Introduction to Business Documents (Cambridge (CIE) O Level Accounting)

Revision Note

Dan Finlay

Written by: Dan Finlay

Reviewed by: Lucy Kirkham

Purpose of Business Documents

What are business documents?

  • Business documents are used to keep records of all transactions

  • They are used as sources of information

    • The amounts are then entered into the books of prime entry

    • They can be used to check potential errors

What business documents do I need to know?

  • Invoices

  • Debit notes

  • Credit notes

  • Statements of account

  • Cheques 

  • Cheque counterfoils

  • Receipts

  • Paying-in slips

  • Bank statements

  • Petty cash vouchers

Trade Discount

What is a trade discount?

  • A trade discount is a reduction in the selling price of goods or services

  • Trade discount might be offered

    • If the customer buys in bulk

    • If the customer is a loyal and regular customer

  • Trade discount is applied before a transaction takes place

  • The discounted amount is the value that is entered into the books of prime entry

    • The value of the trade discount is not entered into the books of prime entry

    • Trade discount is not part of the double entry system

Cash Discount

What is a cash discount?

  • A cash discount is offered to credit customers for early repayment of an invoice

  • The supplier will state the deadline for payment in order to claim the cash discount

  • The amount before the cash discount is entered into the books of prime entry

  • When the customer pays early and claims the cash discount

    • The amount of cash discount is recorded in the books of prime entry

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Dan Finlay

Author: Dan Finlay

Expertise: Maths Lead

Dan graduated from the University of Oxford with a First class degree in mathematics. As well as teaching maths for over 8 years, Dan has marked a range of exams for Edexcel, tutored students and taught A Level Accounting. Dan has a keen interest in statistics and probability and their real-life applications.

Lucy Kirkham

Author: Lucy Kirkham

Expertise: Head of STEM

Lucy has been a passionate Maths teacher for over 12 years, teaching maths across the UK and abroad helping to engage, interest and develop confidence in the subject at all levels.Working as a Head of Department and then Director of Maths, Lucy has advised schools and academy trusts in both Scotland and the East Midlands, where her role was to support and coach teachers to improve Maths teaching for all.