When sales salaries are unpaid at the close of the fiscal period, which account is affected?

When sales salaries are unpaid at the close of the fiscal period, the Salaries Payable account is affected because this account specifically tracks amounts owed to employees for work performed but not yet paid. Unpaid salaries represent a liability for the company; thus, it is recorded as an increase in the Salaries Payable account.

The impact on this account indicates that the company has an obligation to pay its employees, reflecting a commitment that exists despite the cash not being disbursed at that time. This is in line with the accrual basis of accounting, which recognizes expenses when they are incurred, not necessarily when cash changes hands.

The other accounts mentioned do not directly reflect the obligation incurred by unpaid salaries. Accounts receivable pertains to amounts owed to the company from customers, the Sales account reflects revenues earned from sales, and the Cash account is concerned with cash transactions rather than liabilities. Therefore, the proper identification and impact of the Salaries Payable account highlight the financial responsibilities the company has towards its employees at the end of the fiscal period.