Which accounting concept mandates that revenue should be recognized when it is earned?

The concept that mandates revenue recognition when it is earned is accrual basis accounting. Under this framework, revenue is recognized when it is realizable and earned, rather than when cash is received. This approach aligns well with the economic reality of transactions, allowing for a more accurate reflection of a company's financial performance during a particular period.

Accrual basis accounting encompasses the idea that businesses should recognize income as soon as they have completed the necessary actions to earn it, which is pivotal for providing a clear picture of financial health. For instance, if a company delivers goods or provides services, the revenue from that transaction is recognized at that moment, even if payment is not received until a later date. This principle ensures that financial statements provide relevant information to stakeholders regarding the timing and amount of revenues and expenses.

In contrast, cash basis accounting recognizes revenue only when cash is received, which can lead to misleading financial statements that do not accurately reflect a company’s ongoing operations. The conservatism principle and matching principle also play significant roles in accounting, but they do not specifically dictate the timing of revenue recognition in the same way that accrual accounting does. The matching principle focuses on aligning expenses with revenues within the same period, ensuring that income statements provide a consistent view of