Säätötilit

Säätötilit, often translated as "adjustment accounts" or "suspense accounts" in English, are a type of general ledger account used in accounting. They serve as temporary holding places for financial transactions that cannot yet be definitively posted to their final accounts. This might occur for several reasons, such as when there is missing information, a discrepancy that needs investigation, or when a transaction spans multiple accounting periods and requires adjustment.

The primary purpose of a säätötili is to ensure that the accounting system remains balanced at all times, meaning that total debits equal total credits. By temporarily posting an amount to a säätötili, accountants can maintain the integrity of the trial balance while they resolve the underlying issue. Once the correct classification or necessary adjustments are determined, the amount is transferred from the säätötili to its appropriate permanent account.

Common scenarios where säätötilit are utilized include recording unapplied cash receipts, reconciling bank statements, or accounting for differences found during inventory counts. They are also used for accruals and deferrals that need to be finalized at the end of an accounting period. While essential for maintaining financial accuracy and order, säätötilit are not intended for long-term use. Their balances should be cleared out regularly through proper allocation or correction of the transactions they represent.