Difference Between Single Entry System and Double Entry System (with Comparison Chart)

Sep 12, 2022 · 5 min read ·

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A business entity can record its monetary transactions either on Single Entry System or Double Entry System of Bookkeeping. The former is less laborious as well as less time consuming while the latter completely records the transactions which need substantial effort and time.

Single entry system of bookkeeping, is economical but at the same time it is unscientific because it does not records all the transactions rather only a few ones are tracked and some are recorded partially. On the other hand, double entry system of bookkeeping is based on fundamental prinicples of accounting and so it records each and every aspect of the transaction.

Take a read of the article provided to you, so as to understand the difference between single entry system and double entry system.

Content: Single Entry System Vs Double Entry System

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison	Single Entry System	Double Entry System
Meaning	The system of accounting in which only one sided entry is required to record financial transactions is Single Entry System.	The accounting system, in which every transaction affects two accounts simultaneously is known as the Double Entry System.
Nature	Simple	Complex
Type of recording	Incomplete	Complete
Errors	Hard to identify	Easy to locate
Ledger	Personal and Cash Account	Personal, Real and Nominal Account
Preferable for	Small Enterprises	Big Enterprises
Preparation of Financial Statement	Difficult	Easy
Suitable for tax purposes	No	Yes
Financial position	Cannot be ascertained easily.	Can be ascertained easily.

Definition of Single Entry System

Single Entry System of Bookkeeping is the oldest method of maintaining financial records in which an entry is made for every financial transaction. In this system, the corresponding opposite entry is not made because the transactions are recorded only once. Full record keeping of transactions is not done due to a single entry of every transaction. It mainly keeps track of the transactions relating to cash receipts and disbursements.

This method of keeping records is primarily used by a sole proprietorship and partnership firms. This system does not require high knowledge and expertise for entering transactions. Journals, Ledgers and Trial Balance, are not prepared for it. However, the income statement is prepared to know the profit or loss of the business.

Due to some drawbacks like one sided entry, reconciliation of accounts is not possible, the possibility of frauds and errors is maximum. That is why it does not coincide with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Moreover, accounting records maintained under this system are not suitable for tax purposes.

Definition of Double Entry System

Double Entry System is the scientific method of keeping financial records, developed by Luca Pacioli, in 1494. This system is based on the principle of duality, i.e. every transaction has a dual aspect. Each transaction affects two accounts at the same time, in which one account is debited while the other is credited.

E.g. Suppose Mr. A has purchased goods of Rs.1000 for cash from Mr. B, so here, on one hand, he has received goods and on the other hand the cash is given to Mr. B. So, you should have noticed that the goods have been acquired by giving up cash. Therefore, as its name signifies, this system records both the aspects of a single transaction, i.e. the increase in goods with the simultaneous decrease in cash.

Due to two-fold effect, the system possesses completeness, accuracy as well as it matches with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). A complete procedure is there for recording every transaction. The procedure starts from source documents, followed by the journal, ledger, trial balance, then at the end financial statements are prepared.

There are fewer chances of fraud and embezzlement because the full-fledged recording of transactions is done in this system. Errors can easily be detected. Further, the accounts can be reconciled, due to the two-fold aspect. Tax laws also recommend Double Entry System to record transactions. Although a person should be professionally skilled to maintain records as per this system. Moreover, due to the complexity of this system, it is time-consuming too.

Key Differences Between Single Entry System and Double Entry System

The following are the major differences between single entry system and double entry system of bookkeeping:

The bookkeeping system in which only one aspect of a transaction is recorded, i.e. either debit or credit, is known as Single Entry System. Double Entry System, is a system of keeping records, whereby both the aspects of a transaction are captured.

Single Entry Transaction is simple and easy whereas Double Entry System is complex as well as it requires expertise in accounting for maintaining records.

In single entry system, incomplete records are maintained while in double entry system complete recording of transactions is there.

In single entry system comparison between two accounting periods is very difficult. Conversely, we can easily compare two accounting periods in the double entry system.

Single Entry System maintains personal and cash accounts. On the other hand, personal, real and nominal accounts are kept in Double Entry System.

The Single Entry system is best suited for small enterprises, but big organisations prefer Double Entry System.

Frauds and embezzlement are easy to identify in double entry system which cannot be located in single entry system.

Conclusion

A person of little accounting knowledge can maintain records as per single entry system, but due to some shortcomings in this system, double entry system has been evolved. Almost all the countries of the world have adopted double entry system for maintaining accounting records.

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