The Accounting Cycle of Merchandising Business
The accounting cycle is a series of steps followed to ensure accurate and consistent financial reporting. Here’s a detailed description of each step: Identifying and Analyzing Transactions: The process begins with identifying and analyzing business transactions and events. This involves examining source documents (like invoices and receipts) to determine the impact of each transaction on the company's accounts. Journalizing: Once transactions are identified and analyzed, they are recorded in the journal (also known as the book of original entry) in chronological order. Each entry includes the date, accounts affected, amounts, and a brief description. Posting: Journal entries are then posted to the ledger, where each account has its own page. This step helps in organizing transactions by account, providing a complete view of each account's activity and balance. Unadjusted Trial Balance: After posting, an unadjusted trial balance is prepared. This