When do you Record an expense as a journal entry?

Answer 1

In accrual accounting, expenses are recorded as you get them, so say receive your Utilities Bill due the next month, you record it immediately.

For example I have a $500 Utility Bill it's June 28th, the bill isn't due until say July 15th, the entry would be;

Utility Expense (debit) $500

Utilities Payable (credit) $500

On July 15th when the bill is paid you adjust the entry as follows;

Utilities Payable (debit) $500

Cash (credit) $500

In Cash Basis Accounting the expense isn't recorded on the books until the bill is actually paid and the entry would be;

Utilities Expense (debit) $500

Cash (credit) $500

Answer 2

debit expense
credit cash