Outstanding: Outstanding means amount payable showing in the books of accounts.
Accrual: This term will be better understood by an example, suppose there is a rent payable to landlord on quarterly basis (calendar quarter) Rs.15000 per quarter. On 30th april the rent becomes accrued Rs.5000 (15000/3 months), we do not provide the same in the books as is accrued but not due. I will due at the end of particular quarter (i.e. on 30th june) On 30th june rent will be accrued and due Rs.15000 and the same will be termed as Outstanding.
Here you will learn one more term i.e. due.
Difference in accrued and due. In the given example, rent becomes accrued but not due on 30th april, while on 30th june it will be accrued and due.
04 August 2014
Outstanding - which is due but not paid. Accrued - expenses incurred but they are not liable to paid, as they are not yet due. for revealing the real picture of P&L, both to be considered.