What steps should be taken if errors persist after checking columnar calculations and postings?

• A. Verify that no general ledger account has been left out; verify that debit and credit accounts in GL have been recorded in the correct column; recompute balances in GL; verify amounts were posted correctly in GJ
• B. Prepare a new chart of accounts
• C. Close the books and reopen the period
• D. Consult external auditor and ignore the discrepancy

Answer: (A)

When errors remain after checking columnar calculations and postings, the next best move is to audit the general ledger and its connection to the journal to uncover where the discrepancy originates. Start by making sure no general ledger account has been omitted; a missing account means a transaction exists somewhere in the records but isn’t reflected in the ledger, which can throw balances off even if arithmetic looks correct. Then confirm that debit and credit entries are recorded in the correct columns in the general ledger, because placing a debit on the credit side (or vice versa) will distort totals and timing of postings. Recompute the GL balances so you verify that the ledger totals align with the individual postings. Finally, verify that the amounts posted in the general journal match what actually appears in the ledger, ensuring there were no posting errors or transpositions between the journal and the ledger.

This approach targets the integrity of the ledger and its linkage to the journal, addressing both completeness and accuracy. Other options either change the structure without fixing the posting issue, or propose closing and reopening the period, or imply ignoring the discrepancy—none of which resolves the ongoing posting errors.