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Using the general journal

While many transaction types can be entered into specialised windows in your MYOB software, there will always be a need to have a general journal to be able to record entries that do not fit into specialised fields. Such entries include infrequent transaction types as well as adjusting entries. This topic shows you how to use the Record Journal Entry window to record an entry into the general journal in your MYOB software.

To record an entry using the Record Journal Entry window, in the flowchart section of the Accounts Command Centre, select the Record Journal Entry link.

This opens the Record Journal Entry window where you can enter the details of the journal entry into your MYOB software. The following screenshot and reference table show step-by-step instructions on how to enter information into the Record Journal Entry window in your MYOB software. Note that each step is assigned a reference number to help you identify the appropriate field or icon in the screenshot of the Record Journal Entry window.

Step	MYOB software field or icon	Action
	General Journal #	Accept the default journal number automatically displayed or enter your preferred journal number. Each transaction entered into the general journal should be assigned a unique general journal number to identify that transaction.
	Date	Enter the date of the journal entry.
	Memo	Enter a description of the journal entry.
	Acct # column	Type in the account number of the account you wish to debit. Alternately, when you select a cell in this column, the search icon appears. You can click the search icon to open the Select from List window where you can select the account you wish to debit.
	Name column	Notice that once you have selected an account in the Acct # column, your MYOB software automatically enters the name of that account into this field.
	Debit column	Enter the dollar amount to be debited to that account.
	Tax column	Either accept the default tax code that appears in this field when you select the account or change the tax code for this transaction. To change the tax code, when you select a cell in this column, the search icon appears. You can click the search icon to open the Select from List window where you can select the tax code you wish to use for this account. If you are completing our software practice set and recording adjusting entries, you are asked to use the N-T tax code for all accounts used in adjusting entries.
	New row	Repeat steps 4 through to 7, this time selecting the account credited and using the Credit column to record the amount credited.
	Out of Balance	Before recording the transaction check that the out of balance amount is $0.00. This means that total debits is equal to total credits for that journal entry.
	Record	Click the Record button to record the transaction. Note that your MYOB software will not allow you to record the transaction if the transaction is unbalanced, that is, if there is an amount other than $0.00 in the Out of Balance field.

Helpful Hint!

If you are completing our software practice set, you only use the general journal to record end-of-month adjusting entries.

Remember, all other transaction types should be recorded in their appropriate window. This is because these other windows are designed to record the details relating to the specific customer, supplier or inventory item used in the transaction. These details are not able to be captured in the general journal, so are unable to be tracked if the transaction is recorded in the general journal.