Appellate Court (Appeals Trial Court)
An appellate court has the authority to review and revise the decision of a lower court in the same case, providing a system of checks and balances within the judicial process.
Appellee
In legal terms, an appellee is the party against whom an appeal is filed. This person or entity is usually the one who won at the lower court level but must now defend that ruling in a higher court.
Applet
An applet is a small application or utility that performs a specific task, often running within a larger program. Common examples include tools in Microsoft Windows Accessories and Microsoft Office.
Application (App)
An application, or app, is an executable program designed to perform specific tasks other than system maintenance. This term encompasses a wide range of software from word processors to games.
Application (APP)
An application, commonly referred to as an 'app,' is software designed to perform specific tasks on devices like tablets and smartphones. Apps are typically single-purpose utilities aimed at enhancing the functionality of these devices.
Application and Allotment Account
An essential ledger account in the process of share capital application and allotment, detailing the financial transactions related to the acquisition of shares in a company.
Application Controls
Application controls are controls relating to transactions and standing data for each computer-based accounting system, specific to each application. These controls ensure the completeness and accuracy of accounting records and the validity of entries.
Application Form in Accounting
An application form is a document issued by a newly floated company, accompanied by its prospectus, that members of the public use to apply for shares in the company.
Application of Funds
An essential element in the statement of changes in financial position, providing insights into how funds are utilized within a business.
Application Service Providers (ASPs)
Application Service Providers (ASPs) are companies that provide software services over a network, typically the Internet, on a subscription basis, replacing the need for standalone software installations.
Application Software
Application software comprises computer programs designed for specific tasks or applications, including accounting programs and audit software. These applications can also be downloadable on mobile devices like smartphones, commonly known as apps.
Applications Programmer
An applications programmer is a professional who writes software programs that use the computer as a tool to solve specific applied problems.
Applications Software
Application software refers to programs designed to perform specific tasks for users usually related to productivity, creativity, or communication purposes.
Applied Economics
The utilization of economic theories and principles to address practical real-world problems and inform governmental policy-making.
Applied Overhead
Applied overhead refers to the indirect costs allocated to produced goods or services in a firm’s manufacturing process. These include costs such as utilities, rent, and salaries of the administrative staff.
Applied Research
Applied research is a crucial element in advancing practical applications across various industries by utilizing basic research to address specific, real-world issues.
Apportionment
Apportionment refers to the distribution or allocation of income, expenses, property, or tax liability among different entities, individuals, or states. It is a concept widely used in fields such as accounting, taxation, and real estate.
Apportionment
Cost apportionment is the method of charging a proportion of a cost to a cost centre or cost unit because these cost centres or units share in incurring those costs without directly incurring them. A basis of apportionment is always required.
Appraisal
Appraisal is a method of depreciation that values an asset at the beginning of an accounting period and again at the end. Any diminution in value is charged as an expense to the profit and loss account.
Appraisal
An appraisal is the assessment of alternative courses of action with a view to establishing which action should be taken. Appraisals may be financial, economic, or technical in emphasis.
Appraisal Costs
Appraisal costs are associated with the valuation and inspection processes to ensure the quality of products or the fair market value of assets. They play a crucial role in both financial accounting and quality management.
Appraisal Foundation
An organization that was established in 1989 to promote uniform standards for appraisal qualifications and reporting, notably through the publication of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
Appraisal Institute
An organization principally composed of professional real estate appraisers which offers designations such as MAI, SRA, and SRPA.
Appraisal Report
An appraisal report documents the findings of an appraisal engagement, summarizing the valuation of a property or asset. Different report formats include restricted, summary, and self-contained reports, compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
Appraisal Review
A commentary by one appraiser on the appraisal report prepared by another appraiser, often completed to ensure accuracy and compliance with relevant standards.
Appraisal Rights
Appraisal rights are a statutory remedy available to minority stockholders who object to certain extraordinary actions taken by a corporation, such as a merger. These rights require the corporation to repurchase the stock of dissenting stockholders at a price equivalent to its value immediately before the event.
Appraise
The process of estimating the value of a property, often required for various financial, legal, and business purposes.
Appraiser
An appraiser is a person qualified to estimate the value of a business, real property, or personal property. The profession requires knowledge, expertise, and, often, certification.
Appreciate
The term 'appreciate' carries dual meanings in various contexts. Firstly, it refers to an increase in value over time. Secondly, it describes understanding or recognizing the significance of something.
Appreciated Property
In the context of real, personal, or intangible assets, appreciated property refers to assets that have a fair market value greater than their original cost, adjusted tax basis, or book value.
Appreciation
Appreciation refers to an increase in the value of an asset over time, which can result from various factors such as inflation, a rise in market price, or interest earned. This term is essential for understanding the financial dynamics related to assets and currency values.
Apprentice
An apprentice is a person who is learning a skill or trade from more experienced craftsmen while at work.
Appropriate
The term 'appropriate' refers to the act of setting apart or assigning something for a specific purpose or use. It can also refer to the wrongfully use or take the property of another.
Appropriated Expenditure
In budget management, an appropriated expenditure refers to an amount set aside for a specific acquisition or purpose. It ensures that funds are allocated and used in accordance with designated objectives.
Appropriation (Accounting)
Appropriation in accounting refers to the allocation of net profits of an organization in its accounts. This can include dividends to shareholders, transfers to reserves, and amounts for taxation.
Appropriation Account
An appropriation account pertains to both governmental budgeting and corporate financial statements. It is instrumental in showing how government departments allocate and manage their funds over a financial year, as well as illustrating how profits are distributed in a partnership or a corporation.
Approved List
An 'Approved List' refers to a specific selection of investments that a mutual fund or other financial institution is authorized to invest in. It can be statutory, especially when fiduciary responsibilities are involved.
Appurtenant
In property law, the term 'appurtenant' refers to the attachment of a restriction, such as an easement or covenant, to a piece of land, which benefits or restricts the owner of such land in his use and enjoyment.
APT (Arbitrage Pricing Theory)
Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT) is a multifactor model used to determine the fair price of an asset considering multiple macroeconomic factors without the need for a market portfolio. It is an alternative to the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and is known for its flexibility and foundation in arbitrage conditions.
Aptitude
Aptitude refers to the intellectual ability of an individual to learn material sufficiently, enabling them to perform business tasks required on the job efficiently. It delves into a person's natural talent and tendency for specific areas, often reflected in distinctive professional fields.
Arbiter
An arbiter is a person appointed by a court to decide a controversy according to the law. Unlike an arbitrator, an arbiter's decision needs the court's confirmation to be final.
Arbitrage
Arbitrage involves entering into financial transactions to obtain risk-free profits by leveraging differences in interest rates, exchange rates, or commodity prices between different markets.
Arbitrage Bond
An arbitrage bond is a type of municipal bond issued to gain an interest rate advantage by refunding higher-rate bonds in advance of their call date. The proceeds from the lower-rate refunding issue are invested in higher-yielding treasuries until the first call date of the higher-rate issue being refunded.
Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT)
Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT) is a model proposed by Stephen Ross in 1976 for calculating returns on securities. It assumes multiple factors affecting security returns, differing from the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), which relies on a single systematic risk factor.
Arbitrageur
An arbitrageur is a person or firm engaged in arbitrage, taking advantage of price differences of the same security in different markets. They attempt to profit from these discrepancies without exposing themselves to significant risk.
Arbitrary Allocation
An arbitrary allocation refers to a cost allocation process that uses an allocation base unlikely to yield accurate costs. Examples include using the number of students to allocate the cost of a lecture, irrespective of the class size.
Arbitration
Arbitration is the process of resolving a dispute between parties through one or more arbitrators rather than in a court of law. It is commonly used in civil matters, particularly in commercial contracts, which often include arbitration clauses.
Arbitrator
An impartial person chosen by the parties to solve a dispute between them. An arbitrator is empowered to make a final determination concerning the issue(s) in controversy and is bound only by his own discretion.
Archive Storage
Archive storage refers to a designated area or facility used to securely store old or inactive documents, records, and data for long-term preservation and easy retrieval.
Area
The term 'Area' encompasses both a two-dimensional space defined by boundaries, such as a floor area, lot area, and market area, and the scope or extent of expertise in a particular field.
Area Code
A three-digit telephone number prefix corresponding to a geographical area that facilitates direct long-distance dialing.
Argenti's Failure Model
Argenti's Failure Model is a framework for predicting corporate failure, assessing company health based on internal factors.
Argument (in Computer Spreadsheet Programs)
An argument in a computer spreadsheet program refers to the values that must be specified for a given function to execute properly. For instance, in Excel, the PMT function calculates the periodic payment for a loan based on specified arguments like interest rate, number of periods, and principal amount.
Arithmetic Mean
The arithmetic mean, commonly known as the average, is calculated by summing individual quantities and dividing by their total number. This measure is frequently used in various fields, although it can be misleading in the presence of outliers.
Arm's Length
An 'arm's length' transaction in accounting refers to a deal made by unrelated parties, each acting in their own best interest to ensure fair market value is upheld. Understanding and ensuring such transactions are vital for transparent financial statements.
Arm's-Length Transaction
An arm's-length transaction refers to a deal where the parties involved act independently and in their own self-interest, ensuring fairness and equal standing for all involved.
Arrangement
An arrangement pertains to various structured agreements or settlements in financial, legal, and real estate contexts, where an intermediary plays a significant role.
Array
A collection of data elements identified by a common name, where each element can be efficiently located and retrieved using indices or subscripts.
Arrearage
Arrearage refers to the amount of overdue payments that are owed and unpaid. This can apply to various financial obligations, including loans, mortgages, bond interests, and dividends on cumulative preferred stock.
Arrears
In accounting, arrears refer to a liability or an obligation that has not been settled by its due date. This can apply to various financial scenarios such as unpaid dividends, interest, salaries, or rent.
Articles of Association
The Articles of Association is a legal document that defines a company's regulations, governance, and the rights, duties, and responsibilities of its members (shareholders) and directors.
Articles of Incorporation (Corporate Charter)
Articles of Incorporation, also known as a corporate charter, are a set of formal documents filed with a government body to legally document the creation of a corporation in the United States.
Articles of Partnership
The articles of partnership is a voluntarily prepared agreement detailing the terms and functioning of a partnership between business partners. It acts as a blueprint for the internal operations and distributions of profits, losses, and duties within the firm.
Articulated Accounts
Accounts prepared under the double-entry bookkeeping system, where the retained earnings figure on the profit and loss account matches the increase in net worth on the balance sheet, subject to changes like capital injections.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. These systems can perform tasks that usually require human intelligence, such as decision-making, speech recognition, visual perception, and language translation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
A branch of computer science focused on creating systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. These systems can simulate human thinking, solve problems creatively, and efficiently mimic cognitive functions such as learning and reasoning.
Artificial Person
An entity that is recognized by the law as a legal person, meaning it possesses legal rights and obligations distinct from the individuals who comprise it. Examples include companies and corporations that can engage in legal actions, own property, etc.
As Is
Commercial term denoting agreement that buyer shall accept delivery of goods in the condition in which they are found on inspection prior to purchase, even if they are damaged or defective. Latent defects are generally excepted.
ASB (Accounting Standards Board / Asset-Backed Security)
The abbreviation ASB can refer to two distinct financial terms: the Accounting Standards Board, which oversees the development and implementation of accounting standards, and asset-backed security, a financial instrument backed by an underlying asset.
Asbestos
Asbestos is an insulation material commonly used in older buildings, which can become hazardous as it ages. It may cause severe lung illnesses if inhaled, and its safe removal or encapsulation is both costly and necessary.
ASC (Accounting Standards Committee)
The Accounting Standards Committee (ASC) is a significant entity responsible for establishing and maintaining accounting standards to ensure consistency, transparency, and reliability in financial reporting.
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange)
ASCII is a character encoding standard used for representing text in computers, telecommunication equipment, and other devices that use text. Originated from telegraphic codes, ASCII is used for text data in microcomputers, terminals, printers, and network protocols.
Asked Price
The 'Asked Price' is the price a property owner sets for their property when they intend to sell it. It represents the amount they are seeking from buyers. The term 'Asked Price' is commonly used in real estate transactions and is often seen as the initial price point which may be negotiated.
Asking Price
Asking price refers to the initial price at which an investment or property is offered for sale. It is a key term in real estate, finance, and investments, marking the starting point for negotiations.
ASOBAT (A Statement of Basic Accounting Theory)
A Statement of Basic Accounting Theory (ASOBAT) is an influential publication by the American Accounting Association advocating for user-friendly financial statements and emphasizing qualitative characteristics of accounting information.
Assay
An assay is an analytical test used primarily to determine the purity or composition of a metal sample, such as assessing whether gold is 99.5% pure.
Assemblage
The process of combining two or more adjoining parcels of land into one larger tract, often increasing its total value.
Assembly Language
Assembly language is a low-level programming language that is one step above machine language. Each statement in an assembly language corresponds to a machine language statement, enabling hardware-level control with more readability compared to pure binary code.
Assembly Line
An assembly line is a production method requiring workers to perform a repetitive task on a product as it moves along on a conveyor belt or track. It brings significant advantages such as part standardization and rationalization of work.
Assembly Plant
A facility where a production line is located and where products are assembled using systematic stages of production. This plant is fundamental in manufacturing industries, especially for large-scale production.
Assented Stock
Assented stock refers to a security, typically an ordinary share, where the owner has agreed to the terms of a takeover bid. Different prices may be offered for assented and non-assented stock during takeover negotiations.
Assess
To evaluate or appraise the value of an asset or property for various purposes, such as taxation, sale, or insurance.
Assessable Capital Stocks
Assessable capital stocks refer to shares where stockholders may become subject to additional liabilities beyond their initial investment, typical in specific sectors such as banking or scenarios involving unpaid capital calls.
Assessed Valuation
Assessed valuation refers to the dollar value assigned to a property by a municipality for the purpose of assessing property taxes. The property tax is calculated based on the number of mills per dollar of assessed valuation.
Assessment
An assessment is the amount of tax or special payment due to a municipality or association, or a proportionate share of a common expense.
Assessment of Deficiency
An assessment of deficiency refers to the determination of additional tax owed by a taxpayer following an appellate review within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a tax court adjudication, if necessary.
Assessment Ratio
The Assessment Ratio is the ratio of the assessed value of a property to its market value, often used to determine property taxes. It is a vital aspect in the evaluation of real estate for taxation purposes.
Assessment Roll
A public record of the assessed value of property within a taxing jurisdiction, known as an assessment roll, lists individual tracts of land and their assessed values.
Asset
In accounting terms, an asset refers to any resource owned or controlled by an entity that is expected to provide future economic benefits. Assets can be either tangible or intangible.
Asset Allocation
Asset allocation is a strategic approach involving the distribution of investments among various asset classes to optimize returns while minimizing risk. Asset proportions can be adjusted based on market conditions.
Asset Bubble
An asset bubble refers to the inflationary valuation of asset prices resulting from excess demand, often leading to a sudden market collapse.
Asset Classification
Asset classification refers to the systematic categorization of assets on a balance sheet, distinguishing between fixed and current assets as mandated by the Companies Act and Financial Reporting Standard (FRS 102) in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Asset Cover
A ratio that provides a measure of the solvency of a company; it consists of its net assets divided by its debt. Those companies with high asset cover are considered more solvent.
Asset Deficiency
Asset deficiency is a financial condition where a company's liabilities exceed its assets, raising concerns about the organization's financial viability.
Asset Demand for Money
Asset demand for money refers to the desire to hold money as a store of value rather than other forms of investment. This occurs when individuals or businesses forgo potential interest earned from assets in favor of liquidity and stability that money offers.
Asset Management
Asset Management involves the systematic process of developing, operating, maintaining, and selling assets in a cost-effective manner. This term is typically used in the financial world to describe the management of investments, aiming to grow their value over time and achieve higher returns.
Asset Protection Scheme
A UK government initiative launched in February 2009 to revive bank lending in the wake of the global financial crisis by insuring banks against further losses from toxic assets.
Asset Protection Scheme (APS)
An Asset Protection Scheme (APS) is a program designed to safeguard assets, particularly in the banking sector, by providing guarantees against a portion of an institution’s non-performing or risky assets.

Accounting Terms Lexicon

Discover comprehensive accounting definitions and practical insights. Empowering students and professionals with clear and concise explanations for a better understanding of financial terms.