Under the sequential file approach, the general ledger master file is not updated after
each batch of transactions. To do so would result in the recreation of the entire general
ledger every time a batch of transactions (such as sales orders, cash receipts, purchases,
and cash disbursements) is processed. Firms using sequential files typically employ separate
end-of-day procedures to update the general ledger accounts. This technique is
depicted in Figure 9.1.
At the end of the day, the general ledger system accesses the journal voucher file.
This file contains journal vouchers reflecting all of the day’s transactions processed by
the organization. The journal vouchers are sorted by general ledger account number
and posted to general ledger in a single run, and a new general ledger is created.
The end-of-day procedures will also generate a number of management reports.
These may include sales summaries, inventory status reports, transaction listings, journal
voucher listings, and budget and performance reports. Quality management reports play a key role in helping management monitor operations to ensure that controls are in
place and functioning properly