What is the systematic and comprehensive recording of financial transactions pertaining to a business known as?

The systematic and comprehensive recording of financial transactions is known as accounting. This process encompasses not only the recording of transactions but also the classification, summarization, and interpretation of financial data. Accounting provides a framework for tracking the financial activities of a business and ensures that financial statements, which reflect a company's performance and financial position, are accurate and adhere to regulatory standards.

In contrast, bookkeeping is often considered a subset of accounting, focusing primarily on the day-to-day recording of financial transactions. While bookkeeping is crucial for maintaining accurate records, accounting provides a broader scope that includes analyzing and reporting these transactions.

Financial reporting involves the creation of financial statements based on the information recorded through accounting. These reports communicate a company's financial health to stakeholders but do not encompass the complete process of recording and managing the transactions.

An audit refers to an examination of financial records and statements, typically conducted to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable laws and accounting standards. While audits rely on the thorough recording of transactions as facilitated by accounting, they do not constitute the recording process itself.

Thus, choosing accounting accurately reflects the comprehensive nature of the practice as it relates to financial transactions in a business setting.