An accrued asset refers to revenues that are what?

An accrued asset pertains to revenues that have been earned but not yet received or recorded in the financial statements. This situation often arises in accounting when a company has provided goods or services to a client, but payment has not yet been received by the end of the accounting period. Under the accrual basis of accounting, revenues must be recognized when they are earned, regardless of whether cash has been exchanged.

This principle ensures that financial statements reflect the true financial position of a business, accurately capturing all income generated during the reporting period. Recognizing these accrued revenues allows companies to match income with related expenses, providing a clearer picture of profitability.

The other responses address different concepts in accounting. Some may refer to cash transactions, future benefits, or tangible items, but they do not align with the definition of accrued assets as accurately as the correct choice does. This distinction is crucial for understanding how revenues are reported and managed in accrual accounting.