Single-entry bookkeeping refers to a method of accounting in which each transaction is recorded as a single-entry in a journal. The cash-based bookkeeping method tracks incoming and outgoing cash for a business, leading to a cash balance at the end of a period. Typical cash books include the following for each transaction: date, description, value, cash on hand. A great example of single entry bookkeeping, is the daily activity of balancing your physical checkbook (assuming you still have one).