Which financial concept is concerned with recognizing revenue at the time of service, rather than cash payment?

The concept that focuses on recognizing revenue at the time a service is rendered, rather than when cash payment is received, is accrual accounting. This method of accounting is based on the principle that financial transactions should be recorded when they occur regardless of when cash is exchanged. This approach allows businesses to reflect a more accurate picture of their financial performance and position during a given period. For instance, if a company provides a service in December but receives payment in January, under accrual accounting, the revenue would still be recognized in December when the service was performed.

In contrast, cash accounting records revenues and expenses only when cash is exchanged, which can lead to discrepancies in reporting income and may not accurately reflect a company's financial position in the short term. Financial forecasting pertains to predicting future financial outcomes based on current and historical data, and revenue realization is more about the criteria that need to be met for revenue to be recognized, rather than the timing of this recognition.