If you’re a business owner, then you need to know about double-entry accounting. This system is the foundation of modern accounting, and it’s essential for understanding your financial statements.

 

What is Double-Entry Accounting?

Double-entry accounting is a system of recording financial transactions. As the name suggests, each transaction is recorded in at least two accounts.

A debit is an entry on the left side of an account, and a credit is an entry on the right side of an account.

 

The Accounting Equation

In order to understand exactly how double-entry accounting works, you first need to understand the accounting equation.

assets = liabilities plus your equity.

 

  • Assets are anything of value that you own. cash, stock, equipment, or even accounts receivable (money that is owed to you by customers).
  • Liabilities are anything that you owe. loan, credit card debt, or accounts payable (money that you owe to suppliers).
  • Equity is the difference between your assets and liabilities.
  • How Does Double-Entry Accounting Work?

Now that we’ve explained the accounting equation, let’s see how it applies to double-entry accounting.

As we mentioned before, each transaction is recorded in at least two accounts. When you record a transaction, you must make sure that the debits and credits balance out. This is what ensures that your assets always equal your liabilities plus your equity.

Remember:

Assets = Liabilities + Equity

Let’s say you’re about to start a business and you have £200 in startup money. This is an asset.

You don’t owe anyone money, so your liabilities are £0. That means your equity is also £200.

Now let’s say you order £100 of stock. You now owe the supplier £100, so your liabilities are £100.

The £100 worth of inventory is an asset, and you still have £100 in cash, so your assets still equal £200.

If you were to abandon the business now, you’d get £100 back – that’s your equity.

Your liabilities and equity still total £200, and so do your assets.

As you can see, the accounting equation is always kept in balance with double-entry accounting.

 

Debits vs. Credits

It can be difficult to remember what is a debit and what is a credit, but there’s a helpful acronym to jog your memory: DEALER.

  • D is for Dividends
  • E is for Expenses
  • A is for Assets
  • L is for Losses
  • E is for Shareholder’s Equity
  • R is for Revenue

The first half of “DEALER” represents assets that increase with debits, the second half represents assets that increase with credits.

 

Why is Double-Entry Accounting Important?

Double-entry accounting is important because it helps to prevent errors and ensures that all transactions are accounted for. This system is also helpful in tracking the financial health of your business.

By recording all transactions in at least two places, you can be sure that your books are balanced and accurate. This information can then be used  to make important decisions about your business.

If you’re just starting out in business, then it’s essential that you understand the basics of double-entry accounting. This system may seem daunting at first, but it’s actually quite simple once you get the hang of it. And once you do, you’ll be able to confidently manage your finances and make better business decisions.