Dual Aspect Concept, also known as Duality Principle, is a
fundamental convention of accounting that necessitates the recognition of all
aspects of an accounting transaction. Dual aspect concept is the underlying
basis for double entry accounting system.
Explanation
In a single entry system, only one aspect of a transaction
is recognized. For instance, if a sale is made to a customer, only sales
revenue will be recorded. However, the other side of the transaction relating
to the receipt of cash or the grant of credit to the customer is not
recognized.
Single entry accounting system has been superseded by double
entry accounting. You may still find limited use of single entry accounting
system by individuals and small organizations that keep an informal record of
receipts and payments.
Double entry accounting system is based on the duality
principle and was devised to account for all aspects of a transaction. Under
the system, aspects of transactions are classified under two main types:
1.Debit
2.Credit
Debit is the portion of transaction that accounts for the
increase in assets and expenses, and the decrease in liabilities, equity and
income.
Credit is the portion of transaction that accounts for the
increase in income, liabilities and equity, and the decrease in assets and
expenses.
The classification of debit and credit effects is structured
in such a way that for each debit there is a corresponding credit and vice
versa. Hence, every transaction will have 'dual' effects (i.e. debit effects
and credit effects).
The application of duality principle therefore ensures that
all aspects of a transaction are accounted for in the financial statements.
Example
Mr. A, who owns and operates a bookstore, has identified the
following transactions for the month of January that need to be accounted for
in the monthly financial statements:
$
1. Payment of salary to staff 2,000
2. Sale of books for cash 5,000
3. Sales of books on credit 15,000
4. Receipts from credit customers 10,000
5. Purchase of books for cash 20,000
6. Utility expenses - unpaid 3,000
Under double entry system, the above transactions will be
accounted for as follows:
Account Title Effect Debit Credit
$ $
1. Salary Expense Increase in expense 2,000
Cash at bank Decrease in assets 2,000
2. Cash in hand Increase in assets 5,000
Sales revenue Increase in income 5,000
3. Receivables Increase in assets 15,000
Sales revenue Decrease in income 15,000
4. Cash at bank Increase in asset 10,000
Receivables Decrease in asset 10,000
5. Purchases Increase in expense 20,000
Cash at bank Decrease in asset 20,000
6. Utility Expense Increase in expense 3,000
Accrued expenses Decrease in asset 3,000
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