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A technique of accounting called cash accounting, commonly referred to as cash-basis accounting, bases the way transactions are reported on the actual influx and outflow of cash. Thus, revenue is only recorded when money is received, and expenses are only recorded when money is given out. Small firms, sole proprietors, and independent contractors frequently employ cash accounting since it is an easy method of keeping records.

Transactions are reported in Cash Accounting when they are actually settled. For instance, if a small business sells a consumer a product and is instantly paid in cash, the sale is immediately recorded as revenue. On the other hand, if a company buys items from a vendor and makes the payment in cash right away, the transaction is recorded as an expense.

One of the significant advantages of using Cash Accounting is that it is straightforward to understand and implement. It does not require any complicated calculations or tracking of accounts receivable or payable. Cash Accounting is also cost-effective because it eliminates the need for additional staff to manage the accounts.

However, Cash Accounting has its limitations. It does not provide a complete picture of a company's financial health. For example, it does not consider any unpaid bills or outstanding debts that a company may have. It also does not take into account any future revenue or expenses that a company may have committed to. As a result, Cash Accounting is often considered less accurate than Accrual Accounting, especially for larger businesses.

Larger companies are required to use Accrual Accounting, which is a more complex method of accounting that records transactions based on when they are incurred, regardless of when cash is received or paid. Accrual Accounting records transactions when a transaction occurs, regardless of whether cash has been exchanged or not. For example, if a business sells a product on credit, the revenue is recorded at the time of the sale, even if the payment is not received until a later date.

Accrual Accounting provides a more complete picture of a company's financial health by taking into account accounts payable and receivable, which are not considered in Cash Accounting. It also considers any future revenue or expenses that a company may have committed to, which gives a more accurate picture of a company's profitability.

However, Accrual Accounting is more complicated to implement and maintain than Cash Accounting. It requires a higher level of accounting knowledge and expertise and often involves tracking accounts receivable and payable, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

In summary, Cash Accounting is a simple and straightforward method of accounting that is suitable for small businesses that do not have complicated transactions or financing arrangements. On the other hand, Accrual Accounting is a more complex method of accounting that provides a more complete picture of a company's financial health but is more challenging to implement and maintain. Both methods of accounting have their advantages and limitations, and businesses should choose the method that best suits their needs and requirements.