Reconcile? Why?

Reconciling business bank and credit card accounts is an essential bookkeeping task that helps ensure financial records are accurate and up-to-date. Bookkeepers guide clients through the process of regularly reviewing account statements, identifying any discrepancies between recorded transactions and bank/card activity, and resolving any errors or missing entries. This practice helps businesses maintain tight control over their cash flow, identify potential fraud or unauthorized transactions, and prepare reliable financial reports.

Reconciling business bank and credit card statements is a critical financial management task. It involves systematically comparing your internal financial records with official statements from your bank or credit card company. This process helps identify discrepancies, detect potential fraud, and ensure accurate financial reporting.

Start by gathering all relevant documents. Your bookkeeper will methodically compare each transaction, paying close attention to dates, amounts, and transaction descriptions. Any differences they find could be due to timing issues, recording errors, or overlooked entries. Your professional will make necessary adjustments in your books to reflect the correct financial position.

Your books must account for bank fees, interest charges, and any automatic payments or deposits. After all transactions are reconciled, your internal records should match the statement’s ending balance.

Regular reconciliation, ideally monthly, helps maintain financial accuracy, aids in budgeting and forecasting, and can identify cash flow issues early. It’s also crucial for tax preparation and can provide valuable insights into your business’s spending patterns and financial health. Your bookkeeper has the skill to complete reconciliations efficiently.