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KASNEB · FoundationFinancial AccountingBETA — flag if wrong

Introduction to Company Accounts and Cash Flow Statements

Share capital and reserves, simple final accounts of a limited company, and a basic statement of cash flows (IAS 7) using the indirect method.

5objectives
5revision lessons
12practice questions

What you’ll learn

Aligned to the KASNEB Financial Accounting syllabus.

Understanding Share Capital in Company Accounts

BETA — flag if wrongAI 100

In company accounts, share capital is crucial for understanding a company's financial structure. It is categorized into several types: authorised, issued, called-up, and paid-up share capital.

  1. Authorised Share Capital: This is the maximum amount of share capital that a company is allowed to issue to shareholders as specified in its Memorandum of Association under the Companies Act 2015. For instance, a company may have an authorised share capital of KES 10 million.

  2. Issued Share Capital: This refers to the portion of the authorised share capital that has actually been issued to shareholders. If a company issues shares worth KES 6 million, this amount represents its issued share capital.

  3. Called-up Share Capital: This is the part of the issued share capital that the company has requested shareholders to pay. For example, if the company calls up KES 4 million of the issued shares, this amount is the called-up share capital.

  4. Paid-up Share Capital: This is the portion of the called-up share capital that shareholders have actually paid. If shareholders pay KES 3 million of the called-up amount, the paid-up share capital is KES 3 million.

Understanding these distinctions is essential for preparing financial statements and analyzing a company's equity structure.

Key points

  • Authorised capital is the max allowed by law.
  • Issued capital is the amount actually issued to shareholders.
  • Called-up capital is what the company requests payment for.
  • Paid-up capital is what shareholders have actually paid.
Worked example

Share Capital Example

Company ABC Ltd. has the following share capital details:

  • Authorised share capital: KES 10,000,000
  • Issued share capital: KES 6,000,000
  • Called-up share capital: KES 4,000,000
  • Paid-up share capital: KES 3,000,000

Share Capital Breakdown

| Date | Particulars | KES | |------------|----------------------------|--------------| | 2026-01-01 | Authorised Capital | 10,000,000 | | 2026-01-01 | Issued Capital | 6,000,000 | | 2026-01-01 | Called-up Capital | 4,000,000 | | 2026-01-01 | Paid-up Capital | 3,000,000 |

More on this topic

CF11.12.b Accounting for Share Issues at Par and PremiumBETA — flag if wrongAI 100
In company accounts, shares can be issued at par or at a premium. When shares are issued at par, the issue price equals the nominal value of the shares. For example, if a company issues 1,000 shares with a nominal value of KES 10 each at par, the total proceeds will be KES 10,000. This is recorded as a credit to the share capital account.

When shares are issued at a premium, the issue price exceeds the nominal value. For example, if the same 1,000 shares are issued at KES 12 each, the total proceeds will be KES 12,000, with KES 10,000 credited to share capital and KES 2,000 credited to the share premium account. The share premium account is a part of equity but is distinct from share capital.

Under the Companies Act 2015, any premium received on shares must be credited to a separate share premium account. This account cannot be used for dividend payments but can be utilized for issuing bonus shares or writing off expenses related to the issue of shares.

It is crucial to ensure that all entries are accurately recorded in the financial statements, reflecting the correct equity structure of the company.
CF11.12.c Preparing Final Accounts for a Private Limited CompanyBETA — flag if wrongAI 100
Final accounts for a private limited company consist of the Statement of Profit or Loss (SOPL) and the Statement of Financial Position (SOFP). The SOPL shows the company's revenues and expenses, leading to the net profit for the period. The SOFP displays the company's assets, liabilities, and equity at a specific date.

In Kenya, private limited companies must comply with the Companies Act 2015 and prepare their accounts in accordance with IFRS. Appropriation of profits is crucial as it determines how the net profit is distributed among shareholders and retained in the business. Typically, profits are allocated to dividends, retained earnings, and reserves.

The cash flow statement, governed by IAS 7, provides insights into cash inflows and outflows from operating, investing, and financing activities. This statement is essential for assessing the liquidity and financial health of the company.

When preparing these accounts, ensure all figures are accurate and reflect the company's transactions throughout the financial year. It is also important to note that any adjustments for accruals and prepayments should be made to ensure compliance with the accrual basis of accounting.
CF11.12.d Preparing a Cash Flow Statement using the Indirect MethodBETA — flag if wrongAI 100
The statement of cash flows provides information about cash inflows and outflows during a period, categorized into operating, investing, and financing activities. The indirect method, as outlined in IAS 7, starts with net profit and adjusts for non-cash transactions and changes in working capital.

To prepare a cash flow statement using the indirect method, follow these steps:
1. Begin with net profit from the income statement.
2. Adjust for non-cash items such as depreciation, amortization, and impairment losses.
3. Account for changes in working capital accounts, including accounts receivable, inventory, and accounts payable. An increase in current assets is a cash outflow, while an increase in current liabilities is a cash inflow.
4. Finally, include cash flows from investing and financing activities, such as purchases of fixed assets and issuance of shares.

In Kenya, businesses must comply with the Companies Act 2015 and applicable IFRS standards when preparing financial statements, including the cash flow statement.
CF11.12.e Classifying cash flows: Operating, Investing, FinancingBETA — flag if wrongAI 100
Cash flows are classified into three main categories in the Statement of Cash Flows (IAS 7): operating, investing, and financing activities. Understanding these classifications is crucial for analyzing a company's financial health and liquidity.

1. Operating Activities: These are the cash flows from the core business operations. They include cash receipts from customers and cash payments to suppliers and employees. For example, cash received from sales of goods and services, and payments made for operating expenses.

2. Investing Activities: These cash flows relate to the acquisition and disposal of long-term assets and investments. This includes cash spent on purchasing property, plant, and equipment (PPE) or cash received from selling these assets. For example, if a company buys a new machine, that cash outflow is classified as investing.

3. Financing Activities: These involve cash flows related to obtaining or repaying capital. This includes cash received from issuing shares or borrowing and cash paid for dividends or loan repayments. For instance, if a company issues shares to raise capital, that inflow is classified as financing.

In Kenya, understanding these classifications helps stakeholders assess liquidity and financial performance, especially for firms listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. Proper classification ensures compliance with IFRS and aids in effective financial reporting.

Sample KASNEB-style questions

3 of 12 questions. Beta-flagged questions are AI-drafted and pending CPA review — flag anything that looks wrong.

Q1 · SHORT ANSWER · easyVerified by Kenyan CPAAI 94

Define authorised share capital in the context of a newly incorporated company in Kenya. (2 marks)

Q2 · SHORT ANSWER · mediumBETA — flag if wrong

(b) Apex Ltd. has prepared the following trial balance as at 30 September 2014: Sh. ‘000’ Sh. ‘000’ Freehold land at cost Buildings at cost Plant and equipment at cost Motor vehicles at cost Accumulated depreciation: Buildings Plant and equipment Motor vehicles Inventory as at 1 October 2013 Trade receivables and trade payables Bank and cash Sales Purchases Returns inward and returns outward Discounts allowed and discounts received Administrative expenses Selling and distribution costs Ordinary shares of Sh.100 each Retained earnings Suspense account 60,000 50,000 120,000 32,000 74,000 122,500 3,500 134,630 12,900 3,200 22,150 6,900 - 641,780 20,000 74,000 16,800 99,800 249,760 4,875 1,850 100,000 69,695 5,000 641,780 Additional information: 1. Inventory as at 30 September 2014 was valued at Sh.124, 875,000. 2. As at 30 September 2014, the following balances were relevant: Accruals Sh. ‘000’ Prepayments Sh. ‘000’ Administrative expenses Distribution costs 500 5,300 12,000 8,000 3. Depreciation is to be provided as follows: Asset Rate per annum Buildings Plant and equipment Motor vehicles 4% on cost 20% on cost 25% on reducing balance 4. Motor vehicles acquired for Sh.14, 000,000 in total and written down to Sh.6, 000,000 as at 1 October 2013 were sold for Sh.5, 000,000. The cash proceeds were posted in the suspense account. 5. Estimated tax for the year is Sh.15 million. Required: (i) Income statement for the year ended 30 September 2014. (ii) Statement of financial position as at 30 September 2014. REVISION PARTNER 32 CPA SEC 1-FA, LAW AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Q3 · SHORT ANSWER · mediumBETA — flag if wrong

The following balances were extracted from the books of Upendo Ltd. for the year ended 31 December 2013: Sh. ‘000’ Ordinary shares 8% preference shares Inventory (31 December 2013) Trade receivables Bank balance 10% debentures General reserves Gross profit for the year Bad debts Salaries and wages Insurance and rates Telephone expenses Electricity expenses Debenture interest Directors' fees General expenses Motor vehicles at cost Accumulated depreciation on motor vehicles Office equipment at cost Accumulated depreciation on office equipment Land Buildings at cost Trade payables Revenue reserves (I January 2013) 120,000 40,000 83,852 27,200 7,796 16,000 28,000 81,508 340 28,200 1,410 620 1,216 800 2,500 3,108 29,100 22,300 44,640 17,200 100,000 32,200 13,722 24,252 Additional information: 1. Accrued electricity expenses as at 31 December 2013 amounted to Sh.548,000. 2. The amount for insurance includes a premium of Sh.300,000 paid in September 2013 to cover the company for six months from 1 October 2013 to 31 March 2014. 3. Depreciation is to be provided as follows: Office equipment - 15% per annum on cost Motor vehicles - 20% per annum on cost 4. Provisions are to be made for: • Directors fees - Sh.5,000,000 • Audit fees - Sh.1,200,000 • Outstanding debenture interest. 5. The directors have recommended the following: • Sh.12,000,000 be transferred to general reserves. • Dividends on preference shares be paid. • Payment of a 10% dividend on ordinary shares. Note: Ignore depreciation on buildings Required: (a) Income statement for the year ended 31 December 2013. (b) Statement of financial position as at 31 December 2013.

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Common questions

Distinguish between authorised, issued, called-up and paid-up share capital

Authorised capital is the max allowed by law.

Account for the issue of shares at par and at a premium

Shares can be issued at par or at a premium.

Prepare simple final accounts of a private limited company including appropriation

Final accounts include SOPL and SOFP.

Prepare a basic statement of cash flows using the indirect method (IAS 7)

Cash flow statement shows cash inflows and outflows.

Classify cash flows as operating, investing or financing

Operating activities: core business cash flows.

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