In accounting, a prior period’s outstanding sum, whether a debt or credit, which is carried over to the beginning of a new accounting period, functions as the initial figure for that subsequent period’s financial activity. For example, if a customer’s outstanding invoice amount at the close of July is $100, this $100 becomes the starting point for their account in August.
This process offers clarity and continuity in financial record-keeping. It allows businesses to track financial obligations and receivables accurately across multiple periods. Historically, manual accounting systems relied heavily on this method to ensure all financial obligations were accounted for consistently. The practice remains relevant in modern computerized systems.