For any given account, the values in the "Total" and "Balance" columns on the Accounts list page are always identical.

Where an account has sub-accounts (children), the "Total" column should reflect the combined balance of the account INCLUDING all its children, and the "Balance" column should reflect the account balance of the account only, EXCLUDING all its children.  At present, the only reliable way to find the balance of an account with children is to open the account (c/f "open subaccounts" on the menu!) and view the register.