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General journal
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<h2 id="manual-processing">Manual processing</h2> <p>A bookkeeper or accountant would usually maintain the general journal. A general journal entry is a record of financial transactions in order by date. A general journal entry would typically include the date of the transaction (which may be dispensed with after the first entry of the day), the names of the accounts to be debited and credited (which should be the same as the name in the <a href="/facts/Chart_of_accounts/BEBlnozR">chart of accounts</a>), the amount of each debit and credit, and a summary explanation of the transaction, commonly known as a narration. Each debit and credit account and the narration would be entered on consecutive lines, and typically at least one line would be left blank before the next journal entry, and entries should not be split over more than one page. Though not a requirement, it is widespread practice to enter the debits first, followed by the credits and then the narration. Whatever format is adopted, it should be applied consistently. </p><p>There may be multiple debit or credit entries, but the sum of the debits must be equal to the sum of the credits. For example, multiple expenses (debits) may be paid with one payment (a credit). </p> <h2 id="see-also">See also</h2> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Sales_journal/MDvY5bW1">Sales journal</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Special_journal/lhCPz7fP">Special journal</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Ledger/MtxtsquH">Ledger</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Final_accounts/frAjNpHn">Final accounts</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Waste_book/tEEM5U9g">Waste book</a></li></ul> <h2 id="references">References</h2> <ol> <li id="fn:1"><p>Jerry J. Weygandt; Paul D. Kimmel; Donald E. Kieso (4 May 2010). Accounting Principles, Peachtree Complete Accounting Workbook. John Wiley & Sons. p. 60. ISBN 978-0-470-38667-5. Retrieved 6 April 2012. <a href="978-0-470-38667-5" target="_blank">978-0-470-38667-5</a> <a href="#fnref:1" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> </ol>