AccountingQA Latest Questions

Ayushi
AyushiCurious
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  2. ShreyaSharma none
    This answer was edited.

    Journal entries in the ledger What is a Journal Entry? Journal entry is a form of bookkeeping. All the economic or non-economic transactions in the business are recorded in the journal entries showing a company's debit or credit balances. It is a double-entry accounting method and requires at leastRead more

    Journal entries in the ledger

    What is a Journal Entry?

    Journal entry is a form of bookkeeping. All the economic or non-economic transactions in the business are recorded in the journal entries showing a company’s debit or credit balances. It is a double-entry accounting method and requires at least two accounts or more in a transaction.

    The journal entry helps to identify the transactions. We use journals to get a running list of business transactions. Each journal entry provides this specific information about a transaction:

    • Date of the transaction.
    • Accounts involved in it.
    • Payer, payee, receiver, etc.
    • Account name.
    • Debit and credit of money.

     

    General Ledger 

    After the transactions are recorded in the journal, they are posted in the principal book called ‘Ledger’. A ledger account contains information about a specific account. It contains the opening balance as well as the closing balances of an account. It summarizes the business transactions.

    Transferring the entries from journals to respective ledger accounts is called ledger posting or posting to the ledger accounts. Balancing of ledgers is carried out to find differences at the year’s end, it means finding the difference between the debit and credit amounts of a particular account.

     

    For instance,

    Suppose goods were bought for cash. While passing the journal entry, we’ll be debiting the purchases a/c and crediting the cash a/c by stating it as, ‘To Cash A/c’.

    Now, this entry will be affecting both the purchases account and the cash account. In the cash account, we’ll be debiting purchases. Whereas in the purchases account, we’ll be crediting the cash. That’s how it works in the double-entry bookkeeping system of accounting.

     

    Example

    Mr. Tony Stark started the business with cash of $100,000. He bought furniture for business for $15,000. He further purchased goods for $75,000. He hired an employee and paid him a salary of $5,000.

    Now, we’ll be journalizing the transactions and posting them into the ledger accounts.

    Journal Entries

    Recording into Ledger Account

    Cash A/c

    Capital A/c

    Furniture A/c

    Purchases A/c

    Salary A/c

    Note: The balance b/d is not applicable as this is the business’ commencement year.

     

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Jasmeet_Sethi
Jasmeet_SethiCurious
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To ascertain the debtors and creditors of the business To ascertain the financial position of the business To ascertain the profit or loss of the business To ascertain the collective effect of all ...

  2. Manvi Pursuing ACCA
    This answer was edited.

    The correct answer is 4. To ascertain the collective effect of all transactions pertaining to a particular account. The reason being is that in the ledger account all the effects are recorded for example,  how much money is spent on a particular type of expense or how much money is receivable from aRead more

    The correct answer is 4. To ascertain the collective effect of all transactions pertaining to a particular account. The reason being is that in the ledger account all the effects are recorded for example,  how much money is spent on a particular type of expense or how much money is receivable from a debtor. In ledger accounts, information can be obtained about a particular account.

    Ledger is the Principal book of accounts and also called the book of final entry. It summarises all types of accounts whether it is an Asset A/c, Liability A/c, Income A/c, or Expense A/c. The transactions recorded in the Journal/Subsidiary books are transferred to the respective ledger accounts opened.

     

    Importance of preparing ledger accounts:

    1. Ledger accounts get the ready results i.e. helps in identifying the amount payable or receivable.
    2. It is necessary for the preparation of the Trial Balance.
    3. The financial position of the business is easily available with the help of Assets A/c and Liabilities A/c.
    4. It helps in preparing various types of income statements on the basis of balances shown in ledger accounts.
    5. It can be used as a control tool as it shows balances of various accounts.
    6. It is useful for the management to forecast or plan for the future.
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A_Team
A_Team
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  2. Ishika Pandey Curious ca aspirant
    This answer was edited.

    Definition The trial balance is a list of all the closing balances of the general ledger at the end of the year. Or in other words, I can say that it is a statement showing debit and credit balances. A trial balance is prepared on a particular date and not on a particular period. Importance As the tRead more

    Definition

    The trial balance is a list of all the closing balances of the general ledger at the end of the year. Or in other words, I can say that it is a statement showing debit and credit balances.

    A trial balance is prepared on a particular date and not on a particular period.

    Importance

    As the trial balance is prepared at the end of the year so it is important for the preparation of financial statements like balance sheet or profit and loss

    Purpose of trial balance which are as follows:

      • To verify the arithmetical accuracy of the ledger accounts
      • This means trial balance indicates that equal debits and credits have been recorded in the ledger accounts.
      • It enables one to establish whether the posting and other accounting processes have been carried out without any arithmetical errors.
      • To help in locating errors
      • There can be some errors if the trial balance is untallied therefore to get error-free financial statements trial balance is prepared.
      • To facilitates the preparation of financial statements
      • A trial balance helps us to directly prepare the financial statements and then which gives us the right to not look or no need to refer to the ledger accounts.

     

    Preparation of trial balance

      • To verify the correctness of the posting of ledger accounts in the terms of debit credit amounts periodically, a periodic trial balance may be prepared ( say ) at the end of the month or quarter, or half year.
      • There is no point in denying that a trial balance can be prepared at any time.
      • But it should at least be prepared at the end of the accounting period to verify the arithmetical accuracy of the ledger accounts before the preparation of financial statements.

     

    Methods of preparation

    • Balance method
    • Total amount methods

     

    These are two methods that you can use to prepare trail balance, now let me explain to you in detail about these methods which are as follows:-

     

    Balance method

    • The balances of all the accounts ( including cash and bank account ) are incorporated in the trial balance.
    • When ledger accounts are balanced only this method can be used.
    • This method is generally used by accountants for preparation of the financial statements.

     

    Total amount method

    • Under this method, the total amount of debit and credit items in each ledger account is incorporated into the trial balance.
    • This method can be used immediately after the completion of posting from the books of the original entry ledger.

     

    Steps to prepare a trial balance

    • First, we need to decide the method to opt for the preparation of the trial balance which is mentioned above.
    • Then once opted, collect all the balances as per the method adopted and prepare accordingly by posting the debit and credit side of the trial balance.
    • After this process arrange all the accounts in order of their nature (assets, liabilities, equity, income, and expenses ).
    • Then you have to total debit and credit balances separately.
    • After the above steps if there is any difference between the total debit and credit side balances then that is adjusted through the suspense account.

     

    A suspense account is generated when the above case arises that is trial balance did not agree after transferring the balance of all ledger accounts including cash and bank balance.

    And also errors are not located in  timely, then the trial balance is tallied by transferring the difference between the debit and credit side to an account known as a suspense account.

     

    Rules of trial balance

    When we prepare a trial balance from the given list of ledger balances, the following rules to be kept in mind that are as follows :

    • The balance of all
    • Assets accounts
    • Expenses accounts
    • Losses
    • Drawings
    • Cash and bank balances

    Are placed in the debit column of the trial balance.

    • The balances of
    • liabilities accounts
    • income accounts
    • profits
    • capital

    Are placed in the credit column of the trial balance.

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Aadil
AadilCurious
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  2. Vijay Curious M.Com
    This answer was edited.

    As you know all transactions occurring in a business are recorded in the journal (book of original entry) in chronological order. After recording them in the journal, they are posted to their respective ledger accounts. Here I've explained the steps involved in posting a journal entry to the ledger.Read more

    As you know all transactions occurring in a business are recorded in the journal (book of original entry) in chronological order. After recording them in the journal, they are posted to their respective ledger accounts.

    Here I’ve explained the steps involved in posting a journal entry to the ledger.

    Posting of an account debited in the journal entry:

    Step 1: Identify the account which has to be debited in the ledger.

    Step 2: Write the date of the transaction under the ‘Date Column’ of the debit side of the ledger account.

    Step 3: Write the name of the account which has been credited in the journal entry in the ‘Particulars Column’ on the debit side of the account as “To (name of the account)”.

    Step 4: Write the page number of the journal where the entry exists in the ‘Journal Folio (JF) Column’.

    Step 5: Enter the amount in the ‘Amount Column’ on the debit side of the ledger account.

    Posting of an account credited in the journal entry:

    Step 1: Identify the account which has to be credited in the ledger.

    Step 2: Write the date of the transaction under the ‘Date Column’ of the credit side of the ledger account.

    Step 3: Write the name of the account which has been debited in the journal entry in the ‘Particulars Column’ on the credit side of the account as “By (name of the account)”.

    Step 4: Write the page number of the journal where the entry exists in the ‘Journal Folio (JF) Column’.

    Step 5: Enter the amount in the ‘Amount Column’ on the credit side of the ledger account.

    I’ll explain the process of preparing a ledger A/c with a simple transaction.

    On 1st May ABC Ltd. purchased machinery for 5,00,000. In the Journal the following entry will be made.

    Machinery A/c   5,00,000
       To Bank A/c   5,00,000
    (Being machinery purchased for 5,00,000)

    Let’s assume that this entry appears on page no. 32 of the journal. Now we will open Machinery A/c and Bank A/c in the Ledger.

    On the debit side of the Machinery A/c “To Bank A/c” will be written. In the Bank A/c “By Machinery A/c” will be written on the credit side.

    An extract of both the accounts are as follows:

    Machinery A/c

    Date Particulars J.F. Amt. Date Particulars J.F. Amt.
    May-01 To Bank A/c 32   5,00,000

     

    Bank A/c

    Date Particulars J.F. Amt. Date Particulars J.F. Amt.
    May-01 By Machinery A/c 32   5,00,000
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Radha
Radha
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  2. Vijay Curious M.Com
    This answer was edited.

    The difference between a ledger & a trial balance is as follows: Basis Ledger Trial Balance Meaning Ledger is a book/register in which all the accounts are put together. A Trial Balance is a statement showing the debit and credit balance of all the accounts to ascertain the arithmetical accuracyRead more

    The difference between a ledger & a trial balance is as follows:

    Basis Ledger Trial Balance
    Meaning Ledger is a book/register in which all the accounts are put together. A Trial Balance is a statement showing the debit and credit balance of all the accounts to ascertain the arithmetical accuracy of the books of accounts.
    Basis of preparation Journal is the basis for recording transactions in the ledger. The closing balances of different accounts in the ledger are the basis for preparing the trial balance.
    Objective It is prepared to see the net effect of various transactions affecting a particular account. It is prepared to check the arithmetical accuracy of the books of accounts.
    Format A ledger has four identical columns on the debit and credit sides: 1. Date, 2. Particulars, 3. Journal Folio, 4. Amount. A Trial Balance has five columns: 1. S.No, 2. Name of Accounts, 3. Ledger Folio, 4. Debit Balance, 5. Credit Balance.
    Stage of Recording A ledger is prepared after recording the transactions in the journal. A trial balance is prepared after posting the transactions in the ledger.
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Ishika Pandey
Ishika PandeyCurious
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  2. SidharthBadlani CA Inter Student
    This answer was edited.

    Yes, the account receivable is a sub ledger account. It is an account that is used to record the payment history of each and every customer to whom the business has sold goods or provided services on credit. Accounts receivable represent the amount that the customers owe to the business with respectRead more

    Yes, the account receivable is a sub ledger account. It is an account that is used to record the payment history of each and every customer to whom the business has sold goods or provided services on credit.

    Accounts receivable represent the amount that the customers owe to the business with respect to the goods sold or services provided to them on credit. They are also known as trade receivable or debtors.

    The accounts receivable subledger shows various details of every transaction like the invoice number, amount due, date of payment, discount allowed etc. The subledger accounts are also known as the subsidiary accounts.

     

    Difference between general ledger and subledger accounts

    Here is a list of the major differences between sub-ledgers and the general ledger:

    • The subsidiary accounts or the sub ledger are a subset of the general ledger. In other words we can say that subsidiary accounts are a part of the general ledger.
    • The trial balance is prepared with the help of the general ledger and not with the help of subsidiary accounts.
    • The trial balance is prepared with the help of the general ledger and not with the help of subsidiary accounts.
    • The subledger accounts help us to store large volumes of data. They provide us with detailed and comprehensive analysis of each item of financial statements. On the other hand, a general ledger provides us with superficial information about every item in one place.

    Importance/ use of Subsidiary Account

    The usefulness of an accounts receivable sub ledger account lies in the fact that it provides detailed information about the money different customers owe to the business.

    For example, the general ledger account may show that the total balance of trade receivable is 1 lakh without indicating the individual amount that each customer owes to the business. The subsidiary account can help us by showing that customer A owes 50000 rupees, customer B owes 30000 rupees while customer C owes 20000 rupees.

    In short, the subsidiary accounts provide detailed information about each and every transaction. They help us to find useful information quickly and easily. They help us analyze the business policies and take corrective actions.

    Thus, we can conclude that accounts receivable is a subledger account that provides us detailed information about the various credit transactions and the amount that each customer owes to the business. It helps us analyze our credit policies and take corrective actions. It helps us identify and classify bad debts as such on

     

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Radha
Radha
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Interest on investmentTrial Balance
  2. Rahul_Jose Aspiring CA currently doing Bcom
    This answer was edited.

    Interest on Investment is to be shown on the Credit side of a Trial Balance. Interest on investment refers to the income received on investment in securities. These securities can be shares, debentures etc. of another company. When one invests in securities, they are expected to receive a return onRead more

    Interest on Investment is to be shown on the Credit side of a Trial Balance.

    Interest on investment refers to the income received on investment in securities. These securities can be shares, debentures etc. of another company. When one invests in securities, they are expected to receive a return on investment (ROI).

    Since interest on investment is an income, it is shown on the credit side of the Trial Balance. This is based on the accounting rule that all increase in incomes are credited and all increase in expenses are debited. A Trial Balance is a worksheet where the balances of all assets, expenses and drawings are shown on the debit side while the balances of all liabilities, incomes and capital are shown on the credit side.

    For example, if Jack bought Corporate Bonds of Amazon, worth $50,000 with a 10% interest on investment, then the accounting treatment for interest on investment would be

    Cash/Bank A/C Dr     5,000
    To Interest on Investment in Corporate Bonds (Amazon) 5,000

    As per the above entry, since interest on investment is credited, it will show a credit balance and hence be shown on the credit side of the Trial Balance. Interest on investment account is not to be confused with an Investment account. Investment is an asset whereas interest on investment is an income.

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Simerpreet
SimerpreetHelpful
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  2. Ishika Pandey Curious ca aspirant
    This answer was edited.

    Definition The trial balance is a list of all the closing balances of the general ledger at the end of the year. Or in other words, I can say that it is a statement showing debit and credit balances. A trial balance is prepared on a particular date and not on a particular period. What does trial balRead more

    Definition

    The trial balance is a list of all the closing balances of the general ledger at the end of the year. Or in other words, I can say that it is a statement showing debit and credit balances.

    A trial balance is prepared on a particular date and not on a particular period.

    What does trial balance include?

    As in each double-entry system, each account has two aspects debit and credit.

    Hence the following trial balance includes:
    • Debit or credit of the reporting period.
    • The amount which is to be debited or credited to each account.
    • The account numbers.
    • The dates of the reporting period.
    • The totaled sums of debits and credits entered during that time.

    When we prepare a trial balance from the given list of ledger balances, these need to be included which are as follows :

    The balance of all
    • Assets accounts
    • Expenses accounts
    • Losses
    • Drawings
    • Cash and bank balances
    Are placed in the debit column of the trial balance.

    • The balances of
    • liabilities accounts
    • income accounts
    • profits
    • capital
    Are placed in the credit column of the trial balance.

    Importance

    As the trial balance is prepared at the end of the year so it is important for the preparation of financial statements like balance sheets or profit and loss.

    The purpose of the trial balance is as follows:

    • To verify the arithmetical accuracy of the ledger accounts
    This means trial balance indicates that equal debits and credits have been recorded in the ledger accounts.
    It enables one to establish whether the posting and other accounting processes have been carried out without any arithmetical errors.

    • To help in locating errors
    There can be some errors if the trial balance is untallied therefore to get error-free financial statements trial balance is prepared.

    • To facilitate the preparation of financial statements
    A trial balance helps us to directly prepare the financial statements and then which gives us the right to not look or no need to refer to the ledger accounts.

    Structure of trial balance

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A_Team
A_Team
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  2. Ayushi Curious Pursuing CA

    In trial balance, the treatment of the general reserve is that it is presented on the credit side. A trial balance is a statement prepared to check the arithmetical accuracy of the books of accounts. It features the closing balances of all the assets, liabilities and equity of a business. General reRead more

    In trial balance, the treatment of the general reserve is that it is presented on the credit side.

    A trial balance is a statement prepared to check the arithmetical accuracy of the books of accounts. It features the closing balances of all the assets, liabilities and equity of a business.

    General reserve is a free reserve created out of revenue profits of a business to meet future needs and uncertainties. By free reserve, we mean dividends can be freely declared and distributed out of it.

    Since the general reserve is an internal liability i.e. liability to the owner or owners or the business, it has a credit balance and is hence shown on the credit side of the trial balance.

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