# Accrual Basis

The **accrual basis** records revenues and expenses at the moment they occur, regardless of when cash actually changes hands. This generates [payable](https://bkper.com/docs/guides/accounting-principles/payables/accounts-payable.md) or [receivable](https://bkper.com/docs/guides/accounting-principles/receivables/accounts-receivable.md) balances that represent outstanding obligations until the money moves.

When the cash does move — whether as a full settlement or a partial installment — a separate transaction records that payment.

## Example — a printing company

A printing company buys paper from a supplier and sells folders to a client, both on credit.

### The accounts

The book needs accounts that track the cash position, the counterparties, and the goods involved.

### Recording the purchase

The company buys printing paper on credit, then pays the supplier later. Two [transactions](https://bkper.com/docs/core-concepts.md#transactions) capture this:

| Date | Amount | From Account | | To Account | Description |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 05/07 | 3,000.00 | Supplier | >> | Paper | Printing Paper A4 300 |
| 31/07 | 3,000.00 | Bank Account | >> | Supplier | Payment |

### Recording the sale

The company sells folders on credit, then receives the payment from the client:

| Date | Amount | From Account | | To Account | Description |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 12/07 | 300.00 | Folders | >> | Client | 100 Color foldable Folders |
| 31/07 | 300.00 | Client | >> | Bank Account | Payment of the 100 Folders |

> **Note**
> With the accrual method you can track receivables and payables — obligations that remain visible in your balances until settled. This is not possible with the [cash basis](https://bkper.com/docs/guides/accounting-principles/accounting-methods/cash-basis.md) method, which only records transactions when money moves.