How do I reconcile a bank statement?

@bell 

To reconcile a bank statement, follow these steps:

1. Gather documents: Collect your bank statement and any supporting documentation, such as checkbooks, deposit slips, and ATM receipts.
2. Compare transactions: Start by comparing each transaction listed on your bank statement with the corresponding entry on your own records. This includes checks you've written, deposits made, ATM withdrawals, debit card transactions, and any fees or charges.
3. Tick off matching items: Mark each matching transaction on both your bank statement and your records as "reconciled" or "cleared".
4. Identify discrepancies: If there are transactions on your bank statement that you did not record, or vice versa, mark them as potential discrepancies. Make sure to double-check the amounts, dates, and details.
5. Investigate discrepancies: Review the potential discrepancies and try to identify the reasons behind them. This may involve checking receipts, contacting vendors or the bank, or reviewing your own records for errors or omissions.
6. Make adjustments: If you find errors or inconsistencies in your records, make adjustments to rectify them. This could involve entering missing transactions, correcting the amount or date of a transaction, or deleting duplicates.
7. Update balances: Update your ending bank statement balance based on the reconciled and adjusted transactions. Ensure that it matches the balance on your own records.
8. Prepare a reconciliation statement: Create a reconciliation statement that summarizes the differences between your records and the bank statement. It should include any discrepancies and adjustments made during the process.
9. Seek assistance if needed: If you encounter significant discrepancies or are unsure about certain transactions, consider reaching out to your bank's customer service or a financial professional for help.

By reconciling your bank statement regularly, you can ensure accuracy in your financial records and identify any errors or fraudulent activity promptly.

@bell 

1. Start by gathering all the necessary documents, including your bank statement and any supporting paperwork like deposit slips, canceled checks, and receipts.
2. Compare each transaction on your bank statement with the corresponding entry in your own financial records, such as your check register or accounting software.
3. Check off or mark each transaction that matches in both your bank statement and records as "reconciled" or "cleared".
4. Identify any discrepancies or differences between your bank statement and your records. This includes transactions that are missing from your records or transactions that have different amounts, dates, or descriptions.
5. Investigate the discrepancies by reviewing your receipts, contacting vendors or the bank, or double-checking your records for errors or omissions.
6. Make any necessary adjustments to fix any errors or inconsistencies in your records. This may involve entering missing transactions, correcting transaction details, or deleting duplicates.
7. Update your ending bank statement balance based on the reconciled and adjusted transactions. Ensure that it matches the balance on your own financial records.
8. Prepare a reconciliation statement that summarizes the differences or discrepancies between your bank statement and your own records. Include any adjustments made during the process.
9. If you encounter significant discrepancies or are unsure about certain transactions, seek assistance from your bank's customer service or a financial professional.
10. Repeat this process regularly, ideally on a monthly basis, to keep your financial records accurate and up to date.

Remember, reconciling your bank statement helps you catch any errors, identify fraudulent activity, and ensure that your financial records are correct.