What is a journal entry?

A journal entry is defined as a record of a financial transaction in the accounting system. This is fundamental to the double-entry bookkeeping system, where each transaction affects at least two accounts.

When a journal entry is made, it includes details such as the date of the transaction, the accounts involved, the amounts debited and credited, and a brief description of the transaction. This formalizes the transaction in the accounting records and ensures that the overall accounting equation (Assets = Liabilities + Equity) remains balanced.

The other choices represent different concepts within accounting. A summary of financial transactions for a fiscal year refers to the financial statements, which aggregate multiple journal entries over time. A report analyzing financial ratios involves an assessment of the financial health of an entity using information derived from financial statements, not individual transactions. A document tracking cash flow pertains specifically to cash inflows and outflows, which stems from various transactions but is not the same as a journal entry. Thus, the correct understanding of a journal entry is crucial for accurate accounting and financial reporting.