Yes, adjusting entries must be posted to the general ledger accounts. This is a crucial step in ensuring that a company’s financial statements accurately reflect its financial position and performance.
Here’s a breakdown of why and how this process is essential:
1. Purpose of Adjusting Entries:
- Matching Principle: In accrual accounting, revenues and expenses must be recognized in the period they are earned or incurred, regardless of when cash is exchanged. Adjusting entries align transactions with this principle.
- Accuracy: They ensure that financial statements capture a complete and accurate picture of the company’s financial activities during the period.
2. Posting to the General Ledger:
- Process:
- Identify adjusting entries needed at the end of an accounting period.
- Record them in the general journal with debit and credit amounts.
- Transfer (post) these entries to the appropriate general ledger accounts.
- Calculate ending balances for each account.
- Examples:
- Accrued Revenues: Recognize revenue earned but not yet billed (e.g., interest earned).
- Accrued Expenses: Recognize expenses incurred but not yet paid (e.g., salaries owed).
- Prepaid Expenses: Allocate previously paid expenses to the appropriate period (e.g., insurance premiums).
- Unearned Revenues: Recognize revenue received in advance but not yet earned (e.g., customer deposits).
- Depreciation: Allocate the cost of long-term assets over their useful lives.
3. Importance of Posting:
- Financial Statement Accuracy: Without posting, adjusting entries wouldn’t impact account balances or financial statements, leading to potential misstatements.
- Accounting Principles Compliance: Posting ensures adherence to accrual accounting principles.
- Decision-Making: Accurate financial statements enable informed business decisions.
4. Additional Considerations:
- Timing: Adjusting entries are typically made at the end of each accounting period, usually monthly, quarterly, or annually.
- Review and Audit: Adjusting entries are often reviewed by internal and external auditors to ensure their accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
In conclusion, posting adjusting entries to the general ledger is a fundamental step in the accounting cycle that guarantees the reliability and integrity of financial statements. It’s essential for businesses to understand and execute this process correctly to maintain accurate financial records and make sound business decisions.