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Accounts Payable & Receivable › Reconciliations

What is a control account and how does it relate to reconciliations?

Beginner

Answer

A control account is a GL account whose balance summarizes a sub-ledger—e.g., the AP control account equals the total of all supplier balances. Reconciliations confirm the control account agrees with its sub-ledger detail. Postings should flow through the sub-ledger, not directly to the control account, to keep them in agreement.
Real-world example The AR control account in the GL should always equal the sum of every customer's balance in the AR sub-ledger.

Common follow-ups: Why avoid direct postings to a control account? | What does the control account summarize?