Produced by Jones Vagi
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Very Basic Double Entry
3. Cash Transactions
4. Books of Prime Entry
5. Soletraders & Partnerships
6. Limited Companies
7. Credit Transactions
8. Accruals & Prepayments
9. Fixed Assets
10. Year-end Procedures
11. Reconciliations
12. Other Entries
1. Introduction
This tutorial is aimed at people keeping the books for a small business. However, the same principles apply, whatever the size of the business.
The concepts are also very relevant to computerised accounting systems such as Sage, which assume such knowledge.
For the very smallest business, simply keeping a cashbook, with all payments & receipts recorded is sufficient. Along with a list of debtors, creditors & closing stock at the year-end, your accountant can produce a set of accounts.
The starting point will be a simple explanation of the concept of double-entry. All the fundamental areas will be covered leading up to the trial balance at the year-end, from which a Profit & Loss Account & Balance Sheet are extracted.
Be warned that most bookkeeping courses last between a day & a full week. Covering the whole tutorial in one attempt is not recommended. A little perseverance & plenty practice are the keys to success.
2. Very Basics of Double-Entry
Double Entry
The concept of double-entry may seem alien at first, but soon becomes second nature with a little practice.
As the name suggests, every transaction involves 2 equal & opposite entries - one Debit (Dr) & one Credit (Cr).
Total Drs should equal Crs, so it provides a built-in error check. Only misclassifications are missed - that is a Dr or Cr in the wrong plac ...