1. A systematic way of recording and reporting financial transactions
   "The company switched to a computerized accounting system to improve efficiency"; "They switched from cash-basis to accrual method of accounting";
   - accounting system, method of accounting
    
2. The occupation of maintaining and auditing records and preparing financial reports for a business
   "He pursued a career in accounting after earning his CPA certification";
   - accountancy
    
3. A system that provides quantitative information about finances
   "The company's accounting practices were scrutinized during the audit"
    
4. A statement of recent transactions and the resulting balance
   "they send me an accounting every month";
   - account, account statement
    
5. A convincing explanation that reveals basic causes
   "he was unable to give a clear accounting for his actions"

1. Furnish a justifying analysis or explanation
   "I can't account for the missing money";
   - answer for
    
2. To give an account or representation of in words
   "He accounted for his absence with a detailed explanation";
   - report, describe
    
3. Maintain financial records
   "The treasurer accounted for every penny spent"
    
4. 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"

Derived forms: accountings

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

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

Encyclopedia: Accounting, Organizations & Society