Southern New Hampshire University

ACC-318: Intermediate Accounting II

A study guide to ACC-318 at SNHU, which covers the liabilities and equity side of the balance sheet and the statement of cash flows.

Updated October 2026 · 5 min read

ACC-318 at Southern New Hampshire University is Intermediate Accounting II in SNHU's current accounting programs.

SNHU describes it as a study of the liabilities and equities side of the balance sheet, applying accounting concepts for the proper preparation of financial statements.

Students analyze the inflows and outflows of cash for an organization and prepare accurate cash flow statements using the direct and indirect methods, using authentic tools and technologies to apply accounting principles to a variety of financial reporting situations.

The cash flow statement is where many students meet their hardest test. It pulls together everything from the income statement and both balance sheets, so a single misclassified item or missed non-cash adjustment leaves the statement out of balance.

Liabilities and equity bring their own detail: bonds, notes, contingencies, share issues and dividends all need precise entries.

Course at a Glance

ItemDetails
UniversitySouthern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Course codeACC-318
LevelUndergraduate, upper level
ProgramsListed in SNHU's BS in Accounting and undergraduate accounting certificate
Subject areaFinancial reporting (US GAAP)
Typical workProblem sets, statement preparation with industry tools, cash flow statements, written explanations

What ACC-318 Covers

Area (SNHU description)What it involves
LiabilitiesCurrent liabilities, notes and bonds payable, contingencies
EquityShare capital, retained earnings, dividends, treasury shares
Preparing financial statementsPresenting liabilities and equity correctly with disclosures
Cash inflows and outflowsClassifying operating, investing and financing activities
Direct and indirect methodsTwo ways of presenting operating cash flow
Industry toolsApplying principles with professional software or spreadsheets

Key Concepts Explained

Indirect Method: From Profit to Cash

The indirect method starts with net income and adjusts for non-cash items and changes in working capital. Increases in current assets reduce cash; increases in current liabilities add to it.

Example: Net income is $80,000. Depreciation is $15,000. Accounts receivable rose by $12,000, inventory fell by $5,000 and accounts payable rose by $4,000. Operating cash flow = $80,000 + $15,000 - $12,000 + $5,000 + $4,000 = $92,000.

Direct Method: Cash in, Cash Out

The direct method lists major operating receipts and payments, such as cash from customers and cash paid to suppliers. It is easier for readers to follow, and companies that use it also provide a reconciliation of net income to operating cash flow.

Example: Sales are $500,000 and accounts receivable rose by $12,000 during the year. Cash collected from customers is $500,000 - $12,000 = $488,000.

Treasury Shares

When a company buys back its own shares, the cost method records them as a reduction of equity, not as an asset. Reissuing them above cost credits additional paid-in capital, never a gain on the income statement.

Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them

Assignment typeWhat it testsHow to approach it
Cash flow statementClassification and reconciliationList every balance sheet change, then classify each one
Liability problemsMeasurement of debt and contingenciesBuild interest schedules before writing entries
Equity problemsShare issues, dividends, buybacksTrack each equity account in a roll-forward table
Statements with toolsAccurate, well-presented outputReconcile cash to the balance sheet before submitting

A Method for Any Cash Flow Problem

Cash flow statements become manageable with a fixed routine. Start by computing the change in every balance sheet account. Mark each change as operating, investing or financing.

Pull in non-cash items from the income statement, such as depreciation and gains or losses on disposals, and remove gains from operating activities because the full sale proceeds belong in investing. Finally, check that the net change in cash matches the change between the two balance sheets.

If it does not, the difference itself is a clue. A gap equal to a single account change usually means it was left out; a gap of double that amount usually means the sign was reversed. Non-cash investing and financing activities, such as buying equipment by issuing a note, are disclosed separately rather than shown in the statement.

Where Students Get Stuck

Study Tips for ACC-318

How We Help with ACC-318

Send the instructions, data, any tool exports and the rubric. An accounting tutor prepares worked statements and schedules, explains the standards behind them, or reviews your cash flow statement line by line. For wider support, see our accounting assignment help guide.

GradeEssays is independent of Southern New Hampshire University. Our models help you learn the method; complete and submit your own work under SNHU's academic integrity policy. Orders are written from scratch with free revisions within the scope of your original request.

Get Your Liabilities, Equity and Cash Flows Right

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does ACC-318 cover?

SNHU describes it as studying liabilities and equity, preparing financial statements, and preparing cash flow statements using the direct and indirect methods.

Is ACC-318 the same as ACC-308?

Both are titled Intermediate Accounting II. ACC-318 is the number in SNHU's current program pages; check your degree map for the course that applies to you.

Which cash flow method is harder?

Most students find the indirect method harder at first because of the working capital adjustments, but it becomes routine with practice.

Where do interest payments go on the cash flow statement?

Under US GAAP, interest paid is classified as an operating activity.

Why does my cash flow statement not balance?

Common causes are a missed account change, a reversed sign, or a gain left in operating activities.

Can you check my statement of cash flows?

Yes. We review each line, explain any errors and show the correct classification.