Alternative Reporting Models: Compliance and Liquidity v. Accrual and Consolidation

Homework for chapter II of Financial Reporting in Government
By Dr. John Sacco , George Mason University
Revised Saturday, April 12, 1997

The Impact of Accrual Accounting Versus Cash Accounting

Below are simple reports prepared from the same transactions and events. One uses a cash basis; the other, an accrual basis.

For each transaction and event: If there are no differences in the bottom line (see net or excess), assume that, in this case, the cash versus accrual would have no impact. If there are differences in the net or excess, tell or explain why. For example, with the pension cost, only $25,000 is reported under cash, whereas $100,000 is reported under accrual. Also try to explain how a citizen would interpret the differences in net or excess amount for the cash versus accrual approach.

Finally, which model, cash or accrual, do you think would be better for government?

Transactions and Events Original Amount Cash Accrual
Revenues 1750000 1750000 1750000
 
Costs of government:
salaries 1250000 1250000 1250000
pension cost 1/4 is paid 100000 25000 100000
depreciation, no reserve 150000 150000
supplies (3/4 used) 50000 50000 37500
rent 175000 175000 175000
insurance (1/2 used) 100000 100000 50000
training 50000 50000 50000
purchase of fixed assets
1/4 used this period
10000 10000 2500
 
total expenditures/expenses 1660000 1815000
 
net or excess $90,000 ($65,000)

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