What is an essential rule to remember when recording a journal entry?

In accounting, one of the fundamental principles is the double-entry bookkeeping system, which states that every financial transaction affects at least two accounts. Within this system, every journal entry must have equal debits and credits, meaning that the total amount debited must always equal the total amount credited. This ensures that the accounting equation (Assets = Liabilities + Equity) remains balanced after each transaction. Therefore, recording that debits equal credits is essential as it maintains the integrity of financial records and prevents discrepancies.

Understanding the balance between debits and credits is crucial for accurately reflecting the financial position of an entity. This principle helps in preparing the financial statements correctly, as any imbalance could lead to significant errors in reporting. Keeping this in mind while recording journal entries helps ensure clarity and correctness in financial reporting.