The income statement is an important financial statement used by individual who are interested in the operation of business enterprise explain how the periodicity assumption and the revenue recognition and expense recognition principle provide guidance to accountants in preparing an income statement The income statement is an important financial statement used by individual who are interested in the operation of business enterprise explain how the periodicity assumption and the revenue recognition and expense recognition principle provide guidance to accountants in preparing an income statement Solution PERIODICITY ASSUMPTION Business activity is fluid. Revenue and expense generating activities are in constant motion. Just because it is time to turn a page on a calendar does not mean that all business activity ceases. But, for purposes of measuring performance, it is necessary to draw a line in the sand of time. A periodicity assumption is made that business activity can be divided into measurement intervals, such as months, quarters, and years. The periodicity assumption is important to financial accounting because it allows businesses to show current performance to investors and creditors for shorter periods of time. The income statement is the financial statement that best shows the periodicity assumption. The income statement presents the business performance for a given time period. A year-end income statement shows the income and expense performance for the company for the entire year. Monthly and quarterly income statements are often issued as well. The balance sheet, on the other hand, only shows a picture of the company on a single date in time. The balance sheet does not reflect a period of time but rather a moment in time. REVENUE RECOGNITION To recognize an item is to record it into the accounting records. Revenue recognition normally occurs at the time services are rendered or when goods are sold and delivered. The conditions for revenue recognition are (a) an exchange transaction, and (b) the earnings process being complete. EXPENSE RECOGNITION Expense recognition will typically follow one of three approaches, depending on the nature of the cost:.