Clip Art
Clip art consists of computer graphics files that can be inserted into a document or other file. The term originates from physical books of art from which designers literally clipped art to paste into their layouts. Clip art is commonly included in many software programs, especially desktop publishing and drawing applications like Microsoft Publisher and CorelDRAW, and can also be purchased in separate packages.
Clipboard
The clipboard is a temporary storage area in a computer's memory used for storing text, images, and other data that are cut or copied from a document. Both Macintosh and Windows operating systems support this feature.
Clipping Coupons
The term 'clipping coupons' originally referred to collecting interest payments from coupon bonds, but it has since evolved to describe saving money by using discount coupons from newspapers or magazines.
Clock Card
A comprehensive breakdown of the term 'clock card,' its uses, examples, related terms, and guidance for further study.
Clone
A clone is an exact or nearly exact duplicate of an original entity. In biology, clones refer to genetically identical copies of an organism. In business and technology contexts, cloning refers to duplicating digital devices or media.
Close Company
A company resident in the UK that is under the control of five or fewer participators or any number of participators who are also directors.
Close Corporation
A Close Corporation, also known as a Closely Held Corporation, is a type of corporation in which stock is publicly limited to a small group of investors, often involving tighter control and fewer regulations compared to large public corporations.
Close Corporation Plan
A Close Corporation Plan consists of a pre-arrangement that ensures surviving stockholders can purchase the shares of a deceased stockholder based on a pre-determined formula, thereby maintaining control of the corporation within the existing shareholder group.
Close Family
Close family refers to the family members of an individual or members of the individual's household who are expected to influence or be influenced by that person in their dealings, potentially leading to related party transactions.
Close Investment Holding Company
A Close Investment Holding Company is a type of close company that is primarily engaged in holding investments rather than trading or property letting, which subjects it to full-rate corporation tax without the benefit of lower rates and reliefs.
Closed Account
A closed account refers to either a bank or charge account that has been terminated or an accounting ledger that has been closed off at the end of a financial period.
Closed Economy
A self-sufficient economic system where all production and consumption activities occur within the confines of the system, with no external trade (importing or exporting).
Closed Fund
A closed fund is a type of mutual fund that has stopped issuing shares because it has become too large. This typically occurs when the fund manager believes that accepting additional investments could hinder the fund's performance.
Closed Period
A closed period refers to a span of time, often 10 years following the issuance of a bond, during which the bond cannot be called by the issuer.
Closed Shop
A closed shop is an organization where workers are required to be members of a union before they can be hired. Due to legislation, closed shops are largely illegal.
Closed Stock
Closed stock refers to merchandise sold only in complete sets, where individual items from the set cannot be purchased separately, and there is no guarantee that replacements will be available in the future.
Closed Union
A closed union, often referred to as a closed shop, is a type of employment arrangement where employers agree to hire only members of a specific labor union.
Closed-End Funds
Closed-End Funds are investment funds with a fixed amount of capital managed by an investment company, as opposed to open-ended funds like unit trusts that continually issue and redeem shares.
Closed-End Mortgage
A closed-end mortgage is a type of mortgage bond issue with an indenture that prohibits repayment before maturity and the repledging of the same collateral without the permission of the bondholders, also known as a closed mortgage.
Closed-End Mutual Fund
Closed-End Mutual Funds are investment companies that operate with a limited number of shares outstanding. Unlike open-end mutual funds, which create new shares to meet investor demand, closed-end funds have a fixed number at inception.
Closely Held Corporation
A closely held corporation in the USA is a public corporation that has a limited number of stockholders, with relatively few of its shares actively traded.
Closeout
Clearance or closeout sales typically involve selling off inventory at reduced prices, often to free up retail space or discontinue specific product lines.
Closet Indexing
Closet indexing involves structuring a mutual fund or other managed portfolio to nearly replicate an index while avoiding full disclosure and charging active management fees.
Closing
Closing refers to multiple contexts related to financial and business operations, computing, and everyday actions. These contexts could include the financial market activities, accounting procedures, concluding agreements, and computing functions.
Closing
Closing encompasses the completion of a transaction involving real estate or the final steps in accounting at the end of a fiscal period.
Closing Agreement
A closing agreement is a written agreement between a taxpayer and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that conclusively settles a tax liability for a specific taxable year ending prior to the agreement date, or settles one or more issues affecting a tax liability.
Closing Balance
The debit or credit balance on a ledger at the end of an accounting period, which will appear on the balance sheet at that date and be carried forward to the next accounting period.
Closing Cost
Various fees and expenses payable by the seller and buyer at the time of a real estate closing; also termed transaction cost. Some closing costs include brokerage commissions, lender discount points and other fees, title insurance premiums, deed recording fees, loan prepayment penalties, inspection and appraisal fees, and attorney's fees.
Closing Date in Real Estate
The closing date is the specified date on which the seller delivers the deed and the buyer completes payment for the property, finalizing the transfer of ownership.
Closing Entries
Final entries made at the end of an accounting period to close off the income and expense ledgers to the profit and loss account.
Closing Entry
In accounting, a closing entry is one of the final entries made at year-end to close accounts and transfer the amounts to financial statements, ensuring all temporary accounts are reset for the next accounting period.
Closing Inventory
The value and quantities of stock in trade at the end of an accounting period, used in determining the cost of goods sold during that period.
Closing Price
The closing price, also known as the closing quote, refers to the price at which the last transaction of a trading session on an organized securities exchange occurs. This price is critical for valuation purposes in various financial contexts, such as charitable contributions and estates.
Closing Statement
A closing statement is a crucial document in real estate transactions, providing an accounting of funds from the sale to both the seller and the buyer separately. Most states require brokers to furnish accurate closing statements to all parties involved.
Closing Stock
Closing stock refers to the inventory remaining within an organization at the end of an accounting period, including raw materials, work in progress, or finished goods. It plays a crucial role in determining the profitability and financial status of a company.
Closing-Rate Method (Net-Investment Method)
The Closing-Rate Method, also known as the Net-Investment Method, involves restating balance sheet figures into another currency using the closing rate of exchange for all assets and liabilities as of the balance-sheet date.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing offers a modern approach to computing where end users connect to a network of remote servers to run applications, store data, and leverage computing power, enhancing accessibility and reducing the need for local infrastructure.
Cloud on Title
A cloud on title refers to any matter appearing in the record of a title to real estate that appears to reflect the existence of an outstanding claim or encumbrance which, if valid, would defeat or impair the title. This could, however, be proven invalid by evidence outside the title record.
Club Deal
A club deal is a specific type of financial arrangement whereby a small group of investors or financial institutions jointly fund a particular investment, typically in a syndicate arrangement. These deals are common in private equity, venture capital, and large-scale lending.
Cluster Analysis
Cluster Analysis is a method of statistical analysis that involves grouping individuals or objects by common characteristics of interest to the researcher. This technique is extensively used in various fields like marketing, finance, and sociology to identify patterns or behaviors among different groups for targeted actions.
Cluster Housing
A subdivision technique in which detached dwelling units are grouped relatively close together, leaving open spaces as common areas.
Cluster Sampling
Cluster sampling is a method of selecting a sample by dividing the population into clusters (groups) and then taking a random sample from each cluster. This technique is commonly used in auditing.
CME Group
CME Group Inc. is a prominent global markets company, composed of four principal exchanges— the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT), the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), and the Commodity Exchange (COMEX)—enabling investors and traders to hedge and tap into risk management assets and strategies.
Co-Borrower
A co-borrower is an additional person who is responsible for repaying a loan and is listed on the loan agreement alongside the primary borrower. Both borrowers are equally liable for the debt.
Co-Managers
Banks that rank after lead managers in marketing a new issue, usually a Eurobond. They are typically chosen for their ability to place a substantial portion of the issue with their customers.
Co-Mortgagor
A co-mortgagor is an individual who signs a mortgage contract with another party and is jointly obligated to repay the loan. This person typically helps in meeting the loan requirements and gains a share of ownership in the property.
Co-ownership
A legal arrangement by which property is owned by more than one person. Co-ownership can take several forms, including tenancy in common, joint tenancy, community property, partnership, and limited liability company (LLC).
Co-Tenancy
The possession of and holding of rights in a unit of property by two or more persons simultaneously. The term does not describe the estate, but the relationship between persons who share the property.
Coach Fare
The cost of passenger transportation based on an ordinary class of service that is less luxurious and less expensive than first-class service.
Coase Theorem
The Coase Theorem posits that markets can resolve externalities without government intervention if parties can negotiate costlessly.
COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language)
COBOL is a high-level programming language developed in the early 1960s, designed primarily for business data processing tasks such as payroll and accounts payable.
COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act)
COBRA is a federal law that allows employees and their families to continue their group health benefits even after losing their job or experiencing other qualifying events.
Cobweb Theorem
An explanation of market adjustments to changes in supply and demand, in which prices oscillate toward an equilibrium price, often forming a pattern resembling a spider web on a graph.
COD (Cash on Delivery and Cancellation of Debt)
COD is a versatile acronym used in finance and business, referring either to 'Cash on Delivery' or 'Cancellation of Debt.' Cash on Delivery is a transaction method where the buyer pays for goods upon receipt, while Cancellation of Debt involves forgiveness of a borrower's obligation to repay a loan. This article will explore both definitions in detail.
Code
The term 'Code' in various contexts may refer to the Internal Revenue Code governing federal taxation, source code within computer programs, or compilations of laws like the Motor Vehicle Code.
Code of Ethics
A Code of Ethics is a crucial framework for guiding professional conduct and maintaining integrity within a profession. It outlines the standards of behavior and practices that are expected, providing a foundation for ethical decision-making.
Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants
The Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants established by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) provides a global framework for the ethical conduct of accounting professionals.
Code of Professional Responsibility
The Code of Professional Responsibility is a set of rules based on ethical considerations that govern the conduct of lawyers. It was passed by the American Bar Association and adopted by most states, and is enforced by state disciplinary boards.
Codicil
A codicil is a supplement to a will intended to add to, subtract from, or alter the provisions of the original will.
Coding
Coding is the process of writing an algorithm or other problem-solving procedures in a computer programming language. It forms the backbone of software development, bridging the gap between theoretical algorithms and practical applications.
Coding of Accounts
The assignment of an identification number to each account in the financial statements, enabling organized and efficient tracking and management of financial information.
Coefficient of Determination
Test statistic that quantifies the amount of variability in a dependent variable explained by the regression model's independent variable(s).
Coefficient of Determination (R^2)
The Coefficient of Determination, denoted as R^2, measures the proportion of the variance in the dependent variable that is predictable from the independent variable(s). It is commonly used in the context of regression analysis to determine how well the model fits the data.
Coffee Break
A brief time period allowed during the working day to permit employees to unwind from the pressures of work so they are refreshed to carry out their duties effectively.
Cognitive Behavior
Cognitive behavior refers to the ability to judge, reason effectively, and perceive one's surroundings, influencing decision-making and thought processes.
Cognitive Dissonance
Cognitive dissonance is a psychological theory that explains the mental discomfort experienced by a person who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, values, or attitudes, especially when their behaviors contradict these beliefs.
Cohesiveness
Cohesiveness refers to the measure of the extent to which members of an organizational workgroup are bonded together and demonstrate loyalty and commitment to each other and the group's goals.
Coincident Indicators
Coincident indicators are economic indicators that coincide with the current pace of economic activity. They provide insight into the current state of the economy by measuring various key areas of economic performance.
Coinsurance
Coinsurance is a provision in insurance policies that mandates the insured to cover a certain percentage of the risk or loss, sharing the burden alongside the insurer. This encourages the insured to maintain adequate coverage corresponding to the property’s value.
Cold Boot (Cold Start)
A cold boot, also known as a cold start, refers to the process of starting a computer or any electronic device from a completely powered-off state. This involves turning on the machine's hardware and initiating the boot sequence that loads the operating system.
Cold Calling
Cold calling is a sales strategy where a sales representative reaches out to potential customers who have not previously expressed interest in the product or service being sold. This method includes making unsolicited calls or visits to potential customers.
Cold Type
Cold type refers to type set by computer, xerographic, or photographic means, replacing the traditional hot-type setting used in printing.
Collapsible Corporation
A corporation that dissolves before realizing a substantial portion of the taxable income to be derived from its properties. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) treats the gain on the sale or liquidation of a collapsible corporation as ordinary income to the stockholder.
Collar
A financial arrangement in which both the maximum (cap) and minimum (floor) rate of interest payable on a loan are fixed in advance, offering protection against interest rate fluctuations.
Collate
Collate refers to the process of arranging individual elements in a prescribed order. In the context of printing, collating involves organizing pages of a multi-page document into sequential sets.
Collateral
Collateral refers to a valuable asset that a borrower offers to a lender as a way to secure a loan. This asset provides security to the lender in the event the borrower defaults on the loan.
Collateral Assignment
Collateral assignment is the designation of a policy's death benefit or its cash surrender value to a creditor as security for a loan. If the loan is not repaid, the creditor receives the policy proceeds up to the balance of the outstanding loan, and the beneficiary receives the remainder.
Collateralize
Collateralize refers to the action of pledging assets to secure a debt in the USA. If the borrower defaults on the terms and conditions of the agreement, the pledged assets will be forfeited.
Collateralized Bond Obligation (CBO)
A Collateralized Bond Obligation (CBO) is a type of structured security backed by a diversified pool of high-yield bond issuances. CBOs are a subset of Collateralized Debt Obligations (CDOs), designed to earn investors returns based on the performance of the underlying bond collateral.
Collateralized Bond Obligation (CBO)
A Collateralized Bond Obligation (CBO) is an investment-grade bond backed by a pool of variously rated bonds, including junk bonds. CBOs represent different degrees of credit quality rather than different maturities.
Collateralized Debt Obligation (CDO)
A CDO is a structured finance instrument consisting of a bond or note backed by a pool of fixed-income assets, with varying levels of credit risk allocated to different tranches.
Collateralized Loan Obligation (CLO)
A Collateralized Loan Obligation (CLO) is a complex financial tool that repackages pools of loans, often corporate loans, into different classes of securities to be sold to investors. CLOs provide high returns for investors with an appetite for risk while offering a source of financing for companies.
Collateralized Mortgage Obligation (CMO)
A Collateralized Mortgage Obligation (CMO) is a type of mortgage-backed security that splits mortgage pools into different maturity classes, called tranches, to optimize the distribution of interest rate and prepayment risk among investors.
Collateralized Mortgage Obligation (CMO)
A collateralized mortgage obligation (CMO) is a type of mortgage-backed security that combines multiple mortgage loans and separates them into tranches based on maturity and risk.
Colleague
A colleague is a fellow member of a profession, association, occupation, or organization, essential for mutual consultations, discussions, and often friendship.
Collect on Delivery (COD)
COD or 'Collect on Delivery' is a financial transaction where payment for goods is collected at the time of delivery rather than at the time of purchase. This term is often used interchangeably with 'Cash on Delivery'.
Collectible
A rare object collected by investors, ranging from stamps, coins, oriental rugs, antiques, baseball cards, to photographs. Collectibles are often valued higher during inflationary periods, but they are not valid investments for IRAs and self-directed Keogh plans.
Collectibles
Items such as art, stamps, and antiques acquired for their aesthetic merits and potential source of capital gains and inflation protection.
Collecting Bank (Remitting Bank)
The term 'Collecting Bank,' also known as the remitting bank, refers to the bank to which a person who requires payment of a cheque (or similar financial document) has presented it for payment.
Collection
The term 'collection' has various meanings within the financial and banking sectors, including the presentation of negotiable instruments, debt collection, financial conversion of accounts receivable to cash, and a set of collectibles.
Collection Account
A collection account is a specific type of bank account opened with the purpose of reducing bank float for remittances from specific customers or groups of customers, often those located abroad or who remit payments in a foreign currency.
Collection Period
The time, expressed in days, weeks, or months, that it takes to obtain payment of a debt by a customer.
Collection Ratio
The Collection Ratio measures the efficiency of a company's ability to collect its accounts receivable. It indicates the average number of days it takes to convert receivables into cash.
Collective Bargaining
Collective bargaining is the process of negotiation between employers and a group of employees aimed at establishing agreements to regulate working conditions. The employees are usually represented by a trade union or another bargaining organization.
Collective Goods
Collective goods, also known as public goods, are resources that can be consumed simultaneously by a large number of consumers without diminishing their availability to others. Typical examples include streets and roads, police and fire protection, and national defense. Unlike market goods, collective goods cannot be efficiently priced or quantified based on market dynamics, hence they are generally provided by the government.
Collector of Taxes
A civil servant tasked with the collection of taxes that have been assessed by Inspectors of Taxes and under the pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) system.
College Savings Plan
A College Savings Plan, often referred to as a Qualified Tuition Program (529 Plan), is a tax-advantaged investment plan designed to encourage saving for future education expenses.
Collusion
Collusion involves seeking to prejudice a third party or achieve an improper purpose, often by secret agreement, that is typically punishable as conspiracy.
Collusive Oligopoly
A collusive oligopoly is an industry comprising a few producers (oligopoly), in which producers agree among themselves as to pricing of output and allocation of output markets.

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.