This document discusses the two main systems of accounting: double entry and single entry. It focuses on explaining the double entry system. Key points:
1. The double entry system was developed in the 15th century and requires that every financial transaction affects two accounts simultaneously with equal and opposite impacts (debit and credit).
2. It maintains a complete record of transactions and establishes accuracy by ensuring total debits equal total credits. This helps ascertain profit/loss and financial position.
3. Accounts can be personal, real, or nominal. Rules determine whether to debit or credit each type of account. Journal entries record transactions which are then posted to ledger accounts.