Using spreadsheets in accounting

Abstract

In the first example shown here we see the construction of a balance sheet using a spreadsheet, Quattro Pro for Windows in this case. The layout is with the assets and liabilities side by side, although it is common, particularly in company reports, to have them displayed one above the other. In the worksheet shown in Figure 9.1 certain cells are protected. These are the calculation cells that enable the balance to be made and so no entry need be made in them. Figure 9.2 shows the balance sheet as it appears on the screen, with the row and column names shown. Entries are made in the appropriate places, taking care that doubtful accounts and accumulated depreciations are entered as negative numbers. Cell C18 contains the calculation instruction