Which of the following best describes the two steps for opening an account in the context of journal entries for business formation?

• A. Analyzing transactions and closing the account
• B. Posting transactions and preparing a trial balance
• C. Writing the account title and recording the balance
• D. Recording adjusting entries and preparing financial statements

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of opening an account: In financial accounting, opening an account refers to the process of setting up a ledger account to record transactions related to a specific category, such as assets, liabilities, or equity.
2. Step 1: Writing the account title - This involves naming the account appropriately based on the type of transaction or financial category it represents (e.g., Cash, Accounts Receivable, Capital). The account title is essential for identifying the purpose of the account.
3. Step 2: Recording the balance - After naming the account, the initial balance (if any) is recorded. This could be the opening balance for assets, liabilities, or equity accounts, depending on the nature of the business formation transaction.
4. Clarify why other options are incorrect: For example, 'Analyzing transactions and closing the account' is not relevant to opening an account, as closing pertains to the end of an accounting period. Similarly, 'Recording adjusting entries and preparing financial statements' occurs later in the accounting cycle, not during account setup.
5. Reinforce the correct answer: Opening an account is a foundational step in the accounting process, and it involves writing the account title and recording the balance to ensure accurate tracking of transactions.