I think this is a throw back to manual bookkeeping.
With software, adjustments are usually done through a journal and the result is instant, so no need for an ETB.
The only exception I know of is VT Final Accounts, when, if you use the manual TB method, and make a journal entry adjustment, it automatically adds a column and links the ledger adjustment for you, giving effectively an ETB.
There is another thread in the Software section, where i attached a VT TB spreadsheet.
I am a keen user of ETB's to construct my year end accounts file or to hand over to an accountant, but having spoken to a fellow bookkeeper/accountant they said that they have never used an ETB since they finished training.
Just wondered how many of you use ETB's and if not do you have a better or alternative system.
It looks like there's a split on those still using ETB's and I can understand why if your using a software system as the Journals replace the need for an ETB to some extent.
I personally use VT Accounts and I find that by preparing an excel ETB it saves me loads of time when posting the final TB onto VT.
I usually keep journal vouchers which are clearly noted and so there is no real need for an ETB. However, I do deal with a small sub with transactions paid through the parent company (not too many). I use an ETB as a substitute to any form of record-keeping. I start of with the b/f balance in column one and then for example put total rates in column two (with ref to appendix....being the rates back-up) etc etc. I think this is most useful if you are keeping simple accounts in Excel for example to build the final accounts.
I remember an old chairman of ours was keen on these........I think he was old school so maybe something that has been by-passed like T accounts etc.
Incidentally, although they seem quite a standard method for showing adjustments, I couldn't have told you it was called an ETB!! : )
