An accrued expense recorded at year-end is reversed at the beginning of the next period. What is the purpose of the reversal?

Correct answer: B. To prevent the later cash payment from being recorded as expense twice

  • A. To recognize the expense twice in both periods
  • B. To prevent the later cash payment from being recorded as expense twice
  • C. To convert the liability into a fixed asset
  • D. To cancel the original expense permanently

Explanation

The reversal removes the prior-period accrual so that the subsequent payment can be recorded through the normal expense or payable process. This avoids double counting the expense in the next period. The original expense remains correctly reported in the period in which it was incurred.

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About Accruals, Prepayments and Provisions

Accruals and prepayments adjust income and expenses to the accounting period in which they are earned or incurred, following the matching principle. Provisions recognise expected obligations or losses when their amount or timing is uncertain, which distinguishes them from ordinary accruals and from general reserves.

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