Import Bank Statement

This allows you to upload transactions from your bank statement into Bookkeeper instead of entering them manually.
Imported transactions are typically used during bank reconciliation.

Prepare your bank statement file

Before importing, ensure your bank statement file meets the following requirements:

• File format: CSV
• One transaction per row
• Includes at least:
  • Date
  • Description
  • Amount or Debit and Credit columns

Most banks allow CSV downloads from their online banking platforms.

Date format (important)

For best results, use the following date format:

👉 DD/MM/YYYY
Example: 15/02/2025

Notes on dates

• All dates in the file must use the same format
• Dates may include time (e.g. 15/02/2025 09:42), but date-only values are recommended
• Mixed date formats in the same file can cause import errors or incorrect dates

If you experience date-related issues, open the CSV file and standardise the date column to DD/MM/YYYY, then save and re-import.

Understand amounts (important)

How amounts are handled depends on the structure of your CSV file.

If your file has Debit and Credit columns (recommended)

• Map Debit → Debit
  • Treated as money going out of the bank
• Map Credit → Credit
  • Treated as money coming into the bank

In this case, do not use negative values.
Manager will determine the direction automatically.

If your file has a single Amount column

You must ensure the signs are correct:

• Money coming in → positive amount
  • Example: 50000
• Money going out → negative amount
  • Example: -1200

If signs are incorrect, edit the CSV file before importing.

Open the bank account

1. From the left-hand menu, click Bank Accounts
2. Click the bank account you want to import transactions into

Start the import

1. Click Import Bank Statement
2. Click Choose File
3. Select your CSV file

Map the statement columns

1. Review the column mapping screen
2. Map the columns correctly:
   • Date → Date
   • Description → Description
   • Debit / Credit or Amount (not both)
3. Confirm the preview looks correct

Import the transactions

1. Click Import
2. Wait for the import to complete

The transactions will now appear in the bank account transaction list.

Review imported transactions

After importing:

• Check dates and descriptions
• Review large or unusual amounts
• Look out for duplicates

Imported transactions are not reconciled automatically.

Next step: Bank reconciliation

Once transactions are imported and reviewed:

1. Open the bank account
2. Click Bank Reconciliation
3. Match transactions to your bank statement
4. Complete the reconciliation when the difference is 0.00

Notes

• Do not import the same statement period more than once
• If a mistake is made, imported transactions can be deleted and re-imported
• Always review transactions before completing reconciliation