CV

CA Foundation · Principles & Practice of Accounting

Journal, Ledger and Trial Balance

Chapter 2 · 2 formulas · 4 exam-critical pointers

Core concepts

  1. 01Journal: book of original entry; chronological record of transactions with narration.
  2. 02Ledger: classified summary; T-account with debit and credit sides.
  3. 03Posting: transferring journal entries to respective ledger accounts.
  4. 04Trial Balance: list of debit and credit balances; arithmetical accuracy check.
  5. 05Three rules: Personal A/c (Debit receiver), Real A/c (Debit what comes in), Nominal A/c (Debit expense/loss).

Flowchart

Transaction | v Journal (entry + narration) | v Ledger (T-accounts, balanced) | v Trial Balance (Dr = Cr ?)

Exam-critical pointers

  • Errors not disclosed by trial balance: error of omission, principle, compensating errors.
  • Suspense A/c absorbs trial-balance mismatches temporarily.
  • Compound journal entries combine multiple debits/credits but must balance.
  • Subsidiary books (purchase, sales, returns, cash) avoid bulky journalising.

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