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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Cash, Cash-flow, and the Statement of Cash Flow


Everyone loves cash.  But, what cash actually is all about?  In terms of accounting and finances, cash is the most liquid of assets seen in a balance sheet of any business or organization.  It is used as the standard medium of exchange and the basis for measuring and accounting for all other items. Cash is although is usually referred to money in the form of currency such as bank notes and coins, however, in finance and accounting it refers to currency or currency equivalent that is accessible immediately or near immediately. Cash equivalent are the assets that are quickly convertible into cash. For example of quickly convertible cash equivalent are the money market holdings, short-term government bonds, treasury bills marketable securities and the commercial papers, all that convert into cash quickly . Cash is classified in the balance sheet as the current asset. Negotiable instruments such as money orders, certified checks, cashier’s checks, personal checks, and bank drafts are also considered as cash. Although banks assume the legal right to demand notice before withdrawal, however, since banks do not demand notice except in rare cases, savings accounts are also considered as cash. 

Statement of Cash Flows

Cash flow is most important topic that business people must have complete knowledge about it.  Cash flow helps business better access their debt capabilities and financing needs. The term cash flow refers to cash movement, where it comes from, and where it goes.  In commercial world in other words, it is the source of business activities a company receives cash from, and the business activities it is spent on. 

Let us learn how the statement of cash flow is prepared from video lessons of financial and accounting expert Susan Crosson. 

Cash-flow and Statement of Cash-flow