Subsidiary Ledger
Accounting glossary · Understand, connect, apply
A subsidiary ledger provides detailed accounts supporting a summary control account in the general ledger.
Example
Individual supplier accounts support the Accounts Payable control account.
Remember the difference
The subsidiary ledger supports, rather than duplicates, the amount reported in the financial statements. Its total should be reconciled to the control account.
Examples are simplified for learning. Where a term depends on US law, IFRS, US GAAP or a historical rule, check the context explained above and the requirements relevant to your course.
Study references: OpenStax financial accounting and managerial accounting. For reporting requirements, consult the applicable IFRS Standards or FASB guidance. US tax terms should be checked against the relevant tax-year IRS instructions.
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