Why is it essential for adjusting entries to align with accounting rules?

Adjusting entries play a crucial role in aligning a business's financial statements with accounting rules and standards, primarily to maintain consistency in financial reporting. This consistency is important because it ensures that financial statements are prepared on a uniform basis, enabling stakeholders—such as investors, creditors, and management—to accurately compare financial performance over different periods and across different entities.

When financial reports are consistent, they become more reliable and trustworthy. This reliability is crucial for decision-making processes and for financial statement analysis. If adjustments are not made or are inconsistent, it could lead to misleading conclusions about a company's financial health or operational efficiency. Therefore, adhering to accounting rules through the use of adjusting entries directly supports transparent and coherent financial reporting practices.