Favorites
Favorites is a term used by Microsoft for documents or URLs that users have marked for easy retrieval, allowing for quick access to frequently used content.
Favourable Variance
In standard costing and budgetary control, a favourable variance is any difference between the actual and budgeted performance of an organization where this creates an addition to the budgeted profit. For example, a favourable variance may occur if the actual sales revenue is greater than that budgeted or if actual costs are less than budgeted costs.
FCCA
FCCA stands for Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, a prestigious and globally recognized credential in the field of accounting.
FCT - Fellow of the Association of Corporate Treasurers
FCT stands for Fellow of the Association of Corporate Treasurers, which is a prestigious qualification awarded to professionals who demonstrate exceptional expertise and leadership in the field of corporate treasury management.
Feasibility Study
A feasibility study is an analytical process used to determine the viability of a project, venture, or business activity. It assesses various aspects, including financial, technical, legal, and operational factors, to evaluate the potential for successful completion and a satisfactory return on investment.
Feather One's Nest
The idiom 'feather one's nest' means to make a comfortable and secure living place, often for retirement. It can also imply misappropriating funds for personal benefit.
Featherbedding
Featherbedding refers to work rules that require payment to employees for work that is not actually performed or that is unnecessary.
Federal Agency Issue
Federal Agency Issues or Federal Agency Securities are debt instruments issued by agencies of the federal government that hold high credit ratings due to their sponsorship by the U.S. government.
Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation
The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, commonly known as Farmer Mac, is a federally chartered organization established in 1988 to provide a secondary market for farm mortgage loans.
Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac)
The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, known as Farmer Mac, is a stockholder-owned, federally chartered corporation established to improve the availability of long-term credit for America's rural communities by providing a secondary market for agricultural real estate and rural housing mortgage loans.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a national aviation authority in the United States, responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation within the country. It is tasked with ensuring the safety and efficiency of the national airspace system.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of civil aviation in the United States. It aims to ensure aviation safety, regulate air commerce, and manage air traffic control operations.
Federal Crisis Inquiry Commission (FCIC)
The Federal Crisis Inquiry Commission (FCIC) was a ten-member panel created by President Barack Obama in 2009 to investigate the causes of the financial and economic crisis in the United States.
Federal Deficit (Surplus)
The federal deficit (or surplus) refers to the shortfall (or surplus) resulting when the federal government spends more (or less) in a fiscal year than it receives in revenue. The deficit is financed by borrowing from the public via long and short-term debt instruments.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is a United States government corporation providing deposit insurance to depositors in U.S. commercial banks and savings institutions.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is an independent federal agency established in 1933 that insures deposits up to $250,000 in member commercial banks.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is a crucial independent agency that oversees the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil in the United States. Additionally, FERC reviews proposals to establish liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and interstate natural gas pipelines, and it licenses hydropower projects.
Federal Estate and Gift Tax
A federal tax imposed on the transfer of wealth through estates and gifts, calculated based on the value of a decedent's estate and lifetime gifts.
Federal Farm Credit Bank, Federal Farm Credit System
The Federal Farm Credit System (FCS) is a network of borrower-owned financial institutions that provide credit and related services to agricultural and rural communities across the United States. The Federal Farm Credit Banks are part of this system, offering funds to agricultural producers and rural businesses.
Federal Flood Insurance
Federal Flood Insurance provides coverage to residents, including businesses and nonbusiness operations, in communities qualified under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), offering subsidized and nonsubsidized premium rates for structures and their contents.
Federal Funds
Federal funds are reserve balances that private banks in the U.S. hold at Federal Reserve banks. These funds are used for various types of inter-bank transactions, including lending to other banks that have insufficient reserves.
Federal Funds (Fed Funds)
Non-interest-bearing deposits held at the US Federal Reserve System that are traded between member banks. The Federal funds rate or Fed funds rate is the overnight rate paid on these funds.
Federal Funds Rate
The Federal Funds Rate is the interest rate at which depository institutions (such as banks and credit unions) lend reserve balances to other depository institutions overnight on an uncollateralized basis. This rate is pivotal in the financial system as it influences many other interest rates, such as those for savings accounts, loans, and mortgages, and it's a key indicator of monetary policy direction in the United States.
Federal Home Loan Bank System (FHLB)
A former system that provided credit reserves to savings and loan associations, cooperative banks, and other mortgage lenders, akin to the Federal Reserve Bank's function for commercial banks.
Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
An agency within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, founded in 1934, that administers various loan, loan guarantee, and loan insurance programs to increase housing availability.
Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA)
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is a U.S. government agency established in 2008 under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act to oversee housing-related Government-Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs). The agency has enhanced powers for enforcement and regulation.
Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA)
The Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) is a federal law that mandates a payroll tax on both employees and employers to fund Social Security and Medicare programs in the United States.
Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA)
The Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) is a U.S. federal payroll tax imposed on both employees and employers to fund Social Security and Medicare. Established by the Social Security Act of 1935, FICA contributes to long-term financial support for American retirees and other beneficiaries.
Federal Land Bank
The Federal Land Bank is an agency that provides mortgage loans on rural property to farmers and individuals who offer services to farmers and ranchers. Borrowers must purchase stock in their local land bank association, which serves as extra security for the loan.
Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae)
The Federal National Mortgage Association, commonly known as Fannie Mae, is a government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) that enhances the availability of mortgage credit across the United States by purchasing and guaranteeing mortgages issued by lenders.
Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA)
The Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), commonly known as Fannie Mae, is a publicly owned government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) that was established to enhance the flow of capital in the mortgage market by purchasing and reselling mortgages.
Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA)
FNMA, also known as Fannie Mae, is a government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) created to expand the secondary mortgage market by securitizing mortgages, thereby allowing lenders to reinvest their assets into more lending.
Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is a key committee within the Federal Reserve System responsible for setting short-term monetary policy in the United States. The FOMC is instrumental in regulating the money supply and influencing economic conditions to achieve sustainable economic growth.
Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is the branch of the Federal Reserve System that determines the direction of monetary policy specifically by directing open market operations.
Federal Power Commission (FPC)
The Federal Power Commission (FPC) was a regulatory agency in the United States aimed at overseeing and regulating the energy industries, including natural gas and electricity. It has since been replaced by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Federal Register
The Federal Register is a daily publication by the U.S. government that prints regulations from various governmental agencies including the Treasury Department, Housing and Urban Development, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Federal Reserve Bank
One of the 12 regional banks that, along with their branches, constitute the Federal Reserve System in the United States. These banks play a crucial role in monitoring the commercial and savings banks in their respective regions, ensuring compliance with Federal Reserve Board regulations, and providing access to emergency funds through the Discount Window.
Federal Reserve Board (FED)
The Federal Reserve Board, often referred to simply as the Fed, is the governing body of the Federal Reserve System, the central bank of the United States. Its major responsibilities include overseeing monetary policy, regulating banks, maintaining financial stability, and providing financial services.
Federal Reserve Board (FRB)
The Federal Reserve Board (FRB) is the governing body of the Federal Reserve System, responsible for setting key policies, including reserve requirements, bank regulations, and discount rates.
Federal Reserve District
A Federal Reserve District is one of twelve regions created by the Federal Reserve System, each served by a regional Federal Reserve Bank. These banks provide various financial services, regulatory oversight, and economic research relevant to their specific districts.
Federal Reserve Notes
Federal Reserve Notes are paper currency issued by the Federal Reserve System (FED) and circulated by the Federal Reserve Banks. They serve as liabilities of the Federal Reserve Banks and constitute obligations of the U.S. government.
Federal Reserve Open Market Committee
The Federal Reserve Open Market Committee (FOMC) is a branch of the Federal Reserve Board that determines the direction of monetary policy specifically by directing open market operations.
Federal Reserve System (Fed)
The Federal Reserve System (Fed) is the central banking system of the United States, created by the Federal Reserve Act of 1913. It regulates the nation's monetary policy, oversees the cost and supply of money, and supervises international banking through agreements with other central banks.
Federal Reserve System (FED)
The Federal Reserve System, established by the Federal Reserve Act of 1913, is the central banking system of the United States, playing a crucial role in regulating the country's monetary and banking system.
Federal Savings and Loan Associations
Federal Savings and Loan Associations are federally chartered institutions with a primary responsibility to accept people's savings deposits and provide mortgage loans for residential housing. Their role and scope were broadened by the Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act of 1980. Accounts are insured up to $250,000 by the FDIC.
Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation (FSLIC)
The Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation (FSLIC) was a U.S. government agency established to insure depositors in savings and loan associations against loss of principal. It was founded in 1934 and disbanded in 1989, with its functions transferred to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
Federal Tax Lien
A Federal Tax Lien is a legal claim by the government on all properties and rights to properties of a taxpayer who fails to pay a tax for which they are liable.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is a federal agency founded in 1915 under the Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914, designed to protect free enterprise and promote fair competition.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is an independent agency of the United States government, established in 1914 via the Federal Trade Commission Act. Its main functions are to promote consumer protection and eliminate and prevent anticompetitive business practices such as coercive monopoly.
Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA)
The Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) provides for federal unemployment insurance and is funded by employer contributions. Employers are required to pay a specific percentage of the first $7,000 in wages paid to each employee. Various credits can reduce the overall tax liability.
Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA)
The Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) establishes the structure and guidelines for employers to contribute to the federal unemployment insurance system, ensuring support for individuals during periods of unemployment.
FedEx
FedEx, officially known as Federal Express Corporation, is a global courier delivery services company recognized for its overnight shipping services and an innovative tracking system.
FedEx (Federal Express)
FedEx Corporation, originally known as Federal Express, is a multinational delivery services company known for revolutionizing logistics and overnight shipping.
FedWire
FedWire is a high-speed, computerized communications network that facilitates electronic funds transfers between U.S. banks and the Federal Reserve System. It is essential for the transfer of reserve balances and customer transactions.
Fee
A fee can refer to complete ownership in real property or the cost of professional services.
Fee Simple
Fee Simple (or Fee Simple Absolute) refers to the absolute ownership of real property where the owner has unrestricted powers to dispose of the property during their lifetime, and upon death, the property passes to designated heirs. This ownership can only be overridden by eminent domain.
Feedback
Feedback encompasses a variety of meanings ranging from user responses on products to technical control systems' internal information flow.
Feedback Control
An approach to financial control in which managers monitor outputs achieved against a budget or desired output. Problems are only identified after they have occurred.
Feeder Fund
A feeder fund is an investment vehicle similar to a fund of funds but typically invests all its assets into a master fund, which is responsible for managing the investments. This structure is common in hedge funds.
Feeder Lines
Local and regional airlines or railroads that bring traffic to national carriers.
Feedforward Control
An anticipatory financial control approach where managers forecast potential issues and take preventive actions before they manifest. This approach contrasts with feedback control, which addresses issues after they have occurred.
Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (FCMA)
FCMA stands for Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, a prestigious designation awarded to members with significant experience and achievements in management accounting and finance.
Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (FCIS)
The term 'Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (FCIS)' signifies a prestigious qualification awarded to high-level corporate governance professionals.
Fellow Subsidiary
Fellow subsidiaries are subsidiaries that are part of the same parent group of companies, sharing a common controlling parent company but operating independently of each other.
Feng Shui
Feng Shui is an ancient Asian art that emphasizes the creation of harmony and balance within an environment through strategic placement and arrangement of space and objects.
FHA Mortgage Loan
An FHA Mortgage Loan is a mortgage loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Section 203(b) is the most popular program under FHA.
FHFA House Price Index (HPI)
The FHFA House Price Index (HPI) is a measure of the movement of single-family home prices in the United States, compiled by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). The index is based on data from loans held by the home mortgage Government-Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
FIAB
An abbreviation for 'Fellow of the International Association of Book-keepers (IAB)', a professional designation awarded by the IAB to recognize the highest level of membership and excellence in the field of bookkeeping and accountancy.
Fiat Money
Fiat money is a type of currency that is made legal tender by government law or regulation, without backing by a physical commodity like gold or silver. Its value derives from the trust and authority of the government that issues it.
Fiber Optics
Fiber optics are tiny cylindrical strands of glass or plastic used for data transmission. They carry light rather than electrical energy, enabling vast data transfer with minimal interference.
FICO Score
The FICO score is a measure of borrower credit risk extensively utilized by creditors, including mortgage loan originators. Developed by Fair Isaac Corporation, it encompasses an applicant's credit history and credit utilization to determine loan approval and terms.
Fictitious Asset
A fictitious asset is an asset listed on a company's balance sheet that does not actually exist or has no real value. Such assets may appear due to error or as part of deliberate fraudulent activities.
Fidelity Bond
A fidelity bond is an insurance policy that provides coverage against specified losses arising from dishonest acts or defalcations by an employee.
Fiduciary
A fiduciary is a person, company, or association holding assets in trust for a beneficiary, with the responsibility of investing the money wisely for the beneficiary's benefit.
Field
In computer word- or data-processing systems, a field is a group of adjacent characters representing a specific piece of information within a record.
Field Staff
Field staff are company employees who work outside of the company office and operate in the marketplace. In retailing, they are often the manufacturer's representatives, also known as detail persons.
FIFO (First In, First Out)
FIFO, or First In, First Out, is an inventory valuation method where the oldest inventory items are recorded as sold first. This method is commonly used in accounting and finance to manage inventory costs.
FIFO Cost (First-In-First-Out Cost)
FIFO Cost, short for First-In-First-Out Cost, is an inventory valuation method where the costs of the earliest items purchased are the first to be recognized in financial statements. This method is widely used in accounting to manage inventory and calculate the cost of goods sold.
Fifteen-Year Mortgage
A fixed-rate, level-payment mortgage loan with a maturity of fifteen years. This mortgage option became popular in the 1980s because it significantly reduces the amount of interest paid over the life of the loan, despite having higher monthly payments compared to a thirty-year mortgage.
File
A 'file' can refer to the act of organizing material for easy retrieval, a collection of stored information on a computer, or the formal submission of a document.
File Server
A file server is a computer on a local area network (LAN) that provides network users with access to shared data and program files. Often, it is a larger and faster computer than the users' workstations.
File Transfer
The process of moving or transmitting a computer file from one location to another, such as between two programs or from one computer to another, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is an internet protocol used for transferring files between computers over a network.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard network protocol used for the transfer of computer files between a client and server on a computer network.
Filing of Accounts
The lodging of financial statements of a company with the Registrar of Companies. There are penalties for late filing. Companies that meet the statutory definition of a small company or a medium-sized company are permitted to file abbreviated accounts.
Filing Status
Filing Status for tax purposes governs the form of return used and may affect the rate at which income is taxed and eligibility for various credits and deductions.
Fill or Kill (FOK)
A Fill or Kill (FOK) order is an order to buy or sell a particular security that, if not executed immediately, is canceled.
Filtering Down
Filtering down is a process whereby, over time, a housing unit or neighborhood is occupied by progressively lower-income residents. This transition often involves older residences that were once occupied by the upper classes.
Final Accounts
Final Accounts are comprehensive financial statements produced at the end of a company's financial year, representing its overall financial status and performance over the period. They contrast with interim accounts produced during the financial year.
Final Assembly
Final Assembly involves the culmination of all manufacturing processes where individual components and sub-assemblies are put together to create a finished product. In an automobile final assembly plant, key elements such as the powertrain, chassis, and body components are united to form a completed automobile.
Final Dividend
A final dividend is a dividend declared at the company's annual general meeting (AGM) upon the recommendation of the company’s directors. It represents the distribution of profits that is subject to shareholders' approval and appears as a current liability on the balance sheet until paid.
Final Goods
Final goods, also known as consumer goods, are goods that are not used as inputs in the production of other goods but are intended for consumption by the end consumer.
Final Salary Scheme
An occupational pension scheme where the retirement benefits are calculated based on the employee's final salary prior to retirement. It is a type of defined-benefit pension scheme.
Finance
Finance involves the practice of managing and manipulating money, the capital involved in a project, and obtaining loans for specific purposes.
Finance Act
The annual UK Act of Parliament that changes the law relating to taxation, implementing the rates of income tax, corporation tax, etc., proposed in the preceding Budget.
Finance Charge
A finance charge is a fee imposed for the privilege of deferring payment of a debt or for borrowing funds. It is commonly used in credit card transactions and loans.

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.