What Is Bank Reconciliation?

Tuesday, June 13th 2023. | Sample Templates
50+ Bank Reconciliation Examples & Templates [100 Free]
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What is Bank Reconciliation?

A bank reconciliation is a process used to compare a company’s bank statement balance to its financial record balance of the same account. This process is used to detect errors, discrepancies, and fraudulent activity, and to ensure that the company’s financial records are accurate.

Bank reconciliation is also used to record transactions not reported by the bank, such as deposits made but not yet reflected on the bank statement or checks issued but not yet presented for payment. Bank reconciliations should be performed at least monthly and reconciled to the bank statement.

Why is Bank Reconciliation Important?

Bank reconciliations are important for ensuring the accuracy of a company’s financial statements. It can also help identify errors, fraudulent activity, and other discrepancies. By performing regular reconciliations, businesses can ensure that their accounting records are up-to-date and accurate.

Bank reconciliations are also important for a company’s financial health. It can help identify cash flow problems, overdrafts, and other issues that can affect a company’s financial position.

How to Perform Bank Reconciliation?

Bank reconciliation is a process that compares the balance in a company’s bank account to the balance in its accounting records. The goal is to identify any errors, discrepancies, or fraudulent activity.

The process typically begins with a review of the bank statement. The company then compares the statement to its internal accounting records. Any discrepancies must be investigated and resolved. The reconciled balance is then recorded in the company’s accounting records.

Bank Reconciliation Example

Example #1

Company ABC’s bank statement shows a balance of $50,000. The company’s internal records show a balance of $60,000. The company must investigate the discrepancy and reconcile the difference.

Example #2

Company XYZ’s bank statement shows a balance of $75,000. The company’s internal records show a balance of $70,000. The company must investigate the discrepancy and reconcile the difference.

Example #3

Company LMN’s bank statement shows a balance of $100,000. The company’s internal records show a balance of $90,000. The company must investigate the discrepancy and reconcile the difference.

Bank Reconciliation Example Table

Account Bank Statement Internal Records Difference
ABC $50,000 $60,000 $10,000
XYZ $75,000 $70,000 $5,000
LMN $100,000 $90,000 $10,000

Bank Reconciliation Best Practices

There are several best practices for bank reconciliation. Businesses should perform bank reconciliations at least monthly, and they should also reconcile all accounts, including cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. Reconciliation of all accounts ensures that all discrepancies are identified and addressed.

In addition, businesses should perform a reconciliation of all differences between the bank statement and their internal records. All discrepancies should be investigated and resolved in a timely manner.

Finally, businesses should maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all transactions. This will ensure that the reconciled balance is accurate and that all discrepancies are identified and addressed.

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