What Is Brought Down?

In book-keeping, 'brought down' (b/d) refers to an opening balance that has been transferred from the previous period, maintaining continuity in financial records.

Introduction

In the realm of book-keeping and accounting, the term “Brought Down” (b/d) is a pivotal concept that ensures the continuity of financial records. This article provides an in-depth exploration of what “brought down” means, its historical context, types, key events, detailed explanations, and related terms. We also delve into its importance, applicability, examples, considerations, and even interesting facts to give a holistic understanding.

Historical Context

The practice of carrying forward balances can be traced back to ancient civilizations where merchants recorded their transactions on clay tablets or papyrus. This practice evolved with the advent of double-entry bookkeeping, a system popularized by Luca Pacioli in the 15th century.

Types/Categories

**1. Opening Balances:

• Assets: Cash, inventory, receivables.
• Liabilities: Payables, loans.
• Equity: Owner’s capital, retained earnings.

**2. Account Types:

• Real Accounts: Tangible and intangible assets.
• Nominal Accounts: Income and expenses.

Key Events

• 1494: Luca Pacioli’s publication, “Summa de Arithmetica,” outlined double-entry bookkeeping principles.
• 19th Century: Modern accounting frameworks began incorporating formal definitions of opening balances.
• 20th Century: The establishment of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and international financial reporting standards (IFRS) formalized the concept.

Detailed Explanations

Brought Down (b/d) represents an opening balance carried forward from the last period to the current period. This practice ensures that financial continuity is maintained, and all transactions of the previous period are accounted for.

Mathematical Models/Formulas

The calculation involves simple arithmetic:

$$ \text{Opening Balance} = \text{Closing Balance from Previous Period} $$

Charts and Diagrams

    graph TD;
	    A[Previous Period Closing Balance] -->|Brought Down| B[Current Period Opening Balance]
	    B --> C[Current Period Transactions]
	    C --> D[Current Period Closing Balance]
	    D --> E[Next Period Opening Balance]

Importance and Applicability

• Continuity: Ensures seamless continuity of financial records across accounting periods.
• Accuracy: Helps in maintaining accurate financial statements.
• Auditing: Facilitates easier auditing and financial review.

Examples

• Cash Account:

  • Previous Period Closing Balance: $5,000
  • Current Period Opening Balance: $5,000

• Inventory Account:

  • Previous Period Closing Balance: $20,000
  • Current Period Opening Balance: $20,000

Considerations

• Ensure accurate recording of closing balances.
• Properly adjust for any errors or adjustments in the closing balances before carrying them forward.

Related Terms with Definitions

• Carried Down (c/d): The term used for the closing balance of a period.
• Trial Balance: A statement listing the closing balances of all ledger accounts.

Comparisons

• Brought Down (b/d) vs. Carried Down (c/d):
  • Brought Down: Opening balance at the start of a period.
  • Carried Down: Closing balance at the end of a period.

Interesting Facts

• The term Brought Down (b/d) is primarily used in traditional bookkeeping, but the concept is universally applicable in modern accounting software.

Inspirational Stories

• Luca Pacioli: The father of accounting who formalized the double-entry system, laying the foundation for modern financial practices.

Famous Quotes

“Accounting does not make corporate earnings or balance sheets more volatile. Accounting just increases the transparency of volatility in earnings.” – Diane Garnick

Proverbs and Clichés

• “Balance your books and your life will follow.”

Expressions, Jargon, and Slang

• Ledger Balance: The current balance of an account as recorded in the ledger.
• Bookkeeping Entry: A record of financial transactions in an account.

FAQs

What is meant by 'brought down'?

‘Brought down’ (b/d) refers to an opening balance transferred from the previous accounting period to the current period.

Why is 'brought down' important?

It ensures the continuity and accuracy of financial records across different accounting periods.

Is 'brought down' applicable in all types of accounts?

Yes, ‘brought down’ can be applied to asset, liability, and equity accounts.

References

1. Pacioli, Luca. Summa de Arithmetica, Geometria, Proportioni et Proportionalita. 1494.
2. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
3. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Summary

The concept of “Brought Down” (b/d) is crucial in book-keeping and accounting, representing an opening balance carried forward from the previous period. It maintains financial continuity, enhances the accuracy of records, and simplifies auditing processes. Understanding the nuances of brought down balances is essential for accurate financial reporting and sound accounting practices.