Definition
Posting is the step that records a transaction permanently in the general ledger and updates account balances, as opposed to saving it as a draft.
What is posting in accounting used for?
Until an entry is posted, it doesn’t affect reports and can be changed freely. After posting, it’s part of the books, so most systems stop it being edited and require a reversing entry instead. Posting usually checks that the entry balances, the accounts exist and the date falls in an open period.
In an ERP, operational documents such as receipts, deliveries and invoices post their own journals when they’re confirmed.
Example: an accountant saves a GBP 3,000 accrual as a draft on 28 June, has it reviewed, then posts it to the general ledger on 30 June.