Accounting is an important part of commerce students. It starts with their 11th grade. This even continues till they complete their higher studies. Not only that, they even used to implement this method in their workplace as well. Single entry and double entry systems both are parts of accounting and are in use.
Single Entry vs Double Entry System
The main difference between single entry and double entry systems is that single entry records will be added manually, while on the double entry system, records will be added using the computerized format. Since it uses a manual entry process, mistakes will happen often, and the process will become tedious. But double entry system uses a computer so that the process will be easy to complete.
A single-entry system shows the number of times you have spent your money or received it. This is not so famous among big businesses where they use computers for all their activities. Because this requires manual entry and human beings find it difficult to not make any errors. Because human mistake can happen very easier when you start working.
The double entry system is a concept used in accounting. It is used to teach commerce students. This method uses two transactions called credit and debit, whenever a new business and divides equally. In this system, the transaction form has to move from one account to another. It is one of the most commonly used entry methods.
Comparison Table Between Single Entry and Double Entry System
| Parameters of Comparison | Single Entry System | Double Entry System |
| Definition | Used for adding data in a single-entry manner. | Used to do both accounting and states together. |
| Also called as | Single-entry bookkeeping | Double-entry bookkeeping |
| Advantages | Useful for small business | Can be done using asset formulas |
| Disadvantages | Uses manual entry so mistakes will happen a lot | Uses computerized entry |
| Example | Cashbook | Debit and Credit methods |
What is Single Entry System?
A single-entry system means when you do accounting in the system, all the data will be recorded in a single-entry manner. This is mostly used for businesses where an income statement is used. The main information that is recorded in single-entry systems is cash disbursements and cash receipts. Single-entry does not track asset and liability records. They used to be tracked by some other systems.
They use cash books to keep all their records. This is also called a check register. Some of the common problems in the single-entry system are difficulty maintaining assets, very critical to obtain audited financial statements, lots of errors, difficulty in tracking liability, reporting becomes tedious.
The main reasons for these problems are these records are written manually. They are not computerized, so human errors are always possibly happening. Only a perfectly trained person can do these works without any errors and can easily keep track of handling both single entry and double-entry systems.
This method is sometimes called single-entry bookkeeping. For single-entry bookkeeping, cash book works as a good example because it is another method of bookkeeping. It has some features called fixed rules and applications, the accounting system will be incomplete, arithmetic accuracy is not good, final account system will not be used, there will be no profit or loss, can be ideal for small businesses and startups.
What is Double Entry System?
The double entry system is one of the methods of bookkeeping where both accounting and states will take place. It can satisfy the accounting equation. Most double entry systems used credit and debit cards for transaction purposes. This method uses computerized techniques so there will be no error, and the end result will be accurate.
The double entry system can be classified into 7 different types of accounts such as assets, liabilities, equities, revenue, expenses, gains, and losses. This method was developed during the mercantile period of Europe. Some people think that the double-entry system has given birth to capitalism. Here every transaction is divided into two parts. One part is called a credit card, and the other part is called a debit card.
It can be explained in a simple method. For example, you are starting a business with some initial amount such as $3000. Then this amount will be divided into two. $3000 for a credit card. And $3000 for debit cards. This type of entry system is mostly used in accounting. It is taught for students in class 11 commerce. This will be used in higher studies as well. It is an important concept in accounting, as students used to implement this in their real-life problems.
Main Differences Between Single Entry and Double Entry System
- A single entry system is somewhat easier when compared with a double-entry system as it requires more complex accounting methods to perform the transaction.
- It is difficult to maintain the records in a single-entry system, whereas double entry systems records are well maintained with clean reports.
- It is good to use a single-entry system for small businesses or startups. On the other hand, big companies prefer a double-entry system.
- In order to get well versed with the double-entry systems, you have to first learn single entry system concepts.
- You can easily identify the mistakes and discrepancies in the double-entry system with its impeccable features, whereas the single-entry system does not have that feature.
Conclusion
Both single entry systems and double-entry systems are used for bookkeeping. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages and are preferred by companies based on their requirements. It depends on the type of organization you are working for and the kind of work you do there. People with good double entry systems are preferred by mist big reputed companies as they used to do tedious transactions and account systems.
Overall, both single entry and double entry systems have advantages and disadvantages, but the advantage is more in a double-entry system so that it is preferred over the single-entry system. Both are used in accounting, and it is important to have a strong grip as it is also used in higher studies as well.
References
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0035087
- http://elib.psu.by:8080/handle/123456789/12999