The end-of-period spreadsheet, also called the worksheet, is an optional step in the accounting cycle. Such a spreadsheet documents the flow of information through each element of the accounting cycle from the beginning to the end of the accounting period. Using a series of two-column (debit and credit) sets, the accountant can track beginning balances, journal entries, unadjusted trial balance, adjusting journal entries, adjusted trial balance, creation of financial statements, closing entries, and the post-closing trial balance. The post-closing trial balance is the final trial balance prepared to include the effect of closing entries. It represents the end of the current accounting period. The post-closing trial balance consists of the permanent accounts, which are found on the balance sheet, and are not closed. In practice, although management is primarily responsible for financial statements, independent auditors also play an important role in professional accounting. They could subsequently examine an organization's financial statements and request that certain adjustments be made. These adjustments could also be tracked with an additional two-column set.
At the beginning of the next accounting period, the temporary accounts (such as service revenue) will begin to reflect business activity again, and the accounting cycle will be repeated.