Quick Start Guide

Go to the ReconcileIQ dashboard (bankreconciler.app/tool):

1. Locate the "Bank Statement" upload area.
2. Click "Choose File" or drag and drop your bank statement file (CSV, Excel, or PDF) onto the designated area.
3. If uploading a PDF from a supported UK bank, ReconcileIQ will automatically convert it to CSV format.
4. Repeat for the "Bookkeeping Software" upload area using your accounting records file.
5. Once both files are selected, click the blue "Reconcile Statements" button to proceed to the mapping step.

This crucial step tells ReconcileIQ where to find the necessary data in your files.

1. Automatic Detection: ReconcileIQ will try to automatically identify the Date, Amount (or Money In/Out pair), and Description columns based on common headers. It will highlight its suggestions.
2. Verify Mapping: Carefully check if the highlighted columns (indicated by the blue overlays) correctly correspond to Date, Amount/Pair, and Description in *both* your files (Bank and Books). Review the sample rows shown.
3. Adjust if Needed: If the automatic mapping is wrong, click and drag the blue header labels (e.g., "Date") to the correct column header in your file preview.
   • If you use separate Debit/Credit columns, use the "Map Money In / Money Out" toggle and map both.
4. Map Optional Fee: If you have a separate Fee column, click the "Map Fee" toggle and drag the "Fee" label to that column.
5. Set Currency: Use the dropdown menu at the top to select the currency of the files (GBP, EUR, or USD). This ensures amounts are interpreted correctly.
6. Confirm: When you are satisfied that all required columns are correctly mapped for both files, click the "These columns are correct" button.

Once columns are confirmed, ReconcileIQ processes your files and displays the results. Focus on the key discrepancy tabs:

• Missing from Books Tab:
  Shows transactions found in your Bank Statement but *not* matched in your Accounting Records. These typically need to be added to your books.
• Extra in Books Tab:
  Shows transactions found in your Accounting Records but *not* matched in your Bank Statement. Investigate these - common causes are timing differences (e.g., checks not cleared), duplicate entries, or errors.
• Overview & Insights Tab:
  Provides a summary, charts comparing totals, and potential insights or patterns observed (depending on your plan).

Use the tabs at the top of the results page to switch between these views.

ReconcileIQ identifies discrepancies; the final step is acting on them:

1. Export Reports: At the bottom of the 'Missing' and 'Extra' tabs, use the "Export PDF" or "Export CSV" buttons.
   • CSV is useful for importing missing transactions into accounting software.
   • PDF provides a formatted report for records or sharing.
2. Action Missing Items: Use the exported 'Missing from Books' list to add these transactions accurately into your accounting system.
3. Investigate Extra Items: Review the 'Extra in Books' list.
   • Are they timing differences? (e.g., check issued but not cashed) - Usually no action needed immediately.
   • Are they duplicates or errors? - Correct or delete them in your accounting system.
4. Verify (Optional): After making corrections in your books, you can export a fresh accounting file and re-run the reconciliation in ReconcileIQ to confirm everything now matches perfectly.