Question on M&I guide - Accrual vs Cash Accounting

I've been reviewing the M&A 400 investment banking questions guide, and came across the question:

"How is GAAP accounting different from tax accounting?" and the answer is:

"1. GAAP is accrual-based but tax is cash-based.
2. GAAP uses straight-line depreciation or a few other methods whereas tax
accounting is different (accelerated depreciation).
3. GAAP is more complex and more accurately tracks assets/liabilities whereas tax
accounting is only concerned with revenue/expenses in the current period and
what income tax you owe. "

On 1 and 2, I thought this wasn't always the case and was something that companies would choose? Can someone explain this answer to me?

 
 

Omnis fugiat cupiditate et ut ad. Aut ut dolorem dolorem voluptatum numquam nulla omnis possimus. Eos dolor nulla ad provident et voluptatibus et. Porro quo eos ut hic adipisci.

Fugiat sit aliquam animi et. Aliquid enim numquam maiores est. Dolor eius qui iste facilis quia. Molestiae assumenda corrupti rem reiciendis. Quia est quibusdam accusamus necessitatibus. Illum asperiores incidunt aut vitae.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
9
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”