Free Accounting Procedure Template

Accounting Procedure

Prepared By: [YOUR NAME]

Title: [YOUR POSITION]

I. Introduction

  • Purpose of the Document: This Accounting Policy and Procedure document outlines the guidelines and standards for maintaining accurate financial records, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and promoting transparency and accountability in financial reporting within [Your Company Name].

  • Scope of Application: This policy applies to all employees involved in financial transactions and reporting within the organization.

  • Authority and Responsibility: The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) holds ultimate responsibility for overseeing adherence to this policy, while department heads are responsible for ensuring compliance within their respective areas.

II. Accounting Principles

  • Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP): All financial transactions and reporting shall adhere to GAAP to ensure consistency and comparability.

  • International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS): Where applicable, IFRS shall be followed to align with global accounting standards.

  • Company-Specific Accounting Policies: In addition to GAAP and IFRS, [Your Company Name] may establish specific accounting policies tailored to its operations and industry.

III. Financial Reporting

  • Frequency of Reporting: Financial reports shall be generated on a monthly basis, with quarterly and annual reports for external stakeholders.

  • Reporting Deadlines: Monthly financial reports are due within five business days following the end of the month.

  • Required Financial Statements: Standard financial statements including the Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Cash Flow Statement shall be prepared for each reporting period.

IV. Chart of Accounts

  • Structure and Organization: The Chart of Accounts shall be organized in a hierarchical structure, categorizing accounts by type, function, and department.

  • Approval Process for New Accounts: Requests for new accounts shall be submitted to the Finance Department for review and approval by the CFO or designated authority.

V. Recording Transactions

  • Documentation Requirements: All financial transactions must be supported by appropriate documentation such as invoices, receipts, and purchase orders.

  • Recording Methods: Transactions shall be recorded on an accrual basis to accurately reflect the financial position of the company.

  • Segregation of Duties: The recording, authorization, and custody of assets shall be segregated to prevent fraud and error.

VI. Accounts Payable

  • Invoice Processing: Invoices shall be reviewed, approved, and processed for payment in a timely manner to avoid late fees and maintain good vendor relationships.

  • Approval Workflow: Purchase orders and invoices shall follow a predetermined approval workflow based on the amount and nature of the transaction.

  • Payment Procedures: Payments shall be issued via electronic transfer or check, with proper documentation maintained for audit purposes.

VII. Accounts Receivable

  • Invoicing Process: Invoices shall be issued promptly upon completion of goods or services rendered, with clear terms and payment instructions.

  • Credit Policy: A credit policy shall be established to assess the creditworthiness of customers and mitigate the risk of bad debts.

  • Collection Procedures: Delinquent accounts shall be followed up regularly through dunning letters, phone calls, and other collection efforts.

VIII. Petty Cash Management

  • Petty Cash Custodian Appointment: A designated employee shall be appointed as the petty cash custodian responsible for managing and disbursing petty cash funds.

  • Replenishment Process: Petty cash funds shall be replenished on a regular basis upon submission of receipts and reconciliation of expenditures.

IX. Bank Reconciliation

  • Frequency of Reconciliation: Bank accounts shall be reconciled monthly to ensure accuracy and identify any discrepancies.

  • Reconciliation Process: Bank statements shall be compared to the general ledger balances, with variances investigated and resolved promptly.

  • Resolution of Discrepancies: Any discrepancies identified during the reconciliation process shall be investigated and corrected in a timely manner, with appropriate adjustments made to the accounting records.

X. Policy Review and Revision

  • Frequency of Review: This policy shall be reviewed annually and revised as necessary to reflect changes in regulations, industry standards, and organizational needs.

  • Process for Policy Amendments: Proposed amendments to this policy shall be submitted to the CFO for review and approval, with input from relevant stakeholders as needed.

  • Approval of Policy Changes: Approved policy changes shall be communicated to all affected employees and documented for future reference.

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