Cash vs Accrual Accounting – What’s the difference?

You’ve heard people talk about cash versus accrual accounting, but what is it all about? And why does accrual get all the glory? We take you through the basics.

The difference between cash and accrual accounting

The difference between cash basis and accrual basis accounting comes down to timing. When do you record revenue or expenses? If you do it when you pay or receive money, it’s cash basis accounting. If you do it when you get a bill or raise an invoice, it’s accrual basis accounting.

Accrual accounting is a far more powerful tool for managing a business, but cash accounting has its uses.

What is cash basis accounting?

Businesses that use cash basis accounting recognise income and expenses only when money changes hands. They don’t count sent invoices as income, or bills as expenses – until they’ve been settled.

Despite the name, cash basis accounting has nothing to do with the form of payment you receive. You can be paid electronically and still do cash accounting.

Benefits of cash accounting

It’s simple and shows how much money you have on hand.
It’s an easier option for calculating GST, though not all businesses are allowed to use it.

Downsides of cash accounting

It’s not accurate – it could show you as profitable just because you haven’t paid your bills.
It’s doesn’t help when you’re making management decisions, as you only have a day-to-day view of finances.

What is accrual basis accounting?

Businesses that use accrual accounting recognise income as soon as they raise an invoice for a customer. And when a bill comes in, it’s recognised as an expense even if payment won’t be made for another 30 days.

Benefits of accrual accounting

You have a much more accurate picture of business performance and finances.
You can make financial decisions with far more confidence.
It can sometimes be easier to pitch for long-term finance.

Downsides of accrual accounting

It’s more work because you have to watch invoices, not just your bank account.
You may have to pay tax on income before the customer has actually paid you. If the customer reneges on the invoice, you can claim the tax back on your next return.

And while it’s true that accrual accounting requires more work, technology can do most of the heavy lifting for you. You can set up accounting software to read your bills and enter the numbers straight into your expenses on an accrual basis. It will also record your invoices as income as you raise them.

Call us today to find out more about this. We can set your business up to grow into the future – it’s what we do!