The initial beginning balance

Hi there, @Chewster1.

I'm here to help find the beginning balance transaction.

You'll have to run the account's Quickreport to look at the list of transactions for open balance equity. Then make the necessary edits or updates to correct it.

1. Go to the Company menu, then select Chart of Accounts.
2. Choose the bank account.
3. Then, click the Reports drop-down arrow.
4. Select QuickReport.
5. Go to Customize Report.
6. On the Display tab, click the Clr box, then OK.
7. Compare transactions on the report with the status in the Clr column to identify transactions that are cleared or uncleared.

If you find one, you can follow the steps below:

1. Go to the Lists, then choose Chart of Accounts.
2. Double-click the affected bank account to view the register.
3. Find the transaction and the field with a checkmark to clear or unclear the transaction.
4. Click Record. 

You can also check out this article on how to find reconciliation discrepancies for Mac to learn more.

If everything looks good and the figure is still wrong, I'd recommend contacting our Customer Care Team so a representative can take a better look at your file and check the cause of the issue. 

1. Go to the Help menu. 
2. Select QuickBooks Desktop Help.
3. Click Contact Us.
4. On the dialogue box, type beginning balance, then click Search.
5. Choose the Start a Message button to begin a conversation with a representative.

Once it's fixed, you can start reconciling the bank account again. 

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any QuickBooks questions.

I tried the solutions you suggested to alter my 'opening' balance.  None worked and I was totally not able to access per your suggestion as follows: 

If everything looks good and the figure is still wrong, I'd recommend contacting our Customer Care Team so a representative can take a better look at your file and check the cause of the issue. 

Go to the Help menu.  Select QuickBooks Desktop Help. Click Contact Us. On the dialogue box, type beginning balance, then click Search. Choose the Start a Message button to begin a conversation with a representative.

There is no way I can get a representative. When I click on the Help Icon I go heaven knows were but it is not to anyone who can help.  I mean I am willing to pay to be guided. This is awful. I really feel lost and abandoned by QuickBooks. Can you help me please? Why is this so extremely hard? Thanks.

Hello, @Chewster1. 

I want you to know that helping you is our top priority. In QuickBooks, the ending balance of the previous reconciliation will be used as the beginning balance in the next period. Aside from that, the bank balance is different from the QuickBooks register, it possible that you've made changes in your previous reconciliation. Either transaction was deleted, edited, or unreconciled. Here's how to correct a zero balance: 

1. Create a journal entry using the correct date and amount you want to see in the Begin Reconciliation window.
   1. Select Company from the top menu bar, then press Make General Journal Entries.
   2. Modify the date to the correct statement date of your beginning balance.
   3. On the first line, tap the appropriate account from the Account drop-down.
   4. Enter the correct opening balance in the Debit column.
   5. On the second line, tap Opening Balance Equity.
   6. Press Save. 
      

1. Do a mini-reconciliation to correct the Beginning Balance in the Begin Reconciliation window.
   1. Click the Banking menu, then tap Reconcile.
   2. Select the correct account from the Account drop-down.
   3. Enter the statement date and ending balance that match your Journal Entry.
   4. Tap Continue.
   5. In the Deposits and Other Credits section, choose the corresponding Journal Entry. Note: The amount shown for the Difference should now be zero.
   6. Select Reconcile Now. 

To correct edited, deleted, or cleared transactions, you can run any of these reports: Reconcile Discrepancy report, Audit Trail report, and Previous Reconciliation report. 

To learn more about edit that journal entry, you can refer to this article: Fix beginning balance issues in QuickBooks Desktop. 

I've included an article that will guide you in fixing common reconciliation in QuickBooks Desktop.   

Please don't hesitate to visit us again of you need assistance in fixing your beginning balance in QuickBooks. Take care!