When Is a Trial Balance Usually Prepared

question 176

Multiple Choice

When is a trial balance usually prepared?

• A) after each entry is journalized
• B) before the financial statements are prepared
• C) after the financial statements are prepared
• D) at the beginning of an accounting period

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Definitions:

Absorption Costing

A costing method that includes all manufacturing costs - direct materials, direct labor, and both variable and fixed overhead - in the cost of a product.

Variable Costing

A costing approach where only the variable costs involved in production—such as raw materials, direct labor, and variable manufacturing expenses—are included in the cost of goods sold, leaving out fixed manufacturing overheads.

Contribution Margin

The amount by which the sales of a product exceed its variable costs, representing the portion of sales revenue that contributes to covering fixed costs and generating profit.

Unit Product Cost

The total cost (direct materials, direct labor, and overhead) to produce one unit of a product.