Subsidiary ledger definition including break down of areas in the definition. Analyzing the definition of key term often provides more insight about concepts. Subsidiary ledger can be defined as: List of individual subaccounts and amounts with a common characteristic, linked to a controlling account in the general ledger. Subsidiary ledgers can be used to organize data in a specific way. For example, accounts receivable subsidiary ledger can be used to track accounts receivable by who customer. The AR subsidiary ledger should agree to the controlling account or general ledger. The subsidiary ledger of accounts payable can be used to track AP by vendor. The AP subsidiary ledger can be agreed to the controlling account, general ledger account.