What is a chart of accounts? The chart of accounts (COA) is an organized list of financial account numbers and names in your company's general ledger. Typically, a chart of accounts will have four categories: assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. Accounting systems have a general ledger where you record your accounts to help balance your books. Keeping your accounts in place and up to date is important for analyzing your finances. However, your accounting requires you to record your transactions in the correct accounts. A chart of accounts helps you do just that! Chart of accounts structure In order to understand the balance sheet and income statement for your business, you need to first have an understanding of the components that make up a chart of accounts. Knowing how to keep your company's chart organized can make it easier for you to access financial information when you need it. Within each of the chart of accounts categories, line items distinguish ...