About the Author
Kate Mooney is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive) and is the former chair of the Department of Accounting at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. She teaches financial accounting and was named a 2002 G.R. Herberger Distinguished Professor of Business.
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Introduction
Accounting has always been seen as a necessary task that enables business to occur. Important activities such as investing, regulating, and the gathering, reporting, and analysis of financial data all depend upon the principles and procedures of accounting.
In the past decade, names such as Enron and WorldCom have become everyday news items. As huge, well-respected companies have been failing and restating their earnings, the importance of understanding accounting terms and procedures has taken on a whole new meaning.
I have designed this book for the average person who needs a working knowledge of accounting terms in order to understand financial statements, investment reports, financial news articles, or college courses. It is also a useful reference for businesspeople who need to communicate with accountants.
Each term is defined in clear, concise, and understandable language. The terms are also placed in context with examples, common synonyms, and cross-references to help the reader truly understand the term rather than just its factual aspects.
I have enjoyed this challenge and hope that you gain from using this dictionary.
-Kate Mooney, PhD, CPA
