The purchase of a certificate of deposit represents an investment. The
event acts to decrease the cash account and to increase the certificate
of deposit (CD) account. As both accounts involved in the transaction
are asset accounts, it is an asset exchange transaction.
When Mr. Candely invested into a CD, he effectively loaned money to the
bank. In return for using his money, the bank agreed to pay back an amount
greater than the amount borrowed.
The amount initially invested
(or borrowed) is called the principal.
Excess of money over the initial
invested amount (principal) is called interest and is
usually set as a percentage to the principal.
In our situation, the interest on the CD is 6%. That means that on May
1, 20X8 Mr. Candely will get back the principal ($1,000) and the interest
in the amount of $60 ($1,000 x 6%), or $1,060 in total.
It is important to note that the interest is earned on a continuous basis
even though the payment of investment return is made on the maturity date.
In other words, the amount of interest due increases proportionally with
the passage of time. When a portion of interest is earned, the interest
receivable account (i.e., amount due from the bank) increases along with
an increase in the interest revenue account.
Interest receivable
represents future cash receipts of interest by a company. Interest receivable
account is shown on the asset side of the balance sheet.
Interest revenue
is the amount of interest earned. Interest revenue (or just interest)
may be earned on an investment such as a savings account or certificate
of deposit. Interest revenue is an income statement account that increases
equity.
Later, at the accounting period end, the bank will pay interest to the
creditor and the creditor (our company) will decrease interest receivable
account and increase cash account.
We do not recognize interest revenue until the date of financial statements
on December 31, 20X7. At that time, a single entry could be made to recognize
the accrual of 8 months of interest (from May 1 to December 31). This
entry is called an adjusting entry.
Adjusting entries
adjust the account balances before the final financial statements are
prepared. Each adjusting entry affects one balance sheet account and one
income statement account.
The amount of interest to be recognized at period end represents accrued
revenue.
Accrued revenue
is revenue earned but not yet received. When recorded, such amounts are
usually shown as interest receivable in the balance sheet and interest
revenue in the income statement.