The adjusted trial balance is prepared b) after adjusting journal entries are posted.
After the accounting period is over, a company must ensure that its financial records reflect the true financial position. To do this, adjusting journal entries are made to account for accrued and deferred items that were not previously recorded. Once these adjustments are journalized, they are then posted to the respective accounts in the ledger.
Only after all these journal entries are posted can the adjusted trial balance be prepared. This trial balance reflects all updated account balances, allowing accountants to prepare accurate financial statements.