The Internet is a great place to find definitions of accounting terms and accounting dictionaries. The providers of accounting dictionaries and glossaries have the business person in mind. The accounting glossary and business accounting dictionary you find online should be easy to understand and should include reference links to other helpful and related terms.

Each accounting glossary and dictionary of accounting terms applies to general accounting, and some may even include terms for fields such as tax accounting, bookkeeping, international accounting and project accounting. When looking for accounting-related definitions consider the following:

1. Know where to look to find an accounting dictionary with several definitions spanning the wide field of accounting.

2. Understand the difference between an accounting terms dictionary and a glossary of accounting terms.

3. Know where to find definitions of accounting terms for specialized fields.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate an online accounting dictionary for general use

Whether you are a beginner to business accounting, or a long-term professional, quickly finding the definition of accounting terms when you need to is what matters most.

I recommend: An introductory dictionary to accounting terms can be found through BusinessTown.com. It is geared toward the business person who is just setting up an accounting system. AccountingCoach.com allows you to freely search, print and download their dictionary of accounting terms.

Pick a glossary of accounting terms with special focus

Your business needs may require an accounting term definition search for a particular topic, such as auditing, international, corporate or tax accounting. Find a specifically focused accounting glossary for the most business benefit.

I recommend: The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) offers an accounting glossary of terms with a narrowed focus on the needs of CPAs. SmartPros has an extensive glossary of international accounting terms. The New York State Society of CPAs (NYSSCPA) has a glossary of accounting terms for journalists and others who aren't in the field of accounting, but need to be able to speak intelligently about accounting.

Select an online accounting dictionary that covers the spectrum of accounting terms

Your business may require that you access general accounting terms and keep up-to-date with new industry terms. If you're curious about new accounting terminology or need a vocabulary refresher as you prepare for a professional exam, find what you need by using a large online accounting dictionary of terms.

I recommend: You can search for any accounting term and find its definition and also terms related to your search word with the Accounting Glossary. The Glossarist allows a search by keyword or term, and also offers links to other resources for accounting terms.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Create your own reference dictionary of the accounting terms your business uses to share internally, or with customers to assist them with understanding what you have to offer.