 4 1 5 00
Rent Expense 4 2 0 0 00
Utilities Expense 2 7 1 5 00
Miscellaneous Expense 1 5 0 5 00
100 0 0 0 00 100 0 0 0 00

The data needed to determine year-end adjustments are as follows:

a. Supplies on hand at July 31, 2006, are $380.
b. Insurance premiums expired during the year are $315.
c. Depreciation of equipment during the year is $4,950.
d. Wages accrued but not paid at July 31, 2006, are $440.
e. Accrued fees earned but not recorded at July 31, 2006, are $1,000.
f. Unearned fees on July 31, 2006, are $750.
Instructions
1. Enter the trial balance on a ten-column work sheet and complete the work sheet.
2. Prepare an income statement, a retained earnings statement, and a balance sheet.
3. On the basis of the data in the work sheet, journalize the closing entries.
166 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle

Solution
1.

Harbor Realty Inc.

Work Sheet
For the Year Ended July 31, 2006
Adjusted Income
Trial Balance Adjustments Trial Balance Statement Balance Sheet
Account Title Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr.
1 Cash 3425 3425 3425 1
2 Accounts Receivable 7000 (e)1 0 0 0 8000 8000 2
3 Supplies 1270 (a) 8 9 0 380 380 3
4 Prepaid Insurance 620 (b) 3 1 5 305 305 4
5 Office Equipment 51 6 5 0 51 6 5 0 51 6 5 0 5
6 Accum. Depreciation 9700 (c)4 9 5 0 14 6 5 0 14 6 5 0 6
7 Accounts Payable 925 925 925 7
8 Unearned Fees 1 2 5 0 (f) 5 0 0 750 750 8
9 Capital Stock 5000 5000 5000 9
10 Dividends 5200 5200 5200 10
11 Retained Earnings 24 0 0 0 24 0 0 0 24 0 0 0 11
12 Fees Earned 59 1 2 5 (e)1 0 0 0 60 6 2 5 60 6 2 5 12
13 (f) 500 13
14 Wages Expense 22 4 1 5 (d) 4 4 0 22 8 5 5 22 8 5 5 14
15 Rent Expense 4200 4200 4200 15
16 Utilities Expense 2715 2715 2715 16
17 Miscellaneous Expense 1505 1505 1505 17
18 100 0 0 0 100 0 0 0 18
19 Supplies Expense (a) 8 9 0 890 890 19
20 Insurance Expense (b) 3 1 5 315 315 20
21 Depreciation Expense (c)4 9 5 0 4950 4950 21
22 Wages Payable (d) 4 4 0 440 4 4 0 22
23 8095 8 0 9 5 106 3 9 0 106 3 9 0 37 4 3 0 60 6 2 5 68 9 6 0 45 7 6 5 23
24 Net Income 23 1 9 5 23 1 9 5 24
25 60 6 2 5 60 6 2 5 68 9 6 0 68 9 6 0 25

2.
Harbor Realty Inc.
Income Statement
For the Year Ended July 31, 2006
Fees earned $60 6 2 5 00
Operating expenses:
Wages expense $22 8 5 5 00
Depreciation expense 4 9 5 0 00
Rent expense 4 2 0 0 00
Utilities expense 2 7 1 5 00
Supplies expense 8 9 0 00
Insurance expense 3 1 5 00
Miscellaneous expense 1 5 0 5 00
Total operating expenses 37 4 3 0 00
Net income $23 1 9 5 00
 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle 167

Harbor Realty Inc.

Retained Earnings Statement
For the Year Ended July 31, 2006
Retained earnings, August 1, 2005 $24 0 0 0 00
Net income for the year $23 1 9 5 00
Less dividends 5 2 0 0 00
Increase in retained earnings 17 9 9 5 00
Retained earnings, July 31, 2006 $41 9 9 5 00

Harbor Realty Inc.

Balance Sheet
July 31, 2006
Assets Liabilities
Current assets: Current liabilities:
Cash $ 3 4 2 5 00 Accounts payable $ 9 2 5 00
Accounts receivable 8 0 0 0 00 Unearned fees 7 5 0 00
Supplies 3 8 0 00 Wages payable 4 4 0 00
Prepaid insurance 3 0 5 00 Total liabilities $ 2 1 1 5 00
Total current assets $12 1 1 0 00
Property, plant, and equipment: Stockholders’ Equity
Office equipment $51 6 5 0 00 Capital stock $ 5 0 0 0 00
Less accumulated depr. 14 6 5 0 00 37 0 0 0 00 Retained earnings 41 9 9 5 00 46 9 9 5 00
Total assets $49 1 1 0 00 Total liabilities and
stockholders’ equity $49 1 1 0 00

3.

JOURNAL Page
Post.
Date Description Ref. Debit Credit
1 Closing Entries 1
2006
2 July 31 Fees Earned 60 6 2 5 00 2
3 Income Summary 60 6 2 5 00 3
4 4
5 31 Income Summary 37 4 3 0 00 5
6 Wages Expense 22 8 5 5 00 6
7 Rent Expense 4 2 0 0 00 7
8 Utilities Expense 2 7 1 5 00 8
9 Miscellaneous Expense 1 5 0 5 00 9
10 Supplies Expense 8 9 0 00 10
11 Insurance Expense 3 1 5 00 11
12 Depreciation Expense 4 9 5 0 00 12
13 13
14 31 Income Summary 23 1 9 5 00 14
15 Retained Earnings 23 1 9 5 00 15
16 16
17 31 Retained Earnings 5 2 0 0 00 17
18 Dividends 5 2 0 0 00 18
168 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle

Self-Examination Questions (Answers at End of Chapter)

1. Which of the following accounts in the Adjusted C. Debit the income summary account, credit the
Trial Balance columns of the work sheet would be dividends account.
extended to the Balance Sheet columns? D. Debit the dividends account, credit the retained
A. Utilities Expense C. Dividends earnings account.
B. Rent Revenue D. Miscellaneous Expense
4. Which of the following accounts would not be
2. Which of the following accounts would be classi- closed to the income summary account at the end
fied as a current asset on the balance sheet? of a period?
A. Office Equipment A. Fees Earned
B. Land B. Wages Expense
C. Accumulated Depreciation C. Rent Expense
D. Accounts Receivable D. Accumulated Depreciation
3. Which of the following entries closes the dividends 5. Which of the following accounts would not be in-
account at the end of the period? cluded in a post-closing trial balance?
A. Debit the dividends account, credit the income A. Cash
summary account. B. Fees Earned
B. Debit the retained earnings account, credit the C. Accumulated Depreciation
dividends account. D. Capital Stock

C lass Discussion Questions

1. (a) What is the most important output of the accounting cycle? (b) Do all com-
panies have an accounting cycle? Explain.
2. Is the work sheet a substitute for the financial statements? Discuss.
3. In the Income Statement columns of the work sheet, the Debit column total is
greater than the Credit column total before the amount for the net income or
net loss has been included. Would the income statement report a net income
or a net loss? Explain.
4. In the Balance Sheet columns of the work sheet for Teton Co. for the current
year, the Debit column total is $68,500 greater than the Credit column total be-
fore the amount for net income or net loss has been included. Would the in-
come statement report a net income or a net loss? Explain.
5. Describe the nature of the assets that compose the following sections of a bal-
ance sheet: (a) current assets, (b) property, plant, and equipment.
6. What is the difference between a current liability and a long-term liability?
7. What types of accounts are referred to as temporary accounts?
8. Why are closing entries required at the end of an accounting period?
9. What is the difference between adjusting entries and closing entries?
10. Describe the four entries that close the temporary accounts.
11. What is the purpose of the post-closing trial balance?
12. What is the natural business year?
13. Why might a department store select a fiscal year ending January 31, rather than
a fiscal year ending December 31?
14. The fiscal years for several well-known companies were as follows:

Company Fiscal Year Ending Company Fiscal Year Ending

Kmart January 30 Toys “R” Us, Inc. February 3

J.C.Penney January 26 Federated Department Stores February 3
Zayre Corp. January 26 The Limited, Inc. February 2
 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle 169

What general characteristic shared by these companies explains why they do

not have fiscal years ending December 31?
15. If a company has positive working capital, will its current ratio always be greater
than 1? Explain.

Remember! If you need additional help, visit South-Western’s Web

site. See page 28 for a description of the online and printed materials
that are available. http://warren.swlearning.com

Answer: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

E xercises
EXERCISE 4-1 Rearrange the following steps in the accounting cycle in proper sequence:
Steps in the accounting
cycle a. Closing entries are journalized and posted to the ledger.
Objective 1 b. Adjusting entries are journalized and posted to the ledger.
c. Transactions are posted to the ledger.
d. A post-closing trial balance is prepared.
e. Transactions are analyzed and recorded in the journal.
f. Financial statements are prepared.
g. A trial balance is prepared, adjustment data are assembled, and an optional work
sheet is completed.

EXERCISE 4-2 The balances for the accounts listed below appear in the Adjusted Trial Balance
Place account balances in a columns of the work sheet. Indicate whether each balance should be extended to
work sheet (a) an Income Statement column or (b) a Balance Sheet column.
Objective 2
1. Accounts Payable 6. Supplies
2. Accounts Receivable 7. Unearned Fees
3. Dividends 8. Utilities Expense
4. Fees Earned 9. Wages Expense
5. Retained Earnings 10. Wages Payable

EXERCISE 4-3 Balances for each of the following accounts appear in an adjusted trial balance.
Classify accounts Identify each as (a) asset, (b) liability, (c) revenue, or (d) expense.
Objective 2 1. Accounts Receivable 7. Rent Revenue
2. Fees Earned 8. Salary Expense
3. Insurance Expense 9. Salary Payable
4. Land 10. Supplies
5. Prepaid Advertising 11. Supplies Expense
6. Prepaid Insurance 12. Unearned Rent

EXERCISE 4-4 The steps performed in completing a work sheet are listed below in random order.
Steps in completing a work
sheet a. Extend the adjusted trial balance amounts to the Income Statement columns and
the Balance Sheet columns.
Objective 2 (continued)
170 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle

b. Enter the adjusting entries into the work sheet, based upon the adjustment data.
c. Add the Debit and Credit columns of the unadjusted Trial Balance columns of
the work sheet to verify that the totals are equal.
d. Enter the amount of net income or net loss for the period in the proper Income
Statement column and Balance Sheet column.
e. Add the Debit and Credit columns of the Balance Sheet and Income Statement
columns of the work sheet to verify that the totals are equal.
f. Enter the unadjusted account balances from the general ledger into the unad-
justed Trial Balance columns of the work sheet.
g. Add or deduct adjusting entry data to trial balance amounts and extend amounts
to the Adjusted Trial Balance columns.
h. Add the Debit and Credit columns of the Adjustments columns of the work sheet
to verify that the totals are equal.
i. Add the Debit and Credit columns of the Balance Sheet and Income Statement
columns of the work sheet to determine the amount of net income or net loss
for the period.
j. Add the Debit and Credit columns of the Adjusted Trial Balance columns of the
work sheet to verify that the totals are equal.
Indicate the order in which the preceding steps would be performed in preparing
and completing a work sheet.

EXERCISE 4-5 Ithaca Services Co. offers cleaning services to business clients. The trial balance for
Adjustment data on work Ithaca Services Co. has been prepared on the work sheet for the year ended Janu-
sheet ary 31, 2006, shown below.
Objective 2
Ithaca Services Co.
Work Sheet
For the Year Ended January 31, 2006

Adjusted
Trial Balance Adjustments Trial Balance
!Total debits of Account Title Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr.
Adjustments column: $24 Cash 8
Accounts Receivable 50
Supplies 8
Prepaid Insurance 12
Land 50
Equipment 32
Accumulated Depr.—Equip. 2
Accounts Payable 26
Wages Payable 0
Capital Stock 20
Retained Earnings 92
Dividends 8
Fees Earned 60
Wages Expense 16
Rent Expense 8
Insurance Expense 0
Utilities Expense 6
Depreciation Expense 0
Supplies Expense 0
Miscellaneous Expense 2
Totals 200 200

The data for year-end adjustments are as follows:

a. Fees earned, but not yet billed, $7.
b. Supplies on hand, $3.
c. Insurance premiums expired, $6.
d. Depreciation expense, $5.
e. Wages accrued, but not paid, $1.
 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle 171

Enter the adjustment data, and place the balances in the Adjusted Trial Balance
columns.

EXERCISE 4-6 Ithaca Services Co. offers cleaning services to business clients. Complete the fol-
Complete a work sheet lowing work sheet for Ithaca Services Co.
Objective 2
Ithaca Services Co.
Work Sheet
For the Year Ended January 31, 2006

Adjusted Income
Trial Balance Statement Balance Sheet
!Net income: $18 Account Title Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr.

Cash 8
Accounts Receivable 57
Supplies 3
Prepaid Insurance 6
Land 50
Equipment 32
Accumulated Depr.—Equip. 7
Accounts Payable 26
Wages Payable 1
Capital Stock 20
Retained Earnings 92
Dividends 8
Fees Earned 67
Wages Expense 17
Rent Expense 8
Insurance Expense 6
Utilities Expense 6
Depreciation Expense 5
Supplies Expense 5
Miscellaneous Expense 2
Totals 213 213
Net income (loss)

EXERCISE 4-7 Based upon the data in Exercise 4-6, prepare an income statement, retained earnings
Financial statements statement, and balance sheet for Ithaca Services Co.
Objective 3

!Retained earnings, Jan.

31, 2006: $102

EXERCISE 4-8 Based upon the data in Exercise 4-5, prepare the adjusting entries for Ithaca Ser-
Adjusting entries vices Co.
Objective 4

EXERCISE 4-9 Based upon the data in Exercise 4-6, prepare the closing entries for Ithaca Ser-
Closing entries vices Co.
Objective 4

EXERCISE 4-10 The following account balances were taken from the Adjusted Trial Balance columns
Income statement of the work sheet for Larynx Messenger Service, a delivery service firm, for the cur-
Objective 3 rent fiscal year ended June 30, 2006:
172 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle

Fees Earned $273,700 Supplies Expense $2,750

Salaries Expense 77,100 Miscellaneous Expense 1,350
Rent Expense 22,500 Insurance Expense 1,500
Utilities Expense 6,500 Depreciation Expense 5,200

Prepare an income statement.

EXERCISE 4-11 The following revenue and expense account balances were taken from the ledger
Income statement; net loss of Sirocco Services Co. after the accounts had been adjusted on March 31, 2006, the
Objective 3 end of the current fiscal year:

Depreciation Expense $ 8,000 Service Revenue $103,850

Insurance Expense 4,100 Supplies Expense 3,100
Miscellaneous Expense 2,250 Utilities Expense 11,500
Rent Expense 21,270 Wages Expense 56,800

Prepare an income statement.

EXERCISE 4-12 FedEx Corporation had the following revenue and expense account balances (in
Income statement millions) at its fiscal year-end of May 31, 2002:
Objective 3
Rentals and Landing Fees $1,524 Depreciation and Amortization $ 806
Maintenance and Repairs 980 Interest Expense 56
Purchased Transportation 562 Revenues 15,327
Fuel 1,009 Provision for Income Taxes 260
Salaries and Employee Benefits 6,467 Other Expenses 52
Other Operating Expenses 3,168

a. Prepare an income statement.

b. Compare your income statement with the 2002 income statement that is
available at the FedEx Corporation Web site, which is linked to the text’s Web site
at http://warren.swlearning.com. What similarities and differences do you see?

!a. Net income: $443

EXERCISE 4-13 Synthesis Systems Co. offers its services to residents in the Dillon City area. Selected
Retained earnings accounts from the ledger of Synthesis Systems Co. for the current fiscal year ended
statement October 31, 2006, are as follows:
Objective 3
Retained Earnings Dividends
Oct. 31 12,000 Nov. 1 (2005) 173,750 Jan. 31 3,000 Oct. 31 12,000
Oct. 31 44,250 Apr. 30 3,000
July 31 3,000
Oct. 31 3,000
!Retained earnings, Oct.
31, 2006: $206,000 Income Summary
Oct. 31 277,150 Oct. 31 321,400
31 44,250

Prepare a retained earnings statement for the year.

EXERCISE 4-14 Selected accounts from the ledger of Bobcat Sports for the current fiscal year ended
Retained earnings August 31, 2006, are as follows:
statement; net loss
Objective 3 Retained Earnings Dividends
Aug. 31 16,000 Sep. 1 (2005) 210,300 Nov. 30 4,000 Aug. 31 16,000
31 49,650 Feb. 28 4,000
May 31 4,000
Aug. 31 4,000
 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle 173

!Retained earnings, Aug. Income Summary

31, 2006: $144,650 Aug. 31 224,900 Aug. 31 175,250
31 49,650

Prepare a retained earnings statement for the year.

EXERCISE 4-15 Identify each of the following as (a) a current asset or (b) property, plant, and equip-
Classify assets ment:
Objective 3
1. Cash
2. Equipment
3. Accounts receivable
4. Building
5. Prepaid insurance
6. Supplies

EXERCISE 4-16 At the balance sheet date, a business owes a mortgage note payable of $500,000,
Balance sheet classification the terms of which provide for monthly payments of $13,750.
Objective 3 Explain how the liability should be classified on the balance sheet.

EXERCISE 4-17 Tudor Co. offers personal weight reduction consulting services to individuals. After
Balance sheet all the accounts have been closed on April 30, 2006, the end of the current fiscal
Objective 3 year, the balances of selected accounts from the ledger of Tudor Co. are as follows:

Accounts Payable $ 9,500 Prepaid Insurance $ 7,200

Accounts Receivable 21,850 Prepaid Rent 4,800
Accumulated Depreciation— Retained Earnings 74,200
Equipment 21,100 Salaries Payable 1,750
Capital Stock 40,000 Supplies 1,800
!Total assets: $126,650
Cash ? Unearned Fees 1,200
Equipment 80,600

Prepare a classified balance sheet that includes the correct balance for Cash.

EXERCISE 4-18 List the errors you find in the following balance sheet. Prepare a corrected balance
Balance sheet sheet.
Objective 3
Warburg Services Co.
Balance Sheet
For the Year Ended May 31, 2006

Assets Liabilities
Current assets: Current liabilities:
Cash $ 4,170 Accounts receivable $ 12,500
!Corrected balance sheet, Accounts payable 7,250 Accum. depr.—building 23,000
total assets: $140,500 Supplies 1,650 Accum. depr.—equipment 16,000
Prepaid insurance 2,400 Net loss 10,000
Land 75,000 Total liabilities $ 61,500
Total current assets $ 90,470
Property, plant, Stockholders’ Equity
and equipment: Wages payable $ 1,500
Building $ 55,500 Capital stock 35,000
Equipment 28,280 Retained earnings 96,750
Total property, plant, Total stockholders’ equity $133,250
and equipment $104,280 Total liabilities and
Total assets $194,750 stockholders’ equity $194,750

EXERCISE 4-19 Green Earth Co. is a consulting firm specializing in pollution control. The entries in
Adjusting entries from the Adjustments columns of the work sheet for Green Earth Co. are as follows.
work sheet
Objective 4
174 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle

Adjustments
Dr. Cr.

Accounts Receivable 4,100

Supplies 1,300
Prepaid Insurance 2,000
Accumulated Depreciation—Equipment 2,800
Wages Payable 1,000
Unearned Rent 2,500
Fees Earned 4,100
Wages Expense 1,000
Supplies Expense 1,300
Rent Revenue 2,500
Insurance Expense 2,000
Depreciation Expense 2,800

Prepare the adjusting journal entries.

EXERCISE 4-20 From the following list, identify the accounts that should be closed to Income Sum-
Identify accounts to be mary at the end of the fiscal year:
closed
a. Accounts Payable g. Fees Earned
Objective 4
b. Accumulated Depreciation— h. Land
Equipment i. Salaries Expense
c. Capital Stock j. Salaries Payable
d. Depreciation Expense—Equipment k. Supplies
e. Dividends l. Supplies Expense
f. Equipment

EXERCISE 4-21 Prior to its closing, Income Summary had total debits of $450,750 and total credits
Closing entries of $712,500.
Objective 4 Briefly explain the purpose served by the income summary account and the
nature of the entries that resulted in the $450,750 and the $712,500.

EXERCISE 4-22 After all revenue and expense accounts have been closed at the end of the fiscal year,
Closing entries with net Income Summary has a debit of $312,600 and a credit of $480,150. At the same date,
income Retained Earnings has a credit balance of $142,350, and Dividends has a balance of
Objective 4 $25,000. (a) Journalize the entries required to complete the closing of the accounts.
!b. $284,900 (b) Determine the amount of Retained Earnings at the end of the period.

EXERCISE 4-23 Edessa Services Co. offers its services to individuals desiring to improve their per-
Closing entries with net loss sonal images. After the accounts have been adjusted at March 31, the end of the fis-
Objective 4 cal year, the following balances were taken from the ledger of Edessa Services Co.
Retained Earnings $225,750
Dividends 50,000
Fees Earned 180,700
Wages Expense 180,000
Rent Expense 75,000
Supplies Expense 24,000
Miscellaneous Expense 6,200

Journalize the four entries required to close the accounts.

EXERCISE 4-24 Which of the following accounts will usually appear in the post-closing trial balance?
Identify permanent
accounts a. Accounts Receivable g. Equipment
b. Accumulated Depreciation h. Fees Earned
Objective 4
c. Capital Stock i. Retained Earnings
d. Cash j. Supplies
e. Depreciation Expense k. Wages Expense
f. Dividends l. Wages Payable
 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle 175

EXERCISE 4-25 An accountant prepared the following post-closing trial balance:

Post-closing trial balance
Objective 4 Rhombic Repairs Co.
Post-Closing Trial Balance
March 31, 2006

Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,225
Accounts Receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33,300
Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,980
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63,000
!Correct column totals, Accumulated Depreciation—Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19,980
$107,505 Accounts Payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11,250
Salaries Payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,700
Unearned Rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,400
Capital Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,000
Retained Earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50,175
147,330 67,680

Prepare a corrected post-closing trial balance. Assume that all accounts have nor-
mal balances and that the amounts shown are correct.

EXERCISE 4-26 The financial statements for The Home Depot are presented in Appendix F at the
Working capital and end of the text.
current ratio
Objective 6 a. Determine the working capital (in millions) and the current ratio for Home Depot
as of February 2, 2003 and February 3, 2002.
b. What conclusions concerning the company’s ability to meets its financial
obligations can you draw from these data?

EXERCISE 4-27 The following data (in thousands) were taken from recent financial statements of
Working capital and 7 Eleven, Inc., a convenience store chain:
current ratio
Objective 6 December 31
2002 2001

Current assets $624,176 $632,247

Current liabilities 767,210 791,700

a. Compute the working capital and the current ratio as of December 31, 2002 and
2001. Round to two decimal places.
b. What conclusions concerning the company’s ability to meet its financial obliga-
tions can you draw from (a)?

APPENDIX On the basis of the following data, (a) journalize the adjusting entries at December
EXERCISE 4-28 31, the end of the current fiscal year, and (b) journalize the reversing entries on Jan-
Adjusting and reversing uary 1, the first day of the following year.
entries
1. Sales salaries are uniformly $16,200 for a five-day workweek, ending on Friday.
The last payday of the year was Friday, December 27.
2. Accrued fees earned but not recorded at December 31, $10,250.

APPENDIX Portions of the wages expense account of a business are shown at the top of the
EXERCISE 4-29 following page.
Entries posted to the wages
expense account a. Indicate the nature of the entry (payment, adjusting, closing, reversing) from which
each numbered posting was made.
b. Journalize the complete entry from which each numbered posting was made.
176 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle

ACCOUNT Wages Expense ACCOUNT NO. 53

Post. Balance
Date Item Ref. Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr.

2006
Dec. 26 (1) 91 45,000 1,102,800
31 (2) 92 18,000 1,120,800
31 (3) 93 1,120,800 — —
2007
Jan. 1 (4) 94 18,000 18,000
2 (5) 95 43,000 25,000

Problems Series A
PROBLEM 4-1A The trial balance of Dynamite Laundry at July 31, 2006, the end of the current fis-
Work sheet and related cal year, and the data needed to determine year-end adjustments are as follows:
items
Objectives 2, 3, 4 Dynamite Laundry
Trial Balance
July 31, 2006

Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,900
Laundry Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,500
Prepaid Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,800
Laundry Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109,050
!2. Net income: $25,100 Accumulated Depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41,100
Accounts Payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,100
Capital Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,000
Retained Earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27,800
Dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,000
Laundry Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165,000
Wages Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71,400
Rent Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36,000
Utilities Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13,650
Miscellaneous Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,700
250,000 250,000

a. Wages accrued but not paid at July 31 are $1,200.

b. Depreciation of equipment during the year is $6,800.
c. Laundry supplies on hand at July 31 are $1,750.
d. Insurance premiums expired during the year are $2,400.
Instructions
1. Enter the trial balance on a ten-column work sheet and complete the work sheet.
Add accounts as needed.
2. Prepare an income statement, a retained earnings statement, and a balance sheet.
3. On the basis of the adjustment data in the work sheet, journalize the adjusting
entries.
4. On the basis of the data in the work sheet, journalize the closing entries.

PROBLEM 4-2A The Xavier Company is a financial planning services firm owned and operated by
Adjusting and closing Kim Bosworth. As of August 31, 2006, the end of the current fiscal year, the accoun-
entries; retained earnings tant for The Xavier Company prepared a work sheet, part of which is shown on the
statement
following page.
Objectives 3, 4
 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle 177
The Xavier Company
Work Sheet (Partial)
August 31, 2006

Income Statement Balance Sheet

!2. Retained earnings, Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,650
Aug. 31: $149,000 Accounts Receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13,960
Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,800
Prepaid Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,500
Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60,000
Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120,000
Accumulated Depreciation—Buildings . . . . . 72,400
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86,090
Accumulated Depreciation—Equipment . . . . 40,900
Accounts Payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,100
Salaries Payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,100
Taxes Payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,000
Unearned Rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500
Capital Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15,000
Retained Earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98,500
Dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,000
Service Fees Earned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175,000
Rent Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,500
Salary Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73,000
Depreciation Expense—Equipment . . . . . . . 9,500
Rent Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,500
Supplies Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,650
Utilities Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,300
Depreciation Expense—Buildings . . . . . . . . . 5,200
Taxes Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,150
Insurance Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000
Miscellaneous Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,700
116,000 176,500 300,000 239,500
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60,500 60,500
176,500 176,500 300,000 300,000

Instructions
1. Journalize the entries that were required to close the accounts at August 31.
2. Prepare a retained earnings statement for the fiscal year ended August 31.
3. If the balance of Retained Earnings decreased $15,000 after the closing entries
were posted, and the dividends remained the same, what was the amount of net
income or net loss?

If the working papers correlating with this textbook are not used, omit Problem 4-3A.

PROBLEM 4-3A The ledger and trial balance of Lithium Services Co. as of March 31, 2006, the end
Ledger accounts and work of the first month of its current fiscal year, are presented in the working papers.
sheet, and related items
Objectives 2, 3, 4 Instructions
1. Complete the ten-column work sheet. Data needed to determine the necessary
!2. Net income: $18,017
adjusting entries are as follows:
a. Service revenue accrued at March 31 is $1,500.
b. Supplies on hand at March 31 are $300.
c. Insurance premiums expired during March are $150.
d. Depreciation of the building during March is $625.
e. Depreciation of equipment during March is $200.
f. Unearned rent at March 31 is $2,100.
g. Wages accrued but not paid at March 31 are $501.
2. Prepare an income statement, a retained earnings statement, and a balance sheet.
3. Journalize and post the adjusting entries, inserting balances in the accounts affected.
(continued)
178 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle

4. Journalize and post the closing entries. Indicate closed accounts by inserting a
line in both Balance columns opposite the closing entry.
5. Prepare a post-closing trial balance.

PROBLEM 4-4A Heritage Company offers legal consulting advice to death-row inmates. Heritage
Optional work sheet and Company prepared the following trial balance at April 30, 2006, the end of the cur-
financial statements rent fiscal year:
Objectives 2, 3, 4
Heritage Company
Trial Balance
April 30, 2006

Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,200
Accounts Receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,500
Prepaid Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,800
!4. Net loss: $6,720 Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,350
Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50,000
Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136,500
Accumulated Depreciation—Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50,700
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92,700
Accumulated Depreciation—Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36,300
Accounts Payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,500
Unearned Rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,000
Capital Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50,000
Retained Earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162,500
Dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,000
Fees Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191,000
Salaries and Wages Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96,200
Advertising Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63,200
Utilities Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,000
Repairs Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12,500
Miscellaneous Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,050
500,000 500,000

The data needed to determine year-end adjustments are as follows:

a. Accrued fees revenue at April 30 are $2,800.
b. Insurance expired during the year is $450.
c. Supplies on hand at April 30 are $650.
d. Depreciation of building for the year is $1,620.
e. Depreciation of equipment for the year is $3,500.
f. Accrued salaries and wages at April 30 are $1,800.
g. Unearned rent at April 30 is $1,500.

Instructions
1. Optional: Enter the trial balance on a ten-column work sheet and complete the
work sheet. Add accounts as needed.
2. Journalize the adjusting entires, adding accounts as needed.
3. Prepare an adjusted trial balance of April 30, 2006.
4. Prepare an income statement for the year ended April 30.
5. Prepare a retained earnings statement for the year ended April 30.
6. Prepare a balance sheet as of April 30.
7. Compute the percent of total revenue to total assets for the year.

PROBLEM 4-5A The trial balance of Pablo Repairs at December 31, 2006, the end of the current
Ledger accounts, optional year, is shown at the top of the following page.
work sheet, and related
items
Objectives 2, 3, 4
 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle 179
Pablo Repairs
Trial Balance
December 31, 2006

11 Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,825
13 Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,820
14 Prepaid Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,500
!2. Net income: $16,245
16 Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44,200
17 Accumulated Depreciation—Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12,050
18 Trucks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45,000
19 Accumulated Depreciation—Trucks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27,100
21 Accounts Payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,015
31 Capital Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12,000
32 Retained Earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20,885
33 Dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,000
41 Service Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75,950
51 Wages Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28,010
53 Rent Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,100
55 Truck Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,350
59 Miscellaneous Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,195
150,000 150,000

The data needed to determine year-end adjustments are as follows:

a. Supplies on hand at December 31 are $1,250.
b. Insurance premiums expired during year are $1,000.
c. Depreciation of equipment during year is $5,080.
d. Depreciation of trucks during year is $3,500.
e. Wages accrued but not paid at December 31 are $900.
Instructions
1. For each account listed in the trial balance, enter the balance in the appropriate
Balance column of a four-column account and place a check mark (!) in the
Posting Reference column.
2. Optional: Enter the trial balance on a ten-column work sheet and complete the
work sheet. Add accounts as needed.
3. Journalize and post the adjusting entries, inserting balances in the accounts affected.
The following additional accounts from Pablo’s chart of accounts should be used:
Wages Payable, 22; Supplies Expense, 52; Depreciation Expense—Equipment, 54;
Depreciation Expense—Trucks, 56; Insurance Expense, 57.
4. Prepare an adjusted trial balance.
5. Prepare an income statement, a retained earnings statement, and a balance sheet.
6. Journalize and post the closing entries. (Income Summary is account #34 in the
chart of accounts.) Indicate closed accounts by inserting a line in both Balance
columns opposite the closing entry.
7. Prepare a post-closing trial balance.

Problems Series B
PROBLEM 4-1B The trial balance of The Utopia Laundromat at October 31, 2006, the end of the cur-
Work sheet and related rent fiscal year, is shown at the top of the next page.
items The data needed to determine year-end adjustments are as follows:
Objectives 2, 3, 4
a. Laundry supplies on hand at October 31 are $1,250.
b. Insurance premiums expired during the year are $1,800.
c. Depreciation of equipment during the year is $5,500.
d. Wages accrued but not paid at October 31 are $2,160.
180 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle

The Utopia Laundromat

Trial Balance
October 31, 2006

Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,600
Laundry Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,850
Prepaid Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,600
!2. Net income: $10,240
Laundry Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120,000
Accumulated Depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62,700
Accounts Payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,100
Capital Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,000
Retained Earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28,450
Dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,500
Laundry Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96,750
Wages Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43,400
Rent Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,400
Utilities Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,500
Miscellaneous Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,150
210,000 210,000

Instructions
1. Enter the trial balance on a ten-column work sheet and complete the work sheet.
Add accounts as needed.
2. Prepare an income statement, a retained earnings statement, and a balance sheet.
3. On the basis of the adjustment data in the work sheet, journalize the adjusting
entries.
4. On the basis of the data in the work sheet, journalize the closing entries.

PROBLEM 4-2B The Alligator Company is an investigative services firm that is owned and operated by
Adjusting and closing Bruce Driskell. On June 30, 2006, the end of the current fiscal year, the accountant for
entries; retained earnings The Alligator Company prepared a work sheet, a part of which is shown here.
statement
Objectives 3, 4 The Alligator Company
Work Sheet (Partial)
June 30, 2006

Income Statement Balance Sheet

Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,500
!2. Retained earnings, Accounts Receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,600
June 30: $56,910 Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,750
Prepaid Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,400
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84,750
Accumulated Depreciation—Equipment . . . . 26,100
Accounts Payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,230
Salaries Payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,260
Taxes Payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,500
Unearned Rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000
Capital Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20,000
Retained Earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51,410
Dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,000
Service Fees Earned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180,000
Rent Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,000
Salary Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133,500
Rent Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,000
Supplies Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,000
Depreciation Expense—Equipment . . . . . . . 3,500
Utilities Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,200
Taxes Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,100
Insurance Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,400
Miscellaneous Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,800
169,500 183,000 120,000 106,500
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13,500 13,500
183,000 183,000 120,000 120,000
 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle 181

Instructions
1. Journalize the entries that were required to close the accounts at June 30.
2. Prepare a retained earnings statement for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006.
3. If Retained Earnings decreased $30,000 after the closing entries were posted, and
the dividends remained the same, what was the amount of net income or net
loss?

If the working papers correlating with this textbook are not used, omit Problem 4-3B.

PROBLEM 4-3B The ledger and trial balance of Lithium Services Co. as of March 31, 2006, the end
Ledger accounts, work of the first month of its current fiscal year, are presented in the working papers.
sheet, and related items
Objectives 2, 3, 4 Instructions
1. Complete the ten-column work sheet. Data needed to determine the necessary
!2. Net income: $18,042
adjusting entries are as follows:
a. Service revenue accrued at March 31 is $1,250.
b. Supplies on hand at March 31 are $400.
c. Insurance premiums expired during March are $150.
d. Depreciation of the building during March is $500.
e. Depreciation of equipment during March is $150.
f. Unearned rent at March 31 is $2,000.
g. Wages accrued at March 31 are $601.
2. Prepare an income statement, a retained earnings statement, and a balance sheet.
3. Journalize and post the adjusting entries, inserting balances in the accounts af-
fected.
4. Journalize and post the closing entries. Indicate closed accounts by inserting a
line in both Balance columns opposite the closing entry.
5. Prepare a post-closing trial balance.

PROBLEM 4-4B Flamingo Company maintains and repairs warning lights, such as those found on
Optional worksheet and radio towers and lighthouses. Flamingo Company prepared the following trial bal-
financial statements ance at July 31, 2006, the end of the current fiscal year:
Objectives 2, 3, 4
Flamingo Company
Trial Balance
July 31, 2006

Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,500
Accounts Receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13,500
Prepaid Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,000
!4. Net income: $69,470 Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,950
Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70,000
Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100,500
Accumulated Depreciation—Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71,700
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71,400
Accumulated Depreciation—Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60,800
Accounts Payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,100
Unearned Rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,500
Capital Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,000
Retained Earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50,700
Dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,000
Fees Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181,200
Salaries and Wages Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73,200
Advertising Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15,500
Utilities Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,100
Repairs Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,300
Miscellaneous Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,050
375,000 375,000
182 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle

The data needed to determine year-end adjustments are as follows:

a. Fees revenue accrued at July 31 is $3,500.
b. Insurance expired during the year is $2,000.
c. Supplies on hand at July 31 are $350.
d. Depreciation of building for the year is $1,520.
e. Depreciation of equipment for the year is $2,160.
f. Accrued salaries and wages at July 31 are $2,800.
g. Unearned rent at July 31 is $500.
Instructions
1. Optional: Enter the trial balance on a ten-column work sheet and complete the
work sheet. Add accounts as needed.
2. Journalize the adjusting entries, adding accounts as needed.
3. Prepare an adjusted trial balance as of July 31, 2006.
4. Prepare an income statement for the year ended July 31.
5. Prepare a retained earnings statement for the year ended July 31.
6. Prepare a balance sheet as of July 31.
7. Compute the percent of net income to total revenue for the year.

PROBLEM 4-5B The trial balance of Gesundheit Repairs at October 31, 2006, the end of the current
Ledger accounts, optional year, is shown below.
work sheet, and related
items Gesundheit Repairs
Objectives 2, 3, 4 Trial Balance
October 31, 2006

11 Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,950
13 Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,295
14 Prepaid Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,735
16 Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50,650
17 Accumulated Depreciation—Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11,209
!5. Net income: $30,080 18 Trucks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36,300
19 Accumulated Depreciation—Trucks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,400
21 Accounts Payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,015
31 Capital Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,000
32 Retained Earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28,426
33 Dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,000
41 Service Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89,950
51 Wages Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26,925
53 Rent Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,600
55 Truck Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,350
59 Miscellaneous Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,195
150,000 150,000

The data needed to determine year-end adjustments are as follows:

a. Supplies on hand at October 31 are $1,150.
b. Insurance premiums expired during year are $1,800.
c. Depreciation of equipment during year is $3,380.
d. Depreciation of trucks during year is $4,400.
e. Wages accrued but not paid at October 31 are $1,075.
Instructions
1. For each account listed in the trial balance, enter the balance in the appropriate
Balance column of a four-column account and place a check mark (!) in the
Posting Reference column.
2. Optional: Enter the trial balance on a ten-column work sheet and complete the
work sheet. Add accounts as needed.
3. Journalize and post the adjusting entries, inserting balances in the accounts af-
fected. The following additional accounts from Gesundheit’s chart of accounts
should be used: Wages Payable, 22; Supplies Expense, 52; Depreciation Expense—
Equipment, 54; Depreciation Expense—Trucks, 56; Insurance Expense, 57.
 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle 183

4. Prepare an adjusted trial balance.

5. Prepare an income statement, a retained earnings statement, and a balance sheet.
6. Journalize and post the closing entries. (Income Summary is account #34 in the
chart of accounts.) Indicate closed accounts by inserting a line in both Balance
columns opposite the closing entry.
7. Prepare a post-closing trial balance.

C ontinuing Problem
The unadjusted trial balance of Dancin Music as of May 31, 2006, along with the
adjustment data for the two months ended May 31, 2006, are shown in Chapter 3.
Instructions
1. Prepare a ten-column work sheet.
2. Prepare an income statement, a retained earnings statement, and a balance sheet.
3. Journalize and post the closing entries. The income summary account is #34 in
the ledger of Dancin Music. Indicate closed accounts by inserting a line in both
Balance columns opposite the closing entry.
4. Prepare a post-closing trial balance.
!2. Net income: $2,550

C omprehensive Problem 1
For the past several years, Kelly Pitney has operated a part-time consulting business
from her home. As of April 1, 2006, Kelly decided to move to rented quarters and
to operate the business, which was to be known as Hippocrates Consulting, on a
full-time basis. Hippocrates Consulting entered into the following transactions dur-
ing April:
!4. Net income: $17,930
April 1. The following assets were received from Kelly Pitney in exchange for
capital stock: cash, $13,100; accounts receivable, $3,000; supplies, $1,400;
and office equipment, $12,500. There were no liabilities received.
1. Paid three months’ rent on a lease rental contract, $4,800.
2. Paid the premiums on property and casualty insurance policies, $1,800.
4. Received cash from clients as an advance payment for services to be pro-
vided and recorded it as unearned fees, $5,000.
5. Purchased additional office equipment on account from Office Station Co.,
$2,000.
6. Received cash from clients on account, $1,800.
10. Paid cash for a newspaper advertisement, $120.
12. Paid Office Station Co. for part of the debt incurred on April 5, $1,200.
12. Recorded services provided on account for the period April 1–12, $4,200.
14. Paid part-time receptionist for two weeks’ salary, $750.
17. Recorded cash from cash clients for fees earned during the period April
1–16, $6,250.
18. Paid cash for supplies, $800.
20. Recorded services provided on account for the period April 13–20, $2,100.
24. Recorded cash from cash clients for fees earned for the period April
17–24, $3,850.
26. Received cash from clients on account, $5,600.
27. Paid part-time receptionist for two weeks’ salary, $750.
29. Paid telephone bill for April, $130.
30. Paid electricity bill for April, $200.
184 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle

April 30. Recorded cash from cash clients for fees earned for the period April
25–30, $3,050.
30. Recorded services provided on account for the remainder of April, $1,500.
30. Paid dividends, $6,000.

Instructions
1. Journalize each transaction in a two-column journal, referring to the following
chart of accounts in selecting the accounts to be debited and credited. (Do not
insert the account numbers in the journal at this time.)
11 Cash 31 Capital Stock
12 Accounts Receivable 32 Retained Earnings
14 Supplies 33 Dividends
15 Prepaid Rent 41 Fees Earned
16 Prepaid Insurance 51 Salary Expense
18 Office Equipment 52 Rent Expense
19 Accumulated Depreciation 53 Supplies Expense
21 Accounts Payable 54 Depreciation Expense
22 Salaries Payable 55 Insurance Expense
23 Unearned Fees 59 Miscellaneous Expense
2. Post the journal to a ledger of four-column accounts.
3. Prepare a trial balance as of April 30, 2006, on a ten-column work sheet, listing
all the accounts in the order given in the ledger. Complete the work sheet, us-
ing the following adjustment data:
a. Insurance expired during April is $300.
b. Supplies on hand on April 30 are $1,350.
c. Depreciation of office equipment for April is $700.
d. Accrued receptionist salary on April 30 is $120.
e. Rent expired during April is $1,600.
f. Unearned fees on April 30 are $2,500.
4. Prepare an income statement, a retained earnings statement, and a balance sheet.
5. Journalize and post the adjusting entries.
6. Journalize and post the closing entries. (Income Summary is account #34 in the
chart of accounts.) Indicate closed accounts by inserting a line in both Balance
columns opposite the closing entry.
7. Prepare a post-closing trial balance.
Alternative Instructions for P.A.S.S
Complete the above instructions in the following order: 1, 2, 5 (using the adjustment
data in 3), and 4.

Special Activities
ACTIVITY 4-1 Lighthouse Co. is a graphics arts design consulting firm. Robin Dover, its treasurer
Ethics and professional and vice president of finance, has prepared a classified balance sheet as of July 31,
conduct in business 2006, the end of its fiscal year. This balance sheet will be submitted with Light-
house’s loan application to Central Trust & Savings Bank.
In the Current Assets section of the balance sheet, Robin reported an $80,000 re-
ceivable from Ron Knoll, the president of Lighthouse, as a trade account receivable.
Ron borrowed the money from Lighthouse in February 2005 for a down payment
on a new home. He has orally assured Robin that he will pay off the account re-
ceivable within the next year. Robin reported the $80,000 in the same manner on
the preceding year’s balance sheet.
Evaluate whether it is acceptable for Robin Dover to prepare the July 31,
2006 balance sheet in the manner indicated above.
 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle 185

ACTIVITY 4-2 The following is an excerpt from a telephone conversation between Pedro Mendoza,
Financial statements president of Goliath Supplies Co., and Natalie Welch, owner of Flint Employment Co.
Pedro: Natalie, you’re going to have to do a better job of finding me a new com-
puter programmer. That last guy was great at programming, but he didn’t have
any common sense.
Natalie: What do you mean? The guy had a master’s degree with straight A’s.
Pedro: Yes, well, last month he developed a new financial reporting system. He
said we could do away with manually preparing a work sheet and financial
statements. The computer would automatically generate our financial statements
with “a push of a button.”
Natalie: So what’s the big deal? Sounds to me like it would save you time and
effort.
Pedro: Right! The balance sheet showed a minus for supplies!
Natalie: Minus supplies? How can that be?
Pedro: That’s what I asked.
Natalie: So, what did he say?
Pedro: Well, after he checked the program, he said that it must be right. The
minuses were greater than the pluses . . .
Natalie: Didn’t he know that supplies can’t have a credit balance—it must have a
debit balance?
Pedro: He asked me what a debit and credit were.
Natalie: I see your point.
1. Comment on (a) the desirability of computerizing Goliath Supplies Co.’s
financial reporting system, (b) the elimination of the work sheet in a computer-
ized accounting system, and (c) the computer programmer’s lack of accounting
knowledge.
2. Explain to the programmer why supplies could not have a credit balance.

ACTIVITY 4-3 Assume that you recently accepted a position with the Bozeman National Bank as an
Financial statements assistant loan officer. As one of your first duties, you have been assigned the responsi-
bility of evaluating a loan request for $150,000 from Sasquatch.com, a small proprietor-
ship. In support of the loan application, Samantha Joyner, owner, submitted a “Statement
of Accounts” (trial balance) for the first year of operations ended December 31, 2006.
1. Explain to Samantha Joyner why a set of financial statements (income
statement, retained earnings statement, and balance sheet) would be useful to
you in evaluating the loan request.
2. In discussing the “Statement of Accounts” with Samantha Joyner, you discovered
that the accounts had not been adjusted at December 31. Analyze the “Statement
of Accounts” (shown below) and indicate possible adjusting entries that might be
necessary before an accurate set of financial statements could be prepared.

Sasquatch.com
Statement of Accounts
December 31, 2006

Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,100
Billings Due from Others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30,150
Supplies (chemicals, etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,950
Trucks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52,750
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,150
Amounts Owed to Others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,700
Investment in Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47,000
Service Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147,300
Wages Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60,100
Utilities Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,660
Rent Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,800
Insurance Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,400
Other Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 940
200,000 200,000

(continued)
186 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle

3. Assuming that an accurate set of financial statements will be submitted

by Samantha Joyner in a few days, what other considerations or information would
you require before making a decision on the loan request?

ACTIVITY 4-4 In groups of three or four, compare the balance sheets of two different companies,
Compare balance sheets and present to the class a summary of the similarities and differences of the two
companies. You may obtain the balance sheets you need from one of the follow-
ing sources:
1. Your school or local library.
2. The investor relations department of each company.
3. The company’s Web site on the Internet.
4. EDGAR (Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval), the electronic archives
of financial statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SEC documents can be retrieved using the EdgarScan™ service from Pricewater-
houseCoopers at http://edgarscan.pwcglobal.com. To obtain annual report in-
formation, key in a company name in the appropriate space. EdgarScan will list the
reports available to you for the company you’ve selected. Select the most recent an-
nual report filing, identified as a 10-K or 10-K405. EdgarScan provides an outline of
the report, including the separate financial statements, which can also be selected
in an Excel® spreadsheet.

ACTIVITY 4-5 Mohawk Industries is a leading distributor of carpets and rugs in the United States.
Business strategy The company sells its carpets and rugs to locally-owned, independent carpet retail-
ers, home centers such as Home Depot and Lowe’s, and department stores such as
Sears. Mohawk’s carpets are marked under the brand names that include “Aladdin,
Mohawk Home, Bigelow, Custom Weave, Durkan, Karastan, and Townhouse.”
1. List some factors that increase the demand for carpet.
2. From a strategic viewpoint, do you think Mohawk should view itself as
a carpet or floorcovering manufacturer? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages
of Mohawk viewing itself as a floorcovering manufacturer rather than just a carpet
manufacturer.
3. Read Mohawk’s latest 10-K filing with the Securities and Exchange
Commission by using EdgarScan (http://edgarscan.pwcglobal.com). Does
Mohawk view itself as a carpet manufacturer or as a floorcovering manufacturer?
Explain.

A nswers to Self-Examination Questions

1. C The dividends account (answer C), would be Land (answer B), and Accumulated Depreciation
extended to the Balance Sheet columns of the work (answer C) are all reported in the property, plant,
sheet. Utilities Expense (answer A), Rent Revenue and equipment section of the balance sheet.
(answer B), and Miscellaneous Expense (answer D) 3. B The entry to close the dividends account is to
would all be extended to the Income Statement debit the retained earnings account and credit the
columns of the work sheet. dividends account (answer B).
2. D Cash or other assets that are expected to be 4. D Since all revenue and expense accounts are
converted to cash or sold or used up within one closed at the end of the period, Fees Earned (an-
year or less, through the normal operations of the swer A), Wages Expense (answer B), and Rent Ex-
business, are classified as current assets on the bal- pense (answer C) would all be closed to Income
ance sheet. Accounts Receivable (answer D) is a Summary. Accumulated Depreciation (answer D) is
current asset, since it will normally be converted to a contra asset account that is not closed.
cash within one year. Office Equipment (answer A),
 Chapter 4 • Completing the Accounting Cycle 187

5. B Since the post-closing trial balance includes and Capital Stock (answer D) would appear on the
only balance sheet accounts (all of the revenue, post-closing trial balance. Fees Earned (answer B)
expense, and dividends accounts are closed), Cash is a temporary account that is closed prior to prepar-
(answer A), Accumulated Depreciation (answer C), ing the post-closing trial balance.