Trade-Off
A trade-off involves giving up one benefit or advantage to gain another that seems more favorable. This concept is prevalent in various decision-making processes where resources such as time, money, and effort are limited. Trade-offs are a fundamental aspect of economics, business strategy, and personal decision-making. For example, investing in education might involve a financial loss in the short term but yield higher earning potential in the future.
Trademark
A Trademark is a distinctive symbol or device used to identify and differentiate the products of a particular trader from those of others. Trademarks offer legal protection and can be registered for exclusive use.
Trader
A trader is generally anyone who buys and sells goods or services for profit, also known as a dealer or merchant. In the context of investment, a trader refers to an individual who actively buys and sells securities for their own account.
Trading Account
A trading account, crucial in financial accounting, involves comparing the cost of sales with the revenue generated to determine the gross profit within a profit and loss account.
Trading Authorization
Trading authorization is a document giving a brokerage firm employee acting as an agent (broker) the power of attorney to buy and sell transactions for a customer.
Trading Blocs
Trading blocs are agreements between multiple countries that aim to make trade easier and more beneficial for member nations while typically imposing trade barriers on non-members.
Trading Halt
A trading halt is a temporary suspension of trading for a particular security, typically imposed by a regulatory authority to ensure fair trading and to allow the dissemination of important information.
Trading Limit
A trading limit, also known as a fluctuation limit, is the maximum amount that the price of a commodity future, option, or listed security may fluctuate during a trading session.
Trading Post
A trading post is a physical location on a stock exchange floor where specific securities are bought and sold. It serves as a focal point for the activities of market makers, brokers, and traders.
Trading Profit
Trading Profit represents the profit of an organization before deductions for interest, directors' fees, auditors' remuneration, and other similar expenses. It is crucial for assessing the core operating efficiency of a business.
Trading Range
A trading range is defined both in commodities and securities markets, encompassing the price limits within which a commodity or security is allowed to move during a trading day.
Trading Unit
In financial markets, a trading unit refers to the standard number of shares, bonds, or other securities that is generally accepted for ordinary trading purposes on exchanges.
Traditional Costing System
Traditional costing systems are methods used to allocate indirect costs (overheads) to products, but they may not offer accurate product cost information due to their arbitrary allocation methods. These systems have strengths such as simplicity and cost-efficiency, but weaknesses include lack of precision in contemporary multiproduct environments.
Traditional Economy
An economy dominated by methods and techniques that have strong social support even though they may be old-fashioned or out of date.
Traffic
In communications, 'traffic' refers to the flow of data over telephone lines or other communications networks, whereas in retailing, it denotes the activity of potential customers, such as pedestrian traffic.
Tramp
A tramp ship or boat is a maritime vessel that does not follow a regular schedule or itinerary; instead, it travels wherever freight shipments take it.
Tranche
A tranche is a portion or slice of a larger sum of money or a security with differing risk-return profiles used in financial operations such as loans, funding, and securitizations.
Transaction
A transaction is an external or internal event that causes a change affecting the operations or finances of an organization.
Transaction Cost
Transaction costs are the expenses incurred during the process of buying or selling investments. They are critical to consider as they can significantly impact the net gains from transactions.
Transaction Costs
Transaction Costs refer to the various expenses incurred when making a transaction, beyond the actual price of the goods or services exchanged. These can include research, bargaining, and enforcement costs, among others.
Transaction Exposure
Transaction exposure refers to the risk that a firm's exposure to exchange-rate fluctuations will impact the value of anticipated cash flows from a transaction when the contractual obligation is settled.
Transaction File
A computer file used to record both external and internal transactions, crucial for maintaining accurate and up-to-date financial records. Transaction files are frequently compared to standing data files in accounting systems.
Transactions Demand for Money
Transactions demand for money pertains to the necessity of keeping liquid assets, primarily cash, on hand to manage daily transactions. This is a fundamental motive for individuals and businesses to hold money.
Transfer Agent
A transfer agent is an individual or firm responsible for maintaining records of a corporation’s shareholders, including names, addresses, and the number of shares owned. They handle the issuance and cancellation of stock certificates when shares are bought or sold.
Transfer Credit Risk
Transfer credit risk refers to the risk faced by a creditor, often in long-term contracts, due to a foreign debtor's inability to obtain foreign currency from the central bank despite being able and willing to pay. It is an aspect of international credit exposure.
Transfer Development Rights (TDR)
Transfer Development Rights (TDR) is a zoning ordinance mechanism designed to protect land designated for low-density development or conservation by allowing property owners to trade development rights.
Transfer of a Going Concern (TOGC)
Under VAT regulations, the disposal of a business by a registered trader to another VAT-registered trader, on which VAT is not charged. However, new measures were introduced in the 2004 Budget to counter VAT-avoidance schemes utilizing the rules on TOGC. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is responsible for applying these rules.
Transfer Payment
A transfer payment is a payment made by the government to individuals, which is not in exchange for goods or services. It includes payments such as Social Security benefits, unemployment insurance, and welfare.
Transfer Price
Transfer price refers to the price charged by individual entities of a multi-entity corporation on transactions among themselves. It is also termed transfer cost and is predominantly used where each entity is managed as a profit center and must deal with other internal parts of the corporation on an arm's length basis.
Transfer Prices
Transfer prices refer to the costs at which goods and services are exchanged between divisions or subsidiaries within a conglomerate. They significantly influence the profitability of each division and can serve multiple strategic purposes including motivating managers, evaluating performance, maintaining autonomy, and moving profits.
Transfer Tax
Transfer tax is a tax paid upon the passing of title to property or to a valuable interest. This tax can apply to real estate transactions and certain financial transactions.
Transferable Loan Facility (TLF)
A Transferable Loan Facility (TLF) allows a lender to transfer the rights of the loan to a third party without the need to inform the borrower, making it a flexible financial instrument.
Transformational Leadership
A motivational management method whereby employees are encouraged to achieve greater performance through inspirational leadership, which develops employee self-confidence and higher achievement goals.
Transient
A transient condition refers to a temporary, fleeting, or passing phenomenon. It denotes a state or event of brief duration.
Transient Worker
A transient worker is an individual who frequently moves from one job to another, lacks a fixed residence, and does not have a specific business locality. Each location where they work becomes their primary business and tax home, and they are not able to deduct expenses for meals and lodging.
Translate
Translation involves expressing text or speech from one language into another, making it comprehensible in a different linguistic context. It also refers to the broader process of transforming text to another form.
Translation Exposure (Accounting Exposure)
Translation exposure, also known as accounting exposure, is a type of financial risk that results from the translation of an entity's assets and liabilities from one currency to another.
Translation Risk
Translation risk, also known as currency risk, is the monetary value risk that occurs in international trade when two or more currencies are used in a transaction. The longer the period before the transaction ends, the greater the translation risk.
Transmittal Letter
A transmittal letter is a letter sent with a document, security, or shipment describing the contents and the purpose of the transaction.
Transnational
Transnational refers to activities, processes, or phenomena that extend beyond national boundaries. This term is often used in the context of business, law, communications, and socio-political movements, among others.
Transparency
Transparency in financial reporting refers to the ease of understanding financial information through the full, clear, and timely disclosure of relevant details. It enables stakeholders to make informed decisions and detect fraudulent activities or manipulations.
Transportation Insurance
Transportation insurance is a type of insurance coverage that protects goods and merchandise while they are in transit from one location to another, whether that takes place via road, rail, sea, or air.
Travel and Entertainment (T&E) Expenses
Travel and Entertainment (T&E) expenses are ordinary and necessary expenses incurred while traveling away from home for business purposes, subject to specific tax regulations.
Treasurer
A treasurer is a key financial executive responsible for managing the financial assets and liabilities of an organization, ensuring sound financial practices, and maintaining strategic relationships with financial markets.
Treasuries
Treasuries are negotiable debt obligations of the U.S. government, secured by its full faith and credit, and issued at various schedules and maturities. The income from U.S. Treasury securities is exempt from state and local taxes but subject to federal taxes.
Treasury Bill (T-Bill)
A U.S. government promissory note issued by the U.S. Treasury with a maturity period of up to one year. T-Bills are sold at a discount to face value, which is paid out at maturity, providing interest income to the investor.
Treasury Bond
A Treasury Bond (T-Bond) is a long-term debt instrument issued by the U.S. government, as well as a term for bonds bought back by corporations.
Treasury Decision (T.D.)
A Treasury Decision (T.D.) is a formal pronouncement issued by the United States Department of Treasury that implements, interprets, or prescribes law or policy related to taxation and the Internal Revenue Code.
Treasury Department
The Treasury Department is an executive department of the U.S. government responsible for managing national finances, including collecting taxes, paying bills, and managing currency, government accounts, and public debt. It aims to promote economic growth and stability.
Treasury Direct
TreasuryDirect is an electronic platform that allows individual investors to purchase U.S. Treasury securities directly from the government, thus bypassing intermediaries like banks and brokers.
Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS)
Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) are U.S. Treasury securities designed to help investors protect against inflation. The principal of TIPS increases with inflation and decreases with deflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS)
Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) are a type of inflation-indexed treasury bonds that adjust their principal value based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). TIPS offer protection against inflation while providing a lower interest rate.
Treasury Investors Growth Receipt (TIGR/TIGER)
TIGERs (Treasury Investors Growth Receipts) are U.S. government-backed bonds stripped of their coupons and sold separately at a deep discount.
Treasury Note
Intermediate-term (one to 10 years) obligation of the U.S. government that bears interest paid by coupon. Treasury notes carry the highest domestic credit standing and have the lowest taxable yield available at equivalent maturity.
Treasury Stock
Treasury stock refers to shares of a company's own stock that have been reacquired by the company itself, subsequently reducing the number of shares available in the open market.
Tree Diagram
A tree diagram is a graphic representation of a sequence of events where subsequent decisions depend on the results of previous decisions. Tree diagrams are used to map the possible alternatives and develop strategies for decision making.
Trend
A trend is a general direction of movement that can be observed in various fields such as technology, economics, fashion, and finance. In the context of securities, a trend refers to the long-term price or trading volume movements, either up, down, or sideways, that characterize a particular market, commodity, or security, and also applies to interest rates and yields.
Trend Analysis
Trend analysis involves evaluating the performance of a company or industry over a period using accounting ratios to identify patterns and forecast future performance.
Trend Line
A Trend Line is a line drawn over pivot highs or under pivot lows to show the prevailing direction of price. Trend lines are a visual representation of support and resistance in any timeframe and are used by technical analysts to chart the past direction of a security or commodity future. By identifying these trends, analysts can make informed predictions about future price movements.
Trespass
Trespass refers to the unlawful entry or possession of another person's property without permission. It is a legal concept in property law covering physical intrusion on land, buildings, or personal space.
Trial and Error
Trial and error is an empirical method used to test a hypothesis or procedure by repeating an experiment until the chance of error or desired outcome is reliably achieved. It is commonly used in situations where no established theory is available.
Trial Balance
A trial balance is a bookkeeping worksheet in which the balances of all ledgers are compiled into debit and credit columns. This process helps ensure the accuracy of the company’s financial records and is a critical step in the accounting cycle.
Trial Buyer
In the context of commerce, a trial buyer is an individual or entity who participates in a trial offer, allowing them to test a product or service before fully committing to a purchase. This strategy is often used to attract potential customers by lowering their initial investment risk.
Trial Court
Trial courts are the first level of court where a case is initially heard and are responsible for examining the evidence and assessing the facts of a dispute. They are courts of original jurisdiction.
Trial Offer
A soft-offer technique that allows a first-time buyer to examine, use, or test a product for a short period of time before deciding to purchase or return it; also called free trial offer, free examination offer.
Trial Size
A small quantity of a product offered at no charge (or a low promotional price) to induce the customer to try the product, often used in product promotion.
Trickle Down Theory
The Trickle Down Theory is an economic concept suggesting that policies benefiting the wealthy and businesses can ultimately benefit lower-income individuals through increased economic activity.
Trigger Point, Trigger Price
A mechanism instituted to protect domestic markets from unfair competition by imposing trade restrictions when the price of an imported commodity drops below a specified threshold.
Trip Cargo Insurance
Trip Cargo Insurance protects goods in transit for a single trip, covering potential risks associated with transportation.
Triple Bottom Line Accounting (TBL)
Triple Bottom Line (TBL) accounting is an accounting framework that incorporates three dimensions of performance: social, environmental, and financial. TBL aims to evaluate a company's commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainable growth.
Triple Bottom-Line Accounting (TBL)
Triple Bottom-Line Accounting (TBL) is a method of measuring a company's social and environmental impact in addition to its economic value. This approach evaluates a company's performance through a three-pronged focus: economic profit and loss, corporate social responsibility, and environmental impact.
TRIPLE-A
The American Automobile Association (AAA), commonly referred to as Triple-A, is a federation of motor clubs throughout North America. The organization provides a variety of services to its members, including maps, tourist information, and emergency roadside assistance.
Triple-A Tenant
A Triple-A Tenant refers to a tenant with an excellent credit record, typically used in commercial real estate to indicate high financial stability and reliability.
Triple-Net Lease
A Triple-Net Lease (NNN) is a commercial real estate lease agreement in which the tenant agrees to pay all operating expenses related to the property, in addition to the rent paid to the landlord.
Trojan Horse (Malware)
A type of malware disguised as a benign, useful, and desirable program, such as a screensaver or game. Unlike viruses and worms, Trojans usually gain access through software intentionally installed by the user.
Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP)
The Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) was a U.S. government initiative aimed at stabilizing the financial system and restoring bank lending during the subprime mortgage crisis by purchasing up to $700 billion in troubled assets from financial institutions.
Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP)
A U.S. government program created to stabilize the financial system during the 2008 financial crisis by purchasing distressed assets and injecting capital into banks.
Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP)
The Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) was a U.S. Treasury program established under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (EESA) of 2008 to stabilize the financial system during the financial crisis by purchasing troubled assets and providing capital to financial institutions.
Troubleshooter
A troubleshooter is a person with specialized skills in identifying and solving issues within an organization. They are often employed to resolve technical or operational problems efficiently.
Trough
In economic terms, a trough signifies the lowest point in a business cycle, marking the end of a declining phase and the start of an expansion or recovery.
Troy Weight
Troy weight is a system of measurement used mainly for determining the weight of precious metals and gemstones.
Truckload (TL)
A truckload (TL) refers to a quantity of cargo that fills a truck to its maximum capacity, typically utilized in logistics and transportation for the efficient and cost-effective movement of goods.
True and Fair View
An essential audit concept, primarily used in the UK, requiring auditors to ensure that the published accounts of companies present a 'true and fair view' of the organization's financial position, even if it means departing from legal requirements.
True Lease
A True Lease is a leasing arrangement in which the lessor retains the risks and rewards of ownership, distinguishing it from other lease types like Financial Lease and Synthetic Lease.
Trueblood Report
The Trueblood Report, prepared by a committee chaired by Robert M. Trueblood and published by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) in 1971, aims to define the fundamental objectives of financial statements. The report was instrumental in shaping the Financial Accounting Standards Board's (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts No. 1.
Truncation
In banking, truncation refers to the elimination of the service of returning canceled checks to customers. In computing, truncation involves dropping digits to the right of the decimal point of a number.
Trust
An arrangement enabling property to be held by one or more trustees for the benefit of beneficiaries, commonly used to provide for families and in commercial situations.
Trust Account
A trust account is a separate bank account, segregated from a broker's own funds, where the broker is required by state law to deposit all monies collected for clients. This account is often also known as an escrow account in some states.
Trust Agreement
A Trust Agreement, also known as a Trust Instrument, is a legal document that sets up a trust and outlines the rules that must be followed by the trustee and the beneficiaries.
Trust Certificate
A trust certificate is a financial instrument issued to finance the purchase of railroad equipment. Under this arrangement, trustees hold the title to the equipment as security for the loan until the debt is fully repaid.
Trust Company
A trust company is an organization, often associated with a commercial bank, that acts as a trustee, fiduciary, or agent for individuals or businesses in managing various trust-related services.
Trust Deed
A trust deed is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of a trust, typically including the names of the trustees, the identity of the beneficiaries, the nature of the trust property, and the powers and duties of the trustees.
Trust Fund
A trust fund refers to real property or personal property held in trust for the benefit of another person. The trust fund's principal or body is called the corpus.
Trust Instrument
A trust instrument is a legal document that creates a trust and stipulates its terms, trustee, beneficiaries, income, and corpus disposition.
Trust Share
A trust share signifies partial participation and ownership in a corporation's management. It entitles the holder to a portion of the profits.
Trust, General Management
A comprehensive guide to understanding the nature, administration, and implications of general management in trust operations.
Trustee
A trustee is an individual or company holding legal title to property for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries, ensuring the property is managed in accordance with the terms of the trust.
Trustee in Bankruptcy
A trustee in bankruptcy is an individual or entity appointed to manage the property and financial affairs of a bankrupt individual or entity. The trustee's responsibilities include collecting and liquidating assets, distributing the proceeds to creditors, and ensuring that the bankruptcy process is conducted in accordance with applicable laws.

Accounting Terms Lexicon

Discover comprehensive accounting definitions and practical insights. Empowering students and professionals with clear and concise explanations for a better understanding of financial terms.