How to Reconcile Bank Statement in QuickBooks Online
Reconciling your bank statement is an important task to ensure that your business’s financial records match those of your bank. QuickBooks Online provides a user-friendly platform to help you reconcile your bank statement efficiently and accurately. In this article, we will guide you through the process of reconciling your bank statement in QuickBooks Online, along with common questions and answers to help you troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Step 1: Access Reconciliation Feature
Login to your QuickBooks Online account and navigate to the Banking tab on the left-hand menu. Select the account you want to reconcile from the list of accounts. Click on the drop-down menu under the Action column and choose Reconcile.
Step 2: Confirm Statement Information
Ensure that the statement date and ending balance on the reconciliation page match those on your bank statement. If they don’t match, double-check that you have selected the correct statement period and ending balance.
Step 3: Compare Transactions
In QuickBooks Online, you will see a list of transactions that need to be matched with those on your bank statement. Start by comparing the transactions on your bank statement with the ones on the reconciliation page. Check off each transaction that matches, and QuickBooks Online will automatically update the Cleared Balance.
Step 4: Add Missing Transactions
If you discover transactions on your bank statement that are not listed on the reconciliation page, click on the Add Transaction button and enter the relevant information for each missing transaction. Once entered, check off the added transactions to update the Cleared Balance accordingly.
Step 5: Resolve Discrepancies
If the Cleared Balance matches the ending balance on your bank statement, congratulations! Your bank statement is now reconciled. However, if there is a discrepancy between the Cleared Balance and the ending balance on your bank statement, you will need to investigate further.
Common Questions and Answers:
1. What if I accidentally mark a transaction as cleared?
No worries! Simply uncheck the transaction on the reconciliation page to reverse the cleared status.
2. Can I reconcile multiple accounts simultaneously?
Yes, QuickBooks Online allows you to reconcile multiple accounts simultaneously. Access the Reconcile feature for each account separately and follow the same steps outlined above.
3. Can I reconcile previous periods?
Absolutely! QuickBooks Online allows you to reconcile previous periods. Simply select the desired statement period and follow the same steps as for the current period.
4. How often should I reconcile my bank statement?
It is recommended to reconcile your bank statement on a monthly basis to ensure accurate financial records.
5. What if I find a transaction discrepancy that I can’t resolve?
If you encounter a transaction discrepancy that you can’t resolve, consult your bank statement and other relevant documents to investigate further. You may need to reach out to your bank for clarification.
6. Can I reconcile transactions in foreign currencies?
Yes, QuickBooks Online supports reconciliation of transactions in foreign currencies. Ensure that you have set up the necessary currency settings in your account.
7. What if my bank statement has charges or fees that are not in QuickBooks Online?
If your bank statement includes charges or fees that are not listed in QuickBooks Online, create a new expense transaction and assign it to the appropriate expense account.
8. Can I reconcile transactions that are pending in my bank statement?
No, QuickBooks Online only allows you to reconcile transactions that have cleared your bank.
9. Is it possible to reconcile a closed period?
Yes, you can reconcile a closed period in QuickBooks Online. However, it is recommended to consult with your accountant before making any changes to closed periods.
10. Can I reconcile transactions from multiple bank accounts into a single account in QuickBooks Online?
No, each bank account in QuickBooks Online must be reconciled separately.
11. Are there any reports I can generate after reconciling my bank statement?
Yes, QuickBooks Online provides various reports that you can generate after reconciling your bank statement, such as the Reconciliation Detail Report and Reconciliation Summary Report. These reports provide a detailed overview of the reconciliation process and can be useful for auditing purposes.
Reconciling your bank statement in QuickBooks Online is a crucial step in maintaining accurate financial records for your business. By following the steps outlined above and referring to the common questions and answers provided, you can ensure a smooth and error-free reconciliation process.