In its first year of operations, Gomes Company recognized $28,000 in service revenue, $6,000 of which was on account and still outstanding at year-end. The remaining $22,000 was received in cash from customers. The company incurred operating expenses of $15, 800. Of these expenses, $12,000 were paid in cash; $3, 800 was still owed on account at year-end. In addition, Gomes prepaid $2, 400 for insurance coverage that would not be used until the second year of operations.
(a) Calculate the first year's net earnings under the cash basis of accounting, and calculate the first year's net earnings under the basis of accounting.
(b) Which basis of accounting (cash or accrual) provides more useful information for decision-makers?

a. The first year's net earnings under the cash basis of accounting is $7,600 and the first year's net earnings under the basis of accounting is $12,200

b. Accrual basis of accounting provides more useful information.

Explanation:

a. In order to calculate the first year's net earnings under the cash basis of accounting we would have to use the following formula:

Cash basis net earnings = Service revenue (Cash) – Cash expenses – Prepaid expenses

Cash basis net earnings =$22,000 – $12,000 – $2,400

Cash basis net earnings =$7,600

In order to calculate the first year's net earnings under the the basis of accounting we would have to use the following formula:

Accrual basis net earnings = Service revenue – Operating expenses incurred

Accrual basis net earnings= $28,000 – $15,800

Accrual basis net earnings=$12,200

b. Accrual basis of accounting provides more useful information, because in this system revenues are recorded what actually earned and expenses are recorded what actually incurred for earning such revenues. Therefore, it gives better profit picture