Another name for control accounts is **total account**. Control accounts are summary accounts that are used to monitor and reconcile the balances in individual subsidiary accounts. They serve as a means of controlling and verifying the accuracy of the transactions recorded in the subsidiary accounts.
A control account, such as a total account, contains the summarized information from multiple related subsidiary accounts. It simplifies the process of monitoring and managing the subsidiary accounts by providing a single balance that represents the total of the individual account balances.
For example, in the context of a business's accounts receivable, the control account would be the total account that represents the combined balance of all the individual debtor accounts. Similarly, in the context of a business's accounts payable, the control account would be the total account that represents the combined balance of all the individual creditor accounts.
By using control accounts, businesses can easily identify any discrepancies or errors in the subsidiary accounts. They can compare the balances in the control accounts with the detailed balances in the subsidiary accounts to ensure accuracy and detect any discrepancies. This helps in maintaining the integrity of the financial records and ensuring that the accounts are reconciled properly.
In summary, control accounts, also known as total accounts, are summary accounts that consolidate and monitor the balances of individual subsidiary accounts. They provide a simplified and efficient way of managing and reconciling the subsidiary accounts, ensuring accuracy in the financial records.