Journal proper is a book of original entry. The transaction which do not find any place in other subsidary books are recorded in this book.
The following transaction are recorded in the journal proper.
- Opening entries
- Closing entries
- Transfer entries
- Adjustment entries
- Rectification entries
- Entries for which there is no special journal
- Entries for rare transactions
Opening Entries
When a businessman wants to open the book for a new year, it is necessary to Journalise the various assets and liabilities before the new accounts are opened in the ledger. The journal entries so passed are called “opening entries”.
Closing Entries
When the books are balanced at the close of the accounting period with a view to prepare final accounts it is necessary that balance of all the income and expenses accounts must be transferred to trading and profit and loss account. The process of transferring balances to the trading and profit and loss account at the end of year is called closing the books and entries passed at that time are called closing entries.
Transfer Entries
When accounts are transferred from one account to another for combination of allied items, it is necessary to pass transfer entry.
Adjusting Entries
Modification of the accounts at the end of an accounting period is called adjustments. If there be any event affecting the related period of accounts but left out of the books, the same should be incorporated in the books before the preparation of the final accounts. This is done by means of adjusting entries through the journal proper.
Rectification Entries
When an error is detected in the books, the same is rectified through an entry in the journal proper called rectification entry.
Entries with no Special Journal
When a trader cannot record the entries in the above mentioned sub-journals, the same are entered in the journal proper.
Entries for Rare Transactions
In a business it may happen sometimes that transactions are usually rare. Journal proper is used for such rare transactions.
