What is the purpose of an adjusted trial balance?

The purpose of an adjusted trial balance is to verify that debits equal credits after all necessary adjustments have been made in the accounting records. After adjusting entries, which might include accruals, deferrals, depreciation, and other adjustments related to revenues or expenses, it is crucial to ensure the accounting equation remains balanced. By producing an adjusted trial balance, accountants can confirm that the total debits match the total credits, providing a foundational check for accuracy before moving on to the preparation of financial statements.

This step is critical in the accounting cycle because it helps catch any errors that may have occurred during the adjustment process. The adjusted trial balance serves as a tool to ensure integrity in the financial reporting process, confirming that the adjustments have not disrupted the balance of the accounts. Ultimately, this verification supports the accuracy of the financial statements, which will be derived from this adjusted trial balance.