journal voucher

Definition

Written authorization prepared usually for every financial transaction. A journal voucher is an integral part of the audit trail, and carries (1) a serial number, (2) transaction date, (3) transaction amount, (4) ledger account(s) affected, (5) reference(s) to documentary evidence (such as invoices or receipts) supporting the entry, (6) brief description of the transaction, and the (7) signature(s) or initials of one or more authorized signatories. A journal is, in effect, a collection of financial data culled from journal vouchers.