Intermediate Accounting provides students with a core body of knowledge and a solid foundation in the necessary procedures, yet offers a streamlined approach more conceptual in nature than other texts. Authors Norton, Diamond, and Pagach recognize that the role of the accountant has expanded well beyond basic recording and reporting functions. Accounting professionals must lead businesses and interpret the implications of business transactions and industry events. This text responds to the demands students will face as future accountants, enabling them to think critically and to understand the "why" of accounting as well as the "how." A combination of print and electronic resources ensure that students can practice the skills they need to succeed in the course. Real financial statements provide a basis for comparison and analysis, while "Point/Counterpoint" features present contrasting perspectives on controversial accounting topics. Through CPA Exam Simulations and other web-based activities, students conduct research, prepare reports, communicate financial information, and apply critical-thinking and decision-making skills. While maintaining a preparer-based approach, the text introduces a user orientation that emphasizes analysis and interpretation of financial statements. This streamlined text presents a core body of knowledge, verified through research with academicians and practitioners. "Financial Reporting Cases" open each chapter and present business strategies employed by real companies. Real financial statements of two or more contrasting companies, generally within the same industry, are introduced in most chapters as a basis for comparison and analysis. End-of-chapter assignment material--while requiring students to prepare statements and solve problems based on quantitative data--also include skills-based components designed to develop students' communication, research, analysis, and decision-making skills. CPA Exam Simulations and other web-based activities provide additional opportunities for students to practice researching and interpreting standards, preparing reports, using spreadsheets, communicating financial information, and applying critical-thinking skills. Coverage of ethics and corporate responsibility issues is introduced in a number a ways: dedicated chapter sections on ethics; critical-thinking questions tied to learning objectives; end-of-chapter cases; and unique "Point/Counterpoint" spreads, which present the contrasting viewpoints of prominent financial professionals on controversial accounting issues. Bridge tutorial software integrated with the text's review chapter (Chapter 1) includes a series of interactive tutorials designed to reinforce accounting transactions, review the debit/credit mechanism, and provide a foundation for the preparation of financial statements. Part of the Student CD-ROM, this resource brings students up to speed quickly and is included with new Intermediate Accounting texts. Eduspace, a web-based online homework system, includes a set of algorithmic exercises and problems, providing students with ample practice opportunities. Students can complete text assignments online, submit them electronically, and receive immediate feedback. Completed assignments are automatically graded and entered into the online gradebook, saving instructors valuable time. The platform also includes a link to CPAexcel, an online CPA exam review course.