After a transaction occurs and source document is generated, the transaction is analyzed and entries are made in the general journal. A journal is a chronological listing of the firm´s transaction, including the amounts, accounts that are affected, and in which direction the accounts are affected.
A journal entry takes the following format
In addiction to this information, a journal entry may include a short notation that describes the transaction. There also may be a column for a reference number so that the transaction can be tracked through the accounting system.
The above format shows the journal entry for a single transaction. Additional transaction would be recorded in the same format directly below the first one, resulting in a time-ordered record. The journal format provides the benefits that of all the transaction are listed in chronological order, and all parts (debits and credits) of each transaction are listed together.
Because the journal is where the information from the source document first enters the accounting system, it is known as the book of original entry.
Compound Journal Entries
The format shown above has a single entry for the debit and a single entry for the credit, this type of entry is know as a simple journal entry. Sometimes, more than two accounts are affected by a transaction so more than two lines are required. Such a journal entry is know as a compound journal entry and takes the following format:
For example, if an expense is incurred in which part of the expense is paid with cash and the remainder placed in accounts payable, then two lines would be used for the credit – one for the cash portion and wants for the account payable portion. The total for the two credits must be equal to the debit amount.
As many accounts as are necessary can be used in this manner, and multiple accounts also can be used for the debit side if needed.
Special Journals
The general journal is the main journal for a wide range of transactions. Of these, a business usually finds itself performing some types much more frequently than others.
By grouping specific types of transaction into their own special journal, the efficiency and organization of the accounting system can be improved.
Some commonly – used special journals:
• Sales Journal
• Purchases Journal
• Cash Receipt Journal
• Cash Disbursements Journal
While a special journal may be organized differently from the general journal, it still provides the core transaction information such a date, debits and credits, and the relevant accounts.
Sources consulted
Written by Edwin Fernández
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