We just switched to using QBO from a different program. I'm trying to reconcile the first month in QBO - how do I reconcile checks written in the previous year/program?

Welcome to the Community, @laurenrds.

If you're needing to add just a single or a few Checks, then you can create a Check in QuickBooks Online. Here's how:

1. Press on the +New button in the left-hand menu, then select Check.
2. Choose the Payee from the drop-down list or click + Add New to create a new Payee.
3. Specify the Bank Account where the money will be withdrawn.
4. Complete the Check fields.
5. Hit Save and close or Save and new.

Here's a Community Article that provides more information about how to record Checks: How to write a check.

You can also bring in batch transactions from your other program into QuickBooks Online through Excel. I've provided the steps below on how to do this with ease:

1. In your other program, export the Checks into Excel.
2. After reviewing the transactions in Excel, save the file as a CSV.
3. Go to the Gear icon at the top-right of your QuickBooks, then select Import Data.
4. Choose Bank Data.
5. Press Browse and input your Excel (CSV) file.
6. Click Open then Next.
7. From the QuickBooks Account drop-down list, pick the bank account then hit Next.
8. Follow the steps to import the transactions.

For formatting information and how to move the file for QuickBooks Online, click here.

Since it's your first time reconciling in your account, I'd like to leave you with a Community Article that will guide you through the process of Reconciliation: Reconcile an account in QuickBooks Online.

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns with your QuickBooks. I'm just a Reply away.

Thank you Ashley, I'm more wondering about reconciling from a different fiscal year. We only entered 2020 expenses etc. but in reconciling January 2020 there are some checks from Dec 2019 that were already accounted for in the beginning balances as of 1/1/20 in the numbers we brought into QBO. So I'm wondering how to reconcile them without double counting them in any accounts.

Thank you Ashley, I'm more wondering about reconciling from a different fiscal year. We only entered 2020 expenses etc. but in reconciling January 2020 there are some checks from Dec 2019 that were already accounted for in the beginning balances as of 1/1/20 in the numbers we brought into QBO. So I'm wondering how to reconcile them without double counting them in any accounts.