Includes bibliographical references and index.

Pt 1. The accounting information system.
F1. Accounting and organizations.
F2. Information in organizations.
F3. Accounting measurement.
F4. Processing accounting information.
Module. The database environment: a demonstration case.
F5. Reporting accounting information.
F6. Financial reporting: the statement of cash flows --
Pt. 2. Analysis and interpretation of financial accounting information.
F7. The time value of money.
F8. Financing activities.
F9. Analysis of financing activities.
F10. Investing activities.
F11. Analysis of investing activities.
F12. Operating activities.
F13. Analysis of operating activities --
Appendix A. Sources of information about companies and industries --
Appendix B. General Mills, Inc. Annual Report.

In this inspired new edition, the authors illustrate accounting not as a set of technical procedures to be memorized, but as a way of identifying and understanding business problems and a means for evaluating potential solutions. Now in its fourth edition, the primary goal of this text remains the same--teach students to understand the impact of accounting information on a company's financial statements. This unique organization introduces students to the accounting information system and then emphasizes accounting for the activities of the firm in the second half of the book. This engages students in the type of financing, investing and operating decisions that a firm has to make. The approach is especially ideal for students who will become users of accounting information because concepts--not procedures--are emphasized.