Explain the difference between measurement focus and basis of accounting. Also, explain the difference between the economic resources measurement focus and the current financial resources measurement focus as well as the difference between the accrual and modified accrual bases of accounting. Which funds and government-wide activities use each focus and each basis?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Measurement focus describes what is measured; that is, the nature of the resources, claims against resources, and flows of resources that are measured and reported by a fund or activity. The basis of accounting describes when things are measured. The economic resources measurement focus reports on the balances and flows of both current and noncurrent assets and liabilities, whereas the current financial resources focus reports only on the balances and flows of current assets and liabilities. The accrual basis of accounting recognizes revenues when earned and expenses when incurred, where the modified accrual basis recognizes revenues when measurable and available for current spending and expenditures when a current liability has been incurred. Governmental funds use the current financial resources measurement focus, and proprietary and fiduciary funds use the economic resources measurement focus. Governmental funds use the modified accrual basis of accounting. Proprietary and fiduciary funds use the accrual basis of accounting. Governmental and business-type activities at the government-wide level report on net position and activities using the economic resources measurement focus and the accrual basis of accounting.