In accounting this word is often included in the title of liability accounts. It means the amount owed by a company as of the balance sheet date, even if the company did not yet receive an invoice from the supplier. For example, the electric utility furnishes electricity for the month of January, but does not read the meter until February 1 and sends the invoice or bill on February 4. The company pays the bill on March 1. The electricity used in January is a payable or obligation on January 31. To learn more, see Explanation of Adjusting Entries.
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For the past 52 years, Harold Averkamp (CPA, MBA) has
worked as an accounting supervisor, manager, consultant, university instructor, and innovator in teaching accounting online. He is the sole author of all the materials on AccountingCoach.com.
