If you are reconciling, and just can't get that difference to be
zero, here are ten tools to try:
- Don’t multitask while reconciling. Focus, with minimal
distractions.
- Double check your Jewel “Beginning and Ending Balances” with the
bank statement. It is easy to switch two numbers or enter the wrong line
from the statement. Say the numbers out loud as you verify them.
- Look on the statement or in Jewel for a check or deposit that
matches the amount of the difference. If the difference is some random
number like $241.37 and you have a check or deposit for that exact
amount, dig in deeper and see if that is the problem.
- Start over. Unclick all the boxes in Jewel and, using a different
kind of mark or a different color pen on the bank statement, and
carefully do it again. Say the numbers out loud as you read them from
the statement. The eyes skip things, but hearing yourself say it can
trigger recognition of the wrong number.
- Count the number of deposits on the statement, and see if you have
the same number of checkmarks in the deposit section in Jewel. It can
help narrow down your search.
- Count the number of checks/debits. If you are missing one in Jewel,
you know where to start looking.
- If you can’t find a check or deposit or adjustment that you know you
already entered, and you have multiple bank accounts, it is possible
that you inadvertently entered it into one of those other accounts. Look
at all of the check and deposit reports in your other bank
accounts.
- If you are missing a “General Journal Entry” in the deposit section,
look for it in the check section, and vice versa. It is easy to forget
to click on the correct little round dot. Look in both. If it was
entered incorrectly, don’t replace it. Edit it.
- If nothing else has worked, click on “Print” at the top of the bank
rec page. This will print out all of the checks and deposits that you
have clicked off, and you can then compare it side by side with the
statement, paper to paper. Systematically checking everything off, from
the statement to the printout, back and forth, one by one, slowly and
carefully, will produce the problem. If it is a check, verify the check
number. If it is an electronic payment, verify that the date matches the
date on the statement.
- If all else fails, contact your support person. They can help you
find the problem.
Click here for more
topics related to Bank Reconciliation
The original version of this page was provided to Jewel by the
Georgia-Cumberland Conference Audit Team. Created by Linda McCabe.