A General Ledger [GL] is the central accounting record used by businesses to prepare financial reports. It categorises all financial transactions into cost codes, allowing managers to track expenditure, revenue, assets, and liabilities.

For category managers, the General Ledger provides visibility into spend categories. This information supports spend analysis and helps in mapping organisational costs against suppliers, categories, and business functions. It differs from line item detail by offering a higher-level financial view.

Other options are misleading:

Option A [tenders] relates to e-procurement platforms, not financial records.

Option C [catalogue] refers to item listings, not ledgers.

Option D [supplier lists] relates to approved supplier databases.

By using GL data, procurement can ensure alignment with finance, strengthening compliance, budgeting, and strategic sourcing decisions.

[Ref: CIPS L5M6 Study Guide, p.135 – Use of General Ledger in procurement analysis]