Who are the users of accounting data How does accounting provide relevant data to these users

There are several groups of people within a business that use its accounting information, each having different needs and objectives. These groups of users are noted below.

Management

The core internal users are the managers. They need detailed performance information about each segment of the business, so that they can make ongoing corrections and enhancements to the organization. Their objectives are to maintain a steady or increasing level of cash flow, while also maintaining a prudent level of debt risk. They may also need this information to make decisions about acquisitions or divestitures.

Owners

Investors use accounting information to determine their return on investment, based on the reported cash flows being generated by the business. Depending on the outcome, investors may alter their level of investment in the business, either selling from their current positions or acquiring additional shares from others.

Employees

If employees have access to accounting information (which is not always the case), they can use it to estimate the ability of the firm to pay them an adequate level of compensation, as well as to fund any pension plan that the organization offers them. This can result in decisions to remain with the firm or seek employment elsewhere.

Unions

Unions can use a firm’s accounting information to determine its level of profitability and debt load. This information is useful for deciding how hard to push for a wage and benefits increase in the next contract negotiations. If the company is reporting marginal results, then the union might be inclined to push less hard, and vice versa.

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify users of accounting information

The accounting process provides financial data for a broad range of individuals whose objectives in studying the data vary widely. There are three primary users of accounting information: internal users, external users, and the government (which is a specific form of an external user). Each group uses accounting information differently and requires the information to be presented differently.

Internal Users

Who are the users of accounting data How does accounting provide relevant data to these users
Internal users are owners and managers involved in the day-to-day operations of the business and in long-term strategic planning. They are the ones who are making decisions such as whether to lease or buy equipment or to keep the old equipment and simply keep repairing it. They also decide what products or services to produce and how much of each to supply. They decide on the price to charge to customers, and they want to know how much it costs to make a product.

External Users

The external users of accounting information fall into five groups; each has different interests in the company and wants answers to unique questions. The groups and some of their possible questions are:

  • Prospective and current board members or investors. Has the company earned satisfactory income on its total investment? Should an investment be made in this company? Should the present investment be increased, decreased, or retained at the same level? Can the company install costly pollution control equipment and still be profitable?
  • Creditors and lenders. Should a loan be granted to the company? Will the company be able to pay its debts as they become due?
  • Employees and their unions. Does the company have the ability to pay increased wages? Is the company financially able to provide long-term employment for its workforce?
  • Customers. Does the company offer useful products at fair prices? Will the company survive long enough to honor its product warranties?
  • General public. Is the company providing useful products and gainful employment for citizens without causing serious environmental problems?

Government

The government is a separate type of external user that is also interested in a company’s performance, mainly for purposes of collecting the proper amount of tax, but also for other regulatory purposes. In fact, a single company may be reporting to several state and local governments and even to foreign governments, depending on where they are doing business.

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Who are the users of accounting data How does accounting provide relevant data to these users

Financial Accounting: Tools for Business and Decision Making

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Introduction to Financial Statements

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Who are the users of accounting data How does accounting provide relevant data to these users

Paul D. Kimmel, Jerry J. Weygandt, Donald E. Kieso

Financial Accounting: Tools for Business and Decision Making

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Who are internal users of accounting data How does accounting provide relevant data to this users?

Internal users include managers and other employees who use financial information to confirm past results and help make adjustments for future activities. External users are those outside of the organization who use the financial information to make decisions or to evaluate an entity's performance.

Who are the users of accounting information How does accounting provide relevant information to these users?

The accounting process provides financial data for a broad range of individuals whose objectives in studying the data vary widely. There are three primary users of accounting information: internal users, external users, and the government (which is a specific form of an external user).

Who are accounting users?

The public, the government and its agencies, management, employees, lenders, suppliers, and other creditors in the business world are among the users of accounting information.

How does accounting provide information?

Accounting provides vital information regarding cost and earnings, profit and loss, liabilities and assets for decision making, planning and controlling processes within a business.