Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
What is the first step in the accounting cycle?
A
Analyzing transactions
B
Preparing adjusting journal entries
C
Preparing the trial balance
D
Posting to the ledger
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the accounting cycle: The accounting cycle is a series of steps that businesses follow to record and report financial transactions systematically.
Identify the first step: The first step in the accounting cycle is 'Analyzing transactions.' This involves reviewing source documents such as invoices, receipts, and contracts to determine the nature of the transaction and its impact on the financial accounts.
Explain why analyzing transactions is the first step: Before any journal entries can be made, it is essential to understand the transaction details, classify them correctly, and determine which accounts will be affected.
Clarify the role of other options: Preparing adjusting journal entries, preparing the trial balance, and posting to the ledger are subsequent steps in the accounting cycle, but they cannot occur until transactions are analyzed and recorded.
Summarize the importance of analyzing transactions: This step ensures accuracy and completeness in the financial records, forming the foundation for all subsequent accounting processes.