Interest and accrual are financial terms that pertain to the accumulation of value over time, but they represent distinct concepts in the realm of finance.

Interest refers to the additional amount of money earned or charged on an initial sum of money, known as the principal, over a specified period. It is commonly associated with loans, savings accounts, and investments. When you deposit money in a savings account, for instance, the bank pays you interest on your deposit as an incentive for keeping your funds with them. On the other hand, if you borrow money, you might be required to pay interest on top of the borrowed amount as compensation to the lender.

Accrual, on the other hand, refers to the gradual accumulation of financial transactions or values over time, regardless of whether actual payments have been made or received. This concept is particularly important in accounting and financial reporting. Accrual accounting records transactions as they occur, even if the cash hasn't yet been exchanged. For example, a company might accrue expenses for services received in one accounting period but paid for in the next.

In summary, the primary difference between interest and accrual lies in their contexts and applications. Interest is a specific concept related to the additional money earned or charged on a principal sum, while accrual is a broader concept used in accounting to record the gradual accumulation of financial values, regardless of cash flow. Both concepts play crucial roles in the world of finance and accounting, contributing to a better understanding of how money and value are managed and accounted for.