noun
Common
accounting
uh-KOWN-tihng
Accounting (noun) means the system and practice of recording and analysing a business's or person's finances. Example: “Good accounting helps a small business see where its money goes.”
noun
1
The system and practice of recording and analysing a business's or person's finances.
"Good accounting helps a small business see where its money goes."
"She works in the accounting department at a large firm."
"He took an accounting course to better understand the company's books."
How to use accounting
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe work of tracking and reporting money coming in and going out.
Common pairings
accounting department
accounting software
cost accounting
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Word forms
- Plural
- accountings
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Good _____ helps a small business see where its money goes.
Etymology
First recorded in the late 14th century. Formed from account plus -ing.
Related words
Rhymes for accounting
See all rhymes for accounting →Frequently asked questions
What does “accounting” mean?
The word “accounting” means the system and practice of recording and analysing a business's or person's finances. In plain terms, the work of tracking and reporting money coming in and going out.
How do you pronounce “accounting”?
“Accounting” is pronounced uh-KOWN-tihng (/əˈkaʊn.tɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “accounting” in a sentence?
Here is “accounting” used in a sentence: “She works in the accounting department at a large firm.”
What part of speech is “accounting”?
“Accounting” is a noun.
Is “accounting” a common word?
“Accounting” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between accounting and bookkeeping?
Accounting is the broader system and practice of recording and analysing a business's or person's finances, including interpreting the figures and preparing reports. Bookkeeping is the narrower, day-to-day task of recording transactions, which feeds into the wider work of accounting.
What is the difference between accounting and finance?
Accounting focuses on recording, organising, and analysing what has already happened financially. Finance is more concerned with managing money and planning for the future, such as investing, budgeting, and raising funds, so accounting looks back while finance often looks ahead.
What words commonly go with 'accounting'?
Common pairings include 'accounting system', 'financial accounting', 'management accounting', 'accounting software', and 'accounting period'. The phrase 'accounting for' is also used to mean explaining or making up a total.
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