Joint-stock companies are among the most important legal forms for modern economic enterprises, distinguished by their ability to attract substantial capital through the issuance and trading of shares in financial markets. With the expansion of these companies' operations and the increasing complexity of their financial transactions, the need has arisen for a precise accounting system that ensures transparency, protects shareholders' rights, and supports sound economic decision-making. This is where the importance of accounting for joint-stock companies lies, as it provides the framework that regulates and documents financial transactions according to clear standards. First: The Concept of Joint-Stock Companies A joint-stock company is an independent legal entity comprised of a large number of shareholders. Shareholders are only liable for the company's debts up to the value of their shares. These companies are divided into: 1. Public Joint-Stock Companies: These companies offer their shares for public subscription. 2. Private Joint-Stock Companies: These companies do not offer their shares to the public and are limited to a small number of shareholders. Second: The Concept of Accounting for Joint-Stock Companies Accounting for joint-stock companies is the set of procedures and methods used to record, analyze, and present a company's financial transactions, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), with the aim of providing reliable information to shareholders, management, and regulatory bodies. Third: Characteristics of Accounting for Joint-Stock Companies 1. Compliance with International Standards Such as IFRS standards, to ensure transparency and comparability between companies. 2. Separation of Ownership and Management Shareholders own shares but do not manage day-to-day operations, necessitating a clear financial reporting system. 3. Rigorous Oversight Due to the trading of shares, joint-stock companies require robust internal and external auditing. 4. Public Disclosure These companies are required to publish their financial statements periodically. Fourth: The Basic Components of the Accounting System in Joint-Stock Companies 1. Capital and Shares Capital consists of a number of shares with a nominal value. Transactions related to it include: Issuance of Shares Share Repurchase Distribution of Dividends (Cash or Bonus Shares) 2. Reserves Reserves are established according to laws or resolutions of the General Assembly, such as: Legal Reserve Statutory Reserve Optional Reserves 3. Profit and Loss This includes: Revenue and Expense Account Determining Net Profit Deduction of Taxes and Reserves Distribution of Dividends to Shareholders 4. Financial Statements These include: Statement of Financial Position Income Statement Statement of Cash Flows Statement of Shareholders' Equity Fifth: Procedures for Dividend Distribution in Joint-Stock Companies 1. Preparation of Annual Financial Statements 2. Presentation of Business Results to the Board of Directors 3. Board Recommendation of the Dividend Distribution Rate 4. Approval by the General Assembly of Shareholders 5. Official Announcement of the Distribution and Payment of Dividends Sixth: The Role of Accounting in Protecting Shareholders Providing Accurate Information on Financial Performance Exposing any manipulation or financial corruption through auditing. Assisting investors in making informed decisions to buy or sell shares. Ensuring the fair distribution of profits according to shareholdings. : Corporate accounting is not merely a matter of recording accounts; it is an integrated system aimed at fostering trust between the company and its shareholders, achieving transparency, and ensuring financial sustainability. Thanks to this system, publicly traded companies can play their vital role in the national economy and contribute to long-term economic development.