Which of the following is NOT one of the six steps in the accounting cycle?

• A. Calculating depreciation expense
• B. Posting to the ledger
• C. Preparing a trial balance
• D. Analyzing transactions

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the accounting cycle, which consists of six key steps: analyzing transactions, journalizing transactions, posting to the ledger, preparing a trial balance, adjusting entries, and preparing financial statements.
2. Step 2: Review the options provided in the question and identify which one does not align with the six steps of the accounting cycle.
3. Step 3: Note that 'Calculating depreciation expense' is a specific task related to adjusting entries but is not considered a standalone step in the accounting cycle.
4. Step 4: Compare the other options ('Posting to the ledger,' 'Preparing a trial balance,' and 'Analyzing transactions') to the six steps of the accounting cycle to confirm they are part of the process.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the option that does not match the six steps of the accounting cycle, which is 'Calculating depreciation expense.'