3 Chart of Accounts
3 Chart of Accounts
3 Chart of Accounts
Before recording transactions into the journal, we should first know what accounts to use. This is where
a chart of accounts comes in handy.
A chart of accounts is a list of all accounts used by a company in its accounting system. It makes the
bookkeeper's work easier.
The accounts included in the chart of accounts must be used consistently to prevent clerical or technical
errors in the accounting system.
Nevertheless, take note that there is no standard chart of accounts because its contents depend upon the
needs of the company using it.
Accounts are classified into assets, liabilities, capital, income, and expenses; and each is given a unique
account number. A coding system is used to organize the accounts. Here's a sample chart of accounts for
a small sole proprietorship business:
ASSETS
Current Assets (10000-19999)
10000
Cash
10100
Accounts Receivable
10101
10200
Notes Receivable
10300
Interest Receivable
10400
Service Supplies
Leasehold Improvements
20100
20101
20200
Service Equipment
20201
LIABILITIES (30000-39999)
30000
Accounts Payable
30100
Notes Payable
30200
Salaries Payable
30300
Rent Payable
30400
Interest Payable
30500
Unearned Revenue
30600
Loans Payable
40100
INCOME (50000-59999)
50000
Service Revenue
50100
Interest Income
50200
EXPENSE (60000-69999)
60000
Rent Expense
60100
Salaries Expense
60200
Supplies Expense
60300
Utilities Expense
60400
Interest Expense
60500
60600
Depreciation Expense
60700
70000
Income Summary
Additional accounts can be added as the need arises. For bigger companies, the accounts may be
divided into several sub-accounts.
For example, employee salaries may have various accounts for different departments and be included in
the chart of accounts as:
60101 Salaries Expense Administrative,
60102 Salaries Expense Servicing,
60103 Salaries Expense Marketing, etc.
Again, take note that the chart of accounts of one company may not be suitable for another company. It
all depends upon the company's needs. In any case, the chart of accounts is a useful tool for
bookkeepers in recording business transactions.