An accounting system is a set of actions and methods designed to collect, store, and process financial transactions into management reports for decision-making.
Explanation:
Traditional practices of financial record keeping have largely been informal, simple, and vary from the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), which have long been used in other businesses. A primary reason for collecting and organizing records was for satisfaction of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax reporting requirements.
Methods
Most farmers utilize cash basis accounting to report income (revenues) and expenses (costs) when cash is exchanged. Cash accounting method is an acceptable method for reporting taxable farm income. However, additional information may be needed for informed management reports and decision-making.
Accrual accounting recognizes income and expenses when they occur, not necessarily in the year received or paid. Income and expenses are more appropriately matched in a production year and provide a more accurate evaluation of profit (loss). Income tax records for production businesses are required by the IRS to be based on accrual accounting.
Journal Entry
Business transactions are recorded in a journal and may be listed for specific accounts or grouped and summarized by accounts.
A single-entry accounting system is characterized by only one entry made for each transaction, much like a check register. For most farm businesses a single-entry system will suffice. However, a single-entry system does not tract accounts like inventory, accounts payable/receivable, nor create a balance sheet or income statement. It also does not coincide with GAAP.
A double-entry accounting system provides the most detailed accounting of farm business transactions, but requires a significant amount of time to learn and implement. For every transaction going out, there must be a corresponding transaction coming in (debit/credit). This double entry method provides a cross check and ensures that errors are minimized. It is the best option and is the accepted accounting system in use for most businesses today.
Summary:
Farm business records are important for tax planning but are also utilized to generate management reports that will enhance the long-term profitability of the farm business. Financial management does not mean the producer has to use an accrual accounting system, but it does mean accrual adjustments must be made in order to achieve financial statements (required on an accrual basis) for financial management (i.e. determining financial performance). Overall management includes both financial management (accrual basis) and tax management (cash basis). Both management approaches need to be understood and reconciled.
Test your knowledge of accounting systems
Which option best describes why record keeping is important?
- Pursue effective risk management strategies.
- Provide essential information on a timely basis.
- Satisfaction of IRS tax reporting requirements.
- Track accounts like inventory, accounts payable/receivable.
- Create a balance sheet or income statement.
- All of the above
Answer: 6. All of the above
True or False: Under accrual accounting, revenues are reported in the accounting period when services or goods have been delivered.
Answer: TRUE. In addition, expenses are reported in the accounting period when an expense matches the revenues or is used up.
If this article was helpful, check out more Extension Farm Pulse Articles and Programs
References: Farm Financial Standards Council. (2021, January). Financial Guidelines for Agriculture.
This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2018-70027-28586.
Download Article
Collecting and Organizing your Farm Records
Cash flow budgeting
Financial Troubleshooting
Review recordkeeping methods and retention standards in the new year 
