Definitions of accounting:

• noun:   a system that provides quantitative information about finances
• noun:   a convincing explanation that reveals basic causes

  Example: "He was unable to give a clear accounting for his actions"

• noun:   a bookkeeper's chronological list of related debits and credits of a business; forms part of a ledger of accounts
• noun:   the occupation of maintaining and auditing records and preparing financial reports for a business
• noun:   a statement of recent transactions and the resulting balance

  Example: "They send me an accounting every month"