Learn the reconcile workflow in QuickBooks
by Intuit•13• Updated 1 month ago
Just like balancing your chequebook, you need to regularly review your accounts in QuickBooks. You need to make sure the amounts match your real-life bank and credit card statements. This process is called reconciling (or a reconciliation).
Use this guide anytime you need help doing or fixing a reconciliation. If you’re new to reconciliations or need more help, reach out to your accountant. This can get tricky and they know how to handle the next steps. Don't have an accountant? We can help you find one.
In this article, you'll learn how to:
Start a new reconciliation
Here's everything you need to know to get started.
Check the opening balance
When you create a new bank or credit card account in QuickBooks, you need to enter an opening balance. The first time you reconcile the account, always double-check the opening balance.
- Learn how to enter an opening balance in QuickBooks Online
- Learn how to enter an opening balance in QuickBooks Desktop
Reconcile an account
Once you have your monthly bank statements, you can reconcile your accounts. You'll compare each transaction in QuickBooks with what's recorded on your bank statement. At the end, the difference between the account in QuickBooks and your bank statement should be CA $ 0.00.
- Learn how to reconcile an account in QuickBooks Online
- Learn how to reconcile an account in QuickBooks Desktop
Fix a reconciliation
Sometimes things get missed - it's bound to happen every once in a while. If you find a mistake in a reconciliation, don't worry. Follow the sections below based on the type of account you're reconciling.
Reconcile an account for the first time
If you're reconciling an account for the first time, review the opening balance in QuickBooks. Make sure it matches the balance in your real-life account for whatever day you picked.
- Learn how to fix opening balance issues in QuickBooks Online
- Learn how to fix opening balance issues in QuickBooks Desktop
Reconcile an account you didn't enter an opening balance for
If you forgot to enter an opening balance and you're already tracking transactions in the account, here's how to enter an opening balance later on.
Reconciling transactions that are older than the opening balance
If you added older transactions to QuickBooks that are dated before your opening balance, it may impact the account's total. Here's how to reconcile older transactions so everything stays balanced.
Reconcile an account you've reconciled in the past
If you reconciled an account more than once, you likely already reviewed the opening balance.
Instead, check the beginning balance. Make sure the beginning balance for the time period you're reconciling in QuickBooks matches your bank statement:
- Learn how to fix beginning balance issues in QuickBooks Online
- Learn how to fix beginning balance issues in QuickBooks Desktop
Fix issues during a reconciliation
If you already reviewed your opening and beginning balances, focus on the ending balance.
At the end of each reconciliation, the difference between the ending balance in QuickBooks and your bank statement should be CA $ 0.00. If there's still a difference, your accounts aren't balanced.
- Learn how to fix issues during a reconciliation in QuickBooks Online
- Learn how to fix issues while you’re reconciling in QuickBooks Desktop
Edit completed reconciliations
If you need to make changes after you reconcile, start by reviewing a previous reconciliation report. If you reconciled a transaction by accident, here's how to unreconcile individual transactions.
If you adjusted a reconciliation by mistake or need to start over, reach out to your accountant. These kinds of changes can get complicated and unbalance your accounts. Your accountant knows the right steps.
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