Reference
The accountant's library
Structured practical references that start with a work question, explain the treatment, source and boundary, then lead to a lesson or tool where you apply it.
Fixed assets: capitalisation, depreciation and disposal
One decision at the start of an asset's life — capitalise or expense — governs the statements for years after it. Which is why it deserves to be made by a rule rather than a judgement call.
Practical output: Work note: Fixed assets: capitalisation, depreciation and disposal — A structured explanation, every official rate with source and review date, then a direct path to a lesson, tool or track.
A decision from the reference: An asset's cost includes everything spent to make it ready for its intended use: its price, freight, transit insurance, installation and commissioning tests. These are costs that would not have been incurred but for the asset.
Reference boundary: Reviewed on 2026-08-18. Before relying on the treatment, open the linked official source and confirm that it applies to the period facts and the organisation's policy.
Payroll: from register to entry to transfer
Three outputs from one source: a register HR approves, an entry that enters the books, and a file that goes to the bank. Any one of them drifting from the others is what makes month end exhausting.
Practical output: Work note: Payroll: from register to entry to transfer — A structured explanation, every official rate with source and review date, then a direct path to a lesson, tool or track.
A decision from the reference: Gross pay adds basic pay and allowances. Deductions take out what goes to other bodies on the employee's behalf, chief among them their social insurance share. What remains is the net due to them.
Reference boundary: Reviewed on 2026-08-18. Before relying on the treatment, open the linked official source and confirm that it applies to the period facts and the organisation's policy.