Accrual accounting is a method of accounting that recognizes revenue and expenses when they are earned or incurred, regardless of when the cash is actually received or paid. This means that revenue is recognized when it is earned, even if the payment for the goods or services is not received until later. Similarly, expenses are recognized when they are incurred, even if the payment for the expense is not made until later.

To understand accrual accounting, it is important to understand the difference between revenue and cash receipts, and expenses and cash payments. Revenue is the income earned by a business from the sale of goods or services, while cash receipts are the actual payments received from customers for those goods or services. Expenses are the costs incurred by a business in the course of operating, while cash payments are the actual payments made for those expenses.

Accrual accounting recognizes revenue and expenses based on when they are earned or incurred, rather than when the cash is received or paid. This means that revenue and expenses are recorded in the period in which they occur, even if no cash changes hands at that time. This allows for a more accurate picture of a business's financial performance, as it takes into account all revenue and expenses, regardless of when the cash is received or paid.

Overall, accrual accounting provides a more accurate picture of a business's financial performance, as it recognizes revenue and expenses when they are earned or incurred, rather than when the cash is received or paid. This allows for a better understanding of a business's financial health and helps to make more informed decisions about future investments and expenditures.