beginning bank balance

Hi there, mom13. 

The Beginning Balance is the net of all previously cleared transactions. Any changes, deleted, or added transactions can affect the balance. That doesn't make the Bank account wrong; it affected Cleared Status. With that being said, you can edit the amount to correct the beginning balance and to have a fresh start.

Here's how: 

1. Go to List menu at the top, then pick Chart of Accounts on the drop-down.
2. Right-click the bank account, then choose Edit Account.
3. Select the Enter Opening Balance button, then enter the Ending Balance and Ending Date from the last bank statement you received before your QuickBooks Start Date.
4. Click OK, then Save & Close.

I've also attached some articles you can use to help you get familiar with QuickBooks, as well as how to connect your financial institution to download transactions and reconcile account: 

• QuickBooks Desktop User Guides
• Get started with Bank Feeds for QuickBooks Desktop
• Reconcile bank and credit card accounts

Feel free to come back to the Community if there's anything else I can do for you. I'll be glad to help. Have a great day ahead.

I do not have an 'Enter beginning balance' button when I try and edit the account.  Please advise!

Hey there, @ARich77. Glad to help out here.

If the account already has a beginning balance transaction, you'll have a button that says, Change Opening Balance instead. That will bring up the register and go to the existing Opening Balance transaction for you to make edits.

For more information on opening balances, check out: Enter opening balances for accounts in QuickBooks Desktop

Please touch base with us here if there's anything else you need, I'm determined to ensure your success. Have a great weekend!