Accounting Cycle or Accounting Trail

Accounting cycle is a chronological order in which an accounting process flows. It is a step by step process followed to achieve the ultimate goals of accounting.

Firstly, the information is recorded in a book or an accounting software (in the modern scenario) called a Journal. Then it is adjusted and moved to a ledger. Ledger balances are then summarized to make a trial balance. Finally, from trial balance financial statements such as an income statement, a trading account, and a balance sheet are prepared.

Example of Accounting Cycle

Unreal Corp bought a building for 10 Million, which was shown on the balance sheet as an asset. We will study a possible accounting trail behind this.

Step 1	Transaction for buying the building is identified.
Step 2	Evidence such as a legal ownership document is prepared.
Step 3	A journal entry for buying the building is recorded in books.
Step 4	A ledger account such as a “building account” is created.
Step 5	Ledger account for the building is then balanced.
Step 6	All adjustments, if any, are incorporated.
Step 7	The amount is treated as an asset and moved to trial balance.
Step 8	The amount is then shown on the asset side of the balance sheet.