the theory and system of setting up, maintaining, and auditing the books of a firm; art of analyzing the financial position and operating results of a business house from a study of its sales, purchases, overhead, etc. ( distinguished from bookkeeping ).

a detailed report of the financial state or transactions of a person or entity

an accounting of the estate.

the rendering or submission of such a report.

noun

auditing , balancing the books , bookkeeping , calculating , computing , reckoning