The Worksheet
A worksheet is a preliminary compilation of figures that facilitaes recording or analysis. A worksheet is often used prior to the formal journalizing and posting of the adjusting and closing entries. Its use permits the accountant to make a dry run of the whole process.
Since a pencil is ordinarily used, any errors detected on the worksheet can be easily corrected, whereas alterations to the formal records are to be avoided. The worksheet also classifies account balances according to financial staements in which they are to appear.