The ledger explains each account
The accounting journal records transactions in chronological order. The general ledger reorganizes the same entries account by account. It is the document that explains why a customer, supplier, VAT, payroll, bank or expense account has a balance.
If the ledger is unclear, the trial balance may still balance mathematically while hiding old or wrong amounts.
What to review monthly
Review accounts with old balances, suspense accounts, supplier debit balances, customer credit balances, VAT accounts, payroll and social accounts, bank accounts and inventory adjustment accounts. Each balance must have a reason: unpaid invoice, payment not posted, declaration pending, correction, advance or error.
For closing, the ledger should support the balance sheet and financial statements. A balance without explanation is not a control.
Link with tax and payroll
VAT, IBS, IRG and CNAS figures should not be reviewed only in declaration portals. They must also be visible in the ledger. If a tax or social balance remains old, the company should know whether it is a real debt, a payment timing issue, or a posting error.
The ledger also supports discussions with customers and suppliers. When a party asks for an account statement, the balance should come from readable invoices, payments and corrections, not from a number that only appears at closing.
Official references
Review old balances early
Use the ledger as a review tool, not as an archive opened only at year-end. Monthly account review keeps closing under control.