Chapter 6: Ledger and Trial Balance

1. Ledger

The Principal Book of accounts where all transactions relating to a particular account are collected at one place.

  • Posting: Process of transferring entries from Journal/Subsidiary Books to Ledger.
  • Balancing: Ascertaining the difference between debit and credit sides of an account.

2. Trial Balance

A statement showing the balances of all Ledger accounts to test the arithmetical accuracy of books of accounts.

  • Objective: To check arithmetical accuracy, facilitate preparation of financial statements.
  • Format: Serial No. | Name of Account | L.F. | Debit Balance | Credit Balance.
Agreement of Trial Balance: Total of Debit Balances must equal Total of Credit Balances (Double Entry System).

3. Errors Disclosed by Trial Balance

  • Wrong totaling of subsidiary books.
  • Posting on the wrong side of an account.
  • Posting wrong amount.
  • Omission of posting of one aspect of a transaction.

4. Errors NOT Disclosed (Limitations)

  • Errors of Principle: Treating capital expenditure as revenue expenditure.
  • Compensating Errors: One error neutralizes another.
  • Errors of Complete Omission: Transaction completely omitted from books.
  • Errors of Commission: Posting to wrong account but correct side.