Abstract The art of accounting including cost accounting, consists primarily of accounting methods which may be described as procedures or practices. However, a comprehensive statement of cost accounting necessitates that one look behind the accounting methods and see upon what ground the whole system of cost accounting is constructed. Cost accounting concepts, as well as concepts of general accounting, may be divided into two groups: first, those ideas having to do with the nature and purpose to the organization which cost accounting. is to serve; second, those ideas as to the purpose and function of cost accounting in rendering its services to the organization. Cost accounting consists of those phases of accounting in general which have to do with the classification and assignment of costs to centers of operation, to product units, and to portions of the revenue stream. In addition it includes the reporting of all types of cost information. Within its scope are the accounting techniques which seek to determine the over all periodic net income of the business firm as well as the portions of that income derived from divisions, departments, product lines, or other subdivisions of the business enterprise.

Abstract Reviews the book "Mathematics of Business and Accounting," by Kenneth L. Treffzs and E.J. Hills.

Abstract Reviews the book "Cost Accounting," by John J.W. Neuner.

Abstract Reviews the book "Annual Reports to Stockholders," by N. Loyall McLaren.

Abstract Six of the nation's outstanding accounting authorities have been invited to prepare papers expressing the views for and against the proposition that depreciation need not be restricted to the amortization of historical cost. While accountants have long realized that their basic standard of measurement, the dollar, is a varying one, they have, with one conspicuous exception, declined to recognize, as generally accepted accounting procedures, departures from cost because of changes in the purchasing power of money. In the list obstacles to good accounting is the misconception, often entertained, and blindly fostered by many accountants, that an income statement should reflect earning power or be confined to current operating performance. By moving depreciation expense up or down, according to predictions of the moment, a more accurate earning power or operating performance is said to be reflected in the net result. A good deal of mumbo-jumbo necessarily attaches to the process, for to them earning power or operating performance is a nebulous thing, visible only to initiates such as forceful corporate managements and accountants of discernment.

Abstract Several forms of reconciliation schedule are in general usage. One begins with the balance per bank statement. Reconciling items are then added or subtracted until the final figure equals the balance per check stub. Another form begins with the balance per check stub and ends with the balance per bank statement. A third form shows the difference between the balance per bank statement and the balance per check stub. Then reconciling items are offset one against another until the difference is fully accounted for. A fourth form shows all items related to the records of the bookkeeper for the business in one section and all items related to the records of the bookkeeper for the bank in another section. The reconciling items are added and deducted in their proper sections and the final balances are shown to be in agreement. This is the divided form of reconciliation schedule. In preparing some of the reconciliation forms, students occasionally resort to mal and error methods to secure an agreement. They then find it necessary to search their reconciling items to locate those which require journalization to adjust the bank account balance in their records.