double-entry bookkeeping system

(noun)

A double-entry bookkeeping system is a set of rules for recording financial information in a financial accounting system in which every transaction or event changes at least two different nominal ledger accounts.

Related Terms

  • credit
  • debit

Examples of double-entry bookkeeping system in the following topics:

  • Inputs to Accounting

    • In accounting, the two bookkeeping methods are the single-entry and double-entry bookkeeping systems.
    • For modern day purposes, it is most important to know the double-entry bookkeeping system.
    • The 'basic accounting equation' is the foundation for the double-entry bookkeeping system.
    • There are some common methods of bookkeeping such as the single-entry bookkeeping system and the double-entry bookkeeping system.
    • However, while these systems may be seen as "real" bookkeeping, any process that involves the recording of financial transactions is a bookkeeping process.
  • Double-Entry Bookkeeping

    • A double-entry bookkeeping system requires that every transaction be recorded in at least two different nominal ledger accounts.
    • A double-entry bookkeeping system is a set of rules for recording financial information in a financial accounting system in which every transaction or event changes at least two different nominal ledger accounts.
    • In the double-entry accounting system, each accounting entry records related pairs of financial transactions for asset, liability, income, expense, or capital accounts.
    • The accounting entries are recorded in the "Books of Accounts".
    • There are two different approaches to the double entry system of bookkeeping.
  • Debits and Credits

    • Credit and debit are the two fundamental aspects of every financial transaction in the double-entry bookkeeping system.
    • Debits and credits are at the heart of the double-entry bookkeeping system that has been the foundation stone on which the financial world's accounting system has been built for well over 500 years.
    • In a closed financial system, money cannot just materialize.
    • Debits and credits serve as the two balancing aspects of every financial transaction in double-entry bookkeeping.
    • Each transaction (let's say $100) is recorded by a debit entry of $100 in one account, and a credit entry of $100 in another account.
  • The Trial Balance

    • The trial balance is usually prepared by a bookkeeper or accountant.
    • The bookkeeper/accountant used journals to record business transactions.
    • The journal entries were then posted to the general ledger.
    • The trial balance is a part of the double-entry bookkeeping system and uses the classic 'T' account format for presenting values.
    • When the error is found, a correcting entry must be made.
  • Introduction to Provisioning

    • Max Weber (The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, 1904-05) and Robert Tawney (Religion and the Rise of Capitalism, 1926) both hypothesize that the rise of the capitalist system was predicated on protestant beliefs.
    • Roads, books, tools, telephones, the Internet, the legal system, property rights, double entry bookkeeping, dams, energy plants and distribution systems are examples elements of the infrastructure which facilitates individual effort.
  • A short history of accounting and double entry bookkeeping

    • In my opinion, Goethe was exaggerating when he called double entry bookkeeping "one of the most beautiful discoveries of the human spirit".
    • At any rate, the discovery of double-entry bookkeeping was undeniably important, because, as Wikipedia explains:
    • Double-Entry Bookkeeping is a system that ensures the integrity of the financial values recorded in a financial accounting system.
    • Here is a simple example to give you a feel for the way that double entry bookkeeping works:
    • First, a single transaction affects two accounts (a double-entry).
  • Defining Accounting

    • One important breakthrough took place around that time: the introduction of double-entry bookkeeping, which is defined as any bookkeeping system in which there was a debit and credit entry for each transaction, or for which the majority of transactions were intended to be of this form.
    • The earliest extant evidence of full double-entry bookkeeping is the Farolfi ledger of 1299-1300.
    • The oldest discovered record of a complete double-entry system is the Messari (Italian: "Treasurer's") accounts of the city of Genoa in 1340.
    • Therefore, they enjoy general recognition as a double-entry system.
    • Although Luca Pacioli did not invent double-entry bookkeeping, his 27-page treatise on bookkeeping contained the first known published work on that topic, and is said to have laid the foundation for double-entry bookkeeping as it is practiced today.
  • Summary and discussion questions

    • In this chapter we discussed the importance of having a well-designed accounting system for your organization as well as the distinction between financial and managerial accounting.
    • Next we covered the advantages of the system of double-entry bookkeeping and how, together with ledgers and other accounting records, it enhances the accuracy of information maintained in an accounting system, whether it is manual or computer-based.
    • Explain the advantages of double-entry bookkeeping.
    • Do you agree with Goethe's description of double-entry bookkeeping as Goethe as "one of the most beautiful discoveries of the human spirit"?
    • Please discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using computer software packages for your accounting system.
  • Reversing Entries

    • Reversing entries are journal entries made at the beginning of each accounting period.
    • Reversing entries help prevent accountants and bookkeepers from double recording revenues or expenses.
    • Reversing entries are most often used with accrual-type adjusting entries.
    • This adjusting entry records months A's portion of the interest expense with a journal entry that debits interest expense and credits interest payable.
    • The entry credits interest expense and debits interest payable.
  • Introduction

    • understand the advantages of double-entry bookkeeping; types of ledgers and basic reports
    • In this chapter, we will discuss the principles of accounting as well as some of the options you have for designing and installing an accounting system for your business.
    • There are many computer-based accounting systems available now, for relatively low cost, that make it easier for an entrepreneur to use software on a PC or the Internet to run an accounting system.
    • In any event, starting your business with a well-designed accounting system tailored to the needs of your business will be worth the effort.
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