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1. A convincing explanation that reveals basic causes
   "he was unable to give a clear accounting for his actions"
    
2. A system that provides quantitative information about finances
    
3. The occupation of maintaining and auditing records and preparing financial reports for a business
   - accountancy
    
4. A bookkeeper's chronological list of related debits and credits of a business; forms part of a ledger of accounts
   - accounting system, method of accounting
    
5. A statement of recent transactions and the resulting balance
   "they send me an accounting every month";
   - account, account statement

1. Be the sole or primary factor in the existence, acquisition, supply, or disposal of something
   "Passing grades account for half of the grades given in this exam"
    
2. Keep an account of
   - calculate
    
3. To give an account or representation of in words
   - report, describe
    
4. Furnish a justifying analysis or explanation
   "I can't account for the missing money";
   - answer for

Derived forms: accountings

Type of: account, be, business, declare, explanation, financial statement, inform, job, line, line of work, occupation, pronounce, register, statement, system, system of rules

Part of: account book, book, book of account, ledger, leger

Encyclopedia: Accounting, Organizations & Society