This introduction to accounting and its significant role in making sound business decisions teaches readers how to be wise users, not necessarily preparers of accounting informationa strong user-based approach that is endorsed and supported by the AECC.The authors present accounting information in a broader business context-emphasizing what accounting information is, why it is important, and how it is used to make strategic economic decisionscoverage of financial and management accounting included. Specific chapter topics discuss business in the United States, economic decision making, the balance sheet, income statement and statement of owners' equity, accumulating accounting data, challenging issues under accrual accounting, financial statement analysis, the future of management accounting, classifying costs, determining costs of products, business decisions using cost behavior, making decisions using relevant information. evaluating capital expenditures, the operating budget, standard costing, and evaluating performance.For individuals with a future, career and interest in accounting.