What is accounting?

Accounting is concerned with analysing, collecting as well as communicating financial information. Purpose is to help people who use this info to make more informed decisions. If financial information which is communicated isn't capable of improving the quality of decisions made, there would be no point in producing it. Sometimes impression is given that purpose of accounting is basically to prepare financial reports consistently. Though it's true that accountants undertake this kind of work, it doesn't signify an end in itself. Ultimate purpose of the accountant's work is to give people better financial information on which to base their decisions.