A journal is a thorough account that logs all the financial dealings of a business, to be used for forthcoming reconciliation of and moved to other formal book-keeping accounts, like the general ledger. A journal mentions the transaction date, affected accounts, and the figures, generally in a double-entry accounting method.

Every time a business transaction occurs, an accountant records the financial transaction as a journal entry. If the expense or income affects one or more business accounts, the journal entry will detail that as well. Journaling is an essential part of objective record-keeping and allows for concise review and records-transfer later in the accounting process. Journals are often reviewed as part of a trade or audit process, along with the general ledger.