The Matching Principle Revisited

Accounting Historians Journal (June 2016)

50 Pages Posted: 20 Apr 2016 Last revised: 11 Nov 2018

See all articles by Ally Zimmerman

Ally Zimmerman

Florida State University - Department of Accounting

Robert Bloom

John Carroll University

Date Written: April 8, 2016

Abstract

This paper reassesses the significance of the concept of matching expenses to revenues as an accounting principle. We compare and contrast the historical views of authoritative bodies and the various scholars and practitioners who analyze this subject, drawing implications for future standard setting. Through this historical retrospective on matching, which includes a review of more contemporary research and thought, we find that matching as an approach to income measurement can be helpful in forecasting earning power. Consequently, we conclude that matching should be retained as a long-standing fundamental accounting principle in standard-setting and in practice.

Keywords: matching, conceptual framework, history

JEL Classification: M4

Suggested Citation

Zimmerman, Aleksandra and Bloom, Robert, The Matching Principle Revisited (April 8, 2016). Accounting Historians Journal (June 2016), Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2766630

Aleksandra Zimmerman (Contact Author)

Florida State University - Department of Accounting ( email )

Rovetta Business Bldg. (RBA)
College of Business
Tallahassee, FL 32306-1110
United States

Robert Bloom

John Carroll University ( email )

University Heights, OH 44118
United States

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