11. The Importance of Cash Flow 12 Q: Example: In 1999 we purchased a $1,000 asset that will be depreciated over five years using straight-line depreciation. Explain how that asset will be viewed from both an accounting and finance viewpoint. A: Accounting: The initial cost of the asset of $1,000 will be reflected on the books as will the $200 annual depreciation. Finance: We are interested in the $1,000 cash outflow and the taxes saved from the depreciation deductionânot the depreciation itself. Example