Which statement correctly describes accrual accounting?

Accrual accounting is a method that recognizes revenue when it is earned, regardless of when the cash is actually received. This distinction is crucial because it aligns the recognition of revenue with the period in which the underlying economic activity occurs, providing a more accurate picture of a company's financial performance during a specific time frame. For instance, if a service is provided in December but the payment is received in January, accrual accounting would still recognize the revenue in December, as that is when the service was rendered.

This approach also applies to expenses, which are recorded when they are incurred rather than when they are paid. By doing so, accrual accounting helps in matching revenues with their related expenses, a principle known as the matching principle, thus giving stakeholders a clearer view of financial health and operational efficiency.

In contrast, the other choices primarily highlight other forms of accounting practices or misconceptions about when transactions are recognized, which do not align with the fundamental principles of accrual accounting.