Prepare Final Accounts for Sole Traders and Partnerships Report

This report provides a comprehensive overview of final accounts for sole traders and partnerships. It covers the reasons for preparing final accounts, the processes involved, and the limitations encountered. The report delves into the methods of constructing accounts from incomplete records, including markup and margin, control accounts, and the accounting equation. It addresses the imbalances resulting from incorrect double entries and the challenges posed by insufficient or inconsistent data. The report further explores the elements of final accounts for sole traders, including the statement of profit and loss and the statement of financial position. It also covers the key components of partnership agreements and accounts, including the statement of profit or loss appropriation account, partner capital and current accounts, and the calculation of closing balances and preparation of the statement of financial position. The report includes calculations of opening and closing capital, cash/bank balances, and sales and purchase ledger control accounts. Overall, the report provides a detailed analysis of the accounting principles and practices related to the preparation of final accounts for sole traders and partnerships.

PREPARE FINAL ACCOUNTS
FOR SOLE TRADERS
AND PARTNERSHIPS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Reasons for closing off accounts and producing a trial balance...........................................1
1.2 The process and limitations of preparing a set of final accounts..........................................1
1.3 The methods of constructing accounts from incomplete records..........................................2
1.4 Reasons for imbalances resulting from incorrect double entries..........................................3
1.5 Reasons for incomplete records arising from insufficient data and inconsistencies within
the data provided ........................................................................................................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
2.1 Calculate opening or closing capital from incomplete information .....................................4
2.2 Calculate the opening and closing cash/bank account balance ............................................5
2.3 Prepare sales and purchase ledger control accounts ............................................................5
2.4 Calculate account balances using markup and margins .......................................................6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................6
3.1 The elements of a set of final accounts for a sole traders.....................................................6
3.2 A statement of profit and loss for a sole proprietorship firm ...............................................7
3.3 A statement of financial position for a sole proprietorship firm...........................................9
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................10
4.1 The key components of a partnership agreement................................................................10
4.2 The key elements of partnership accounts..........................................................................11
TASK 5..........................................................................................................................................12
5.1 Produce the statement of profit or loss appropriation account for a partnership................12
5.2 Accurately determine the allocation of profit to partners after allowing for interest on
capital, interest on drawings and any salary paid to partner(s).................................................13
5.3 Produce the capital and current accounts for each partner..................................................13
TASK 6..........................................................................................................................................15
6.1 Calculate the closing balances on each partner's capital and current accounts, including
drawings....................................................................................................................................15

6.2 Prepare a statement of financial position, ion compliance with the partnership agreement
...................................................................................................................................................16
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................17

INTRODUCTION
Final accounts are prepared by every organisation to know about the profitability and
financial position of a business (Ademola, James and Olore, 2012). The financial information
provides to their management like owners and other interested parties for making decision
regarding to future prospective. It is very important for all the enterprises to follow set guidelines
of regulatory authority of the country. The sole trader and partnership firm are followed
particular rules and regulations during to create various type of final accounts. In final accounts
included trading a/c, profit and loss a/c, partner's capital a/c, P & L appropriation a/c, partner's
current a/c and balance sheet. In sole proprietorship all revenues and expenses are borne by the
owner and in partnership firm these are divided between among partners in profit share ratio. In
this project covers several topic such as need and process involved in the preparation of final
accounts, prepare accounting records from incomplete information. Produce final accounts for
sole traders and legislative and accounting requirements for partnership. Producing a statement
of profit and loss appropriation account and a statement of financial position relating to a
partnership.
TASK 1
1.1 Reasons for closing off accounts and producing a trial balance
In business entities various ledger accounts are produced and their balance transfer in
trial balance. In sole proprietorship and partnership firm all ledgers are closed at the end of the
year and remaining balance shows in trial balance. So there is need to producing trial balance
and check every ledger in the book is closed and are matched with counter entry if required. It is
important to closed because balance each account of revenues and expenses will begin the next
accounting year with a zero balance and complete accounting cycle. All closing balances is
transferred in permanent account from temporary account. These balances help to determine
generating profit and loss for a specific time period. Trial balances is analysed all transactions
and recorded in accurate way and it helps to identify principle errors and reduce it. With the help
of trial balance assess the mistakes and reconcile in ledger (Coad and et. Al, 2013).
1.2 The process and limitations of preparing a set of final accounts
The process of producing of final accounts from trial balance is critical task. It is helping
to organisation to know actual situation and position of a business. Trial balance is a
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bookkeeping in which the balances of all ledgers are shown into debit and credit side and their
total are equal. There are following steps to produce final accounts -
Process of generating final accounts -
 Firstly analysis all items of trial balance and related other information.
 All items are divided according to their nature like sales and purchase in trading account,
salary, commission and depreciation in profit and loss account and there is also mention
other adjusted information in these accounts. In case of partnership firm prepare P & L
appropriation account and distribute profit in each employees.
 All assets and liabilities are shown in balance sheet and less provisions and depreciation
from relating head. In the end profit and losses are recorded in balance sheet and it is assessed both columns.
If total balance of assets and liabilities are not matched it means there is any mistake
during to preparation of final accounts (Cooper and et. Al, 2016).
Limitations of trial balance -
 Trial balance is not able to assess all transaction and find out errors like amount recorded
in wrong side, amount recoded with access balance. It is created issues when producing
final accounts to calculate profit and loss.
 Many times in trial balance are not following all accounting principle so it is created
issues in final accounts.
 Posting the entry in correct side but it shows in wrong account.
1.3 The methods of constructing accounts from incomplete records
Incomplete records are set of transactions that are made when accountant and company is
not following the double entry system of accounting. There are mention some methods that helps
to constructing accounts from these methods -
Markup and margin method – This method helps to accountant for gather missing
information from margin percentage. For example – if the sole trader have sales figure but they
need to know amount of cost of good sold. So this method helps to calculate missing amount
from mark up percentage.
Control accounts – It is prepared to assess all accounts and transactions are recorded in
proper way. It is used to find out missing balances of accounts like purchase control account,
sales control account. The actual and appropriate balance of revenues, expenses and other items
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are recorded and transfer in final statement. For example – if partnership firm wants to sales
credit amount so for missing figure create sales control account and getting amount.
The accounting equation - This method used by sole trader and partnership firm to find
out balance of capital. It is calculated with the help of accounting equation is -
Capital = Total assets – external liabilities
There is all external liabilities deducted from total assets and acquire amount of capital
(Yildirim, Akci and Eksi, 2013).
1.4 Reasons for imbalances resulting from incorrect double entries
Incorrect double entries are reason of imbalance resulting in trial balance due to have not
followed accounting principle in proper way. The reasons are as follows -
 There is main reason find out of imbalance is that transaction amount is recorded in
single account and not recorded in other related account. For example – cash deposit in
bank with £2000 so there is amount shows in cash book but does not shown in bank
account.
 It a single transaction is shown twice time in the books of accounts so it shows imbalance
in particular accounts. For example – Land sold out in cash of £90000 and recorded in
cash account twice time so it will create imbalance.
 If a transaction is wrongly posted in other account which is not related so it will create
imbalance in both accounts. For example – Interest received from bank £40 and amount
recorded in commission paid account so there is both accounts are affected.
From the all above reasons mention that there is many variance in the total of closing
balance of trial balance and create issues during preparation of final accounts (Krishansing
Boolaky, 2012).
1.5 Reasons for incomplete records arising from insufficient data and inconsistencies within the
data provided
When the accountants have not sufficient data to produce final account and trial balance.
There is mention various causes of incomplete records they are as follows - Intentional manipulation – When employees of company and accountants are trying to
steal and fraud from the business so it is include in intentional manipulation in records.
Many times owner of the organisation make mistakes to pay less tax on wealth. For
example – The employee will open bank account with a business name and stealing to
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cheques and not recorded in the book of accounts (Janda, Rausser and Strielkowski,
2013). Unintentional failure to record – Incomplete accounting records happen when
accountant forget to record transactions. It is done unintentionally hence it is not possible
to punish them but it creates issues for business because of incomplete records. When one
person responsible for all transactions so records get misplaced. In other case this
problem covert in critical when employees are forgetting to implement accurate policies
and procedures. Employee turn over – When organisation reveal employees and they are leave company
or sometimes intentionally take accounting records with them. It is a serious reason of
every organisation. These accounting records are create difficulty for business on
auditing time and create competitive advantages for competitors. If company contains
financial information of other companies so they are liable for third parties (Brigham and
Houston, 2012).
 Data loss – This type of issue create when company mostly depended on software and
work as paperless. When software not working properly and data corrupt by other parties
that time insufficient information create problem to produce final accounts. This problem
can be resolved by keeping backups of accounting content on daily basis.
TASK 2
2.1 Calculate opening or closing capital from incomplete information
Capital account – It is shows an primary account of partnership and affect of ownership
of net assets. It is shows net capital of each partner and from this deduct all due payments and
add all incomes. It is shown as ledger account for present operational activities of the firm.
(1). Calculation of closing capital
Capital Account
Particulars Amount Particulars Amount
To drawings 600 By balance b/d 1000
To balance c/d (b.f.) 3000 By net profits 2600
3600 3600
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In the above account closing balance of capital is calculated which is 3000.
(2). Calculation of opening capital
Capital Account
Particulars Amount Particulars Amount
To drawings 800 To balance b/d (b.f.) 4640
To balance c/d 4200 By net profits 360
5000 5000
2.2 Calculate the opening and closing cash/bank account balance
Cash book
Date Particulars
Cash
(£)
Bank
(£) Date Particulars
Cash
(£)
Bank
(£)
01/Sep./19 To capital a/c 10940 06/Sep./19 By Rent a/c 135
02/Sep./19 To M. Boon a/c 315 07/Sep./19 By cash a/c 50
04/Sep./19 To sales a/c 802 23/Sep./19 By S. Wills a/c 277
07/Sep./19 To bank a/c 50 29/Sep./18
By Drawings
a/c 120
15/Sep./19 To sales a/c 490 30/Sep./19 By Wages a/c 518
29/Sep./19 To drawings a/c 120 30/Sep./19 By Balance c/d 319 11298
972 11745 972 11745
01/Oct./19 To balance c/d 319 11298
2.3 Prepare sales and purchase ledger control accounts
Sales Ledger Control Account
Date Particulars Amount Date Particulars Amount
01/01/20 Balance B/d 23220 31/Dec./20 Discount allowed 3160
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31/Dec./20 Credit sales 162540 31/Dec./20 Sales return 8150
31/Dec./20 bad debt written off 4770
31/Dec./20
Received form
debtors 146610
31/Dec./20 Balance c/d (b.f.) 23070
185760 185760
Purchase Ledger Control Account
Date Particulars Amount Date Particulars Amount
31/Dec./20 Discount received 1310 01/Jan./20 Balance b/d 16400
31/Dec./20 Return outward 2330 31/Dec./20 Credit purchase 114800
31/Dec./20 Paid to creditors 109040
31/Dec./20 Balance c/d (b.f.) 18520
131200 131200
2.4 Calculate account balances using markup and margins
Mark ups – It is mainly used in cost accounting to calculate of cost of goods sold with
the help of sales and mark up percentage. With the help of this method identify selling price of
each products and actual cost also. It represent of ratio of sales and cost that are sale out by a
firm to produce products. There is following formula of mark up -
Selling price – Cost / cost * 100
For example – ABC company has selling price of product A – 12.10 and cost of product
A – 8.25 so there is determine amount of markup.
= 12.10 – 8.25/8.25 *100
= 46.67%
Margins – in the terms of accounting, margins amount received after deducting cost of
goods sold from sales. It is shows as percentage and if it present in high that it means there is
good profits on selling (Wu and Chua, 2012).
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For example – If there is total sales is 10000 and cost is 5000 then margins is calculated
is = Total sales – cost = 10000 – 5000 – 5000 margins in an organisation.
TASK 3
3.1 The elements of a set of final accounts for a sole traders
There are different type of elements of sole traders that are including in final accounts.
All components are recorded in various statements like as trading a/c, statement of profit and
loss, statement of financial position. They are as follows - Income – It is identify as increment in economic benefits of a business in particular
accounting period. All indirect incomes are recorded in income statement of the firms
and these are divided into two parts direct and indirect income. For example –
commission received, Interest. Expenses – It is shows as decreasing economic benefits and it is recorded in trading and
profit & loss account in debit side. These are divided in to two types – operating and
administrative such as wages, salaries, interest paid, postage, commission and legal
charges. Assets – These are shows in particular framework for preparation and presentation of
financial statements. It is shown in balance side and control by the sole trader as the
result of past events. It is provided future economic benefits for growth and it is divided
in two types – current assets and non current assets (Shim, 2013) . Liabilities – In this section including all external funds like debentures, loans etc. it is
critical for sole traders to maintain in accurate and proper way in business.
 Equities – Total investment of the owner is known as equities and in this section
including capital and retained earnings. It is shows as total assets less total liabilities of
the business. It is also known as internal funds.
3.2 A statement of profit and loss for a sole proprietorship firm
Trading account of sole proprietorship firm
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3.3 A statement of financial position for a sole proprietorship firm
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TASK 4
4.1 The key components of a partnership agreement
The partnership agreement is legal document that is created by expertise. It is followed
by each partners and these components are mention in agreement, they are as follows - Percentage of ownership – It is decided of each partner according to their contribution in
its opening. These contribution are basis of the ownership percentage. If a partner
contribute 60% in firm and another partner contribute 40% so ownership going to first
partner (Rhodes, 2012). Who can bind the partnership – According to agreement there is not decided particular
boundary of the binding of partnership. If any partner can bind it but all the partners are
decided about it and add a clause regarding to it.
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 Allocation of profits and losses – It is main element of partnership agreement and in
agreement mainly mention about it. Allocation of profit and loss decided according to
their percentage. It will help to resolve conflicts regarding to profit and losses. The death of a partner – In agreement mention about the uncertainties so it is important
to add clause about it when a single partner death that time how to situation change and
their profit share ratio also (Uwonda and Okello, 2015). Making decision – Many times in partnership conflicts are arises and they are trying to
make decision in a committee. So there is add a clause in agreement about decision
making power and how to solve these conflicts.
 Resolving disputes – If a partner does not agree on a particular decision then to ignore
this problem and also mention about in agreement. There is mention those partners who
resolve disputes in between partners.
4.2 The key elements of partnership accounts Statement of profit and loss- It is part of final accounts and in this accounts considered
all the indirect incomes and expenses. With the help of this account calculate net profit
and net loss. Partnership appropriation account – It is an intermediary account which is used as P &
L account and partners capital account. It is present net profit and loss of partnership firm
and also mention about profit of each partner. Goodwill - It is included as intangible assets in the section of assets of balance sheet. It is
written down as a difference between original cost and market value. It will help to firm
establish more relation with other business communication. Partners' current accounts – It is prepared by the firm of each partner to know about
their opening balance because it may be credit or debit balance. With the help of this
account partners are drawing and levied cash transaction fees. Partners' capital account – In this account shows capital of each partner and it is divided
in their profit sharing ratio. It will remain same year to year and prep[are according to
partners capital. From the capital deduct their over payment and liabilities and add
amount of interest and commission.
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 Statement of financial position – In this statement included all assets and liabilities that
shows of actual performance of the firm. This statement helps estimate future position
and growth rate of the company (Statement of financial position, 2017).
TASK 5
5.1 Produce the statement of profit or loss appropriation account for a partnership
Profit and loss appropriation account
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5.2 Accurately determine the allocation of profit to partners after allowing for interest on capital,
interest on drawings and any salary paid to partner(s)
Distribution of profits – There is divided profit according to their percentage that are
60% and 40%
Profit of Ryan = 27700*60% = 16620
Profit of Vera = 27700*40% = 11080
Interest on capital – Both partners received interest on their capital with 4%
Ryan – 200000*4% = 8000
Vera – 150000*4% = 6000
Interest on drawings – It is already provided in the question so there is recorded same
figure of interest of drawing.
Note – In the question no provide particular information related to distribution of salaries.
5.3 Produce the capital and current accounts for each partner
Capital account of Ryan
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Capital account of Vera
Current account of Ryan
Current account of vera
TASK 6
6.1 Calculate the closing balances on each partner's capital and current accounts, including
drawings
Closing balance of capital account of Ryan – there is no mark any change in capital of
Ryan so balance will remain same.
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Closing balance of capital account of Vera – In the capital account of Vera no additional
changes are coming so it will remain same.
Closing balance of current account of Ryan - There is present calculation of closing
balance = Opening balance (debit) – 1250
Add – Net profits – 16620
Less – Interest on capital – 8000
Less - Interest on drawings – 1000
Less – Drawings – 32000
Closing balance = 9630
Closing balance of current account of Vera - There is calculated closing balance of
Vera account -
Opening balance (Credit) – 1600
Add – Interest on capital – 6000
Add – Net profit – 11080
Less – Interest on drawings – 600
Less – Drawings – 24000
Closing balance = 5320
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6.2 Prepare a statement of financial position, ion compliance with the partnership agreement
CONCLUSION
From the all above discussion it is concluded that final account are important part of sole
traders and partnership firm that presents their actual performance. The final accounts contains
different types of statements like profit and loss account, balance sheet and P & L appropriation
account. These accounts are producing to determine profit and losses of an organisation. The sole
trader acquire whole amount of profit and loss but in partnership firm amount distribute between
among employees on a pre decided ratio.
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REFERENCES
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theory. Journal of Business Venturing. 28(5). pp.615-632.
Cooper, M.and et. al, 2016. Business in the United States: Who Owns It, and How Much Tax Do
They Pay?. Tax Policy and the Economy. 30(1). pp.91-128.
Yildirim, H. S., Akci, Y. and Eksi, I. H., 2013. The effect of firm characteristics in accessing
credit for SMEs. Journal of Financial Services Marketing. 18(1). pp.40-52.
Krishansing Boolaky, P., 2012. Accounting development and international financial reporting
standards in small island economies: The case of Mauritius between 1960 and 2008.
Journal of Accounting in Emerging Economies. 2(1). pp.4-29.
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Shim, J. K., 2013. Dictionary of accounting terms. Simon and Schuster.
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enterprises (SMEs) in Northern Uganda. International Journal of Social Science and
Economics Invention. 1(03). pp.153-to.
Rhodes, N., 2012. Gateways to positioning information and communication technology in
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Wu, Z. and Chua, J. H., 2012. Second–Order Gender Effects: The Case of US Small Business
Borrowing Cost. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice. 36(3). pp.443-463.
Janda, K., Rausser, G. and Strielkowski, W., 2013. Determinants of profitability of Polish rural
micro-enterprises at the time of EU Accession. Eastern European Countryside. 19.
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Online
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