What is a Control Account?
A control account checks the arithmetical accuracy of a ledger. It contains the totals of all transactions from the books of prime entry.
- Sales Ledger Control Account (SLCA): Checks the accounts of credit customers (Trade Receivables).
- Purchase Ledger Control Account (PLCA): Checks the accounts of credit suppliers (Trade Payables).
1. Sources of Information
Crucially, control accounts are prepared using totals from Books of Prime Entry, not from individual ledger accounts. This ensures the check is independent.
| Transaction | Source of Information |
|---|---|
| Credit Sales / Purchases | Sales / Purchases Journal |
| Returns Inward / Outward | Sales / Purchases Returns Journal |
| Cash Received / Paid | Cash Book |
| Discounts Allowed / Received | Cash Book (Discount Columns) |
| Bad Debts Written Off | General Journal |
2. Contra Entries (Set-offs)
Definition: When a business both sells to and buys from the same person. Instead of paying each other, the balances are "set-off" against each other.
Action: A Contra entry is Debited in the PLCA and Credited in the SLCA.
3. Minority Balances
Sometimes an SLCA has a credit balance (or a PLCA has a debit balance). This happens if a customer overpays or returns goods after their account was already cleared.
Quick Check
1. Why is a Control Account used?
View Correct Answer
Correct Answer: B. Control accounts help identify where errors have occurred in the subsidiary ledgers and make it harder for staff to hide fraud.