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How do I fix unreconciled bank transactions?

Short answer

Start from the last month that reconciled correctly. Match each bank line to a recorded transaction, create missing entries, remove duplicates and investigate differences. If several months are affected, a catch-up bookkeeping project is usually faster than fixing it line by line.

Detailed answer

Find the first difference

Compare the opening balance with the last completed reconciliation and use the actual bank statement, not just the bank feed. Check dates, missing lines, duplicates, transfers and outstanding cheques or deposits. If an opening balance is wrong, later months can appear wrong even when their transactions are correctly entered.

Correct with an audit trail

Match an existing invoice or bill payment instead of creating a second expense or sale. Avoid deleting previously reconciled entries or posting a plug to make the difference disappear. Document corrections and get advice before changing a filed or locked period. Reconcile again and retain the final report as evidence.

Country differences: rules, thresholds and terminology differ between the US, UK, Australia and Canada. Check the official source for your country below.

Official sources

Published by Expert Bookkeeping Services · Last updated 2026-11-01. General information only — confirm specifics for your situation with a qualified adviser.

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