How to Resolve Reconciliation Issues in QuickBooks Desktop

Apr 11, 2025

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Resolve Reconciliation Issues in QuickBooks Desktop

While performing the account reconciliation in the QuickBooks accounting software, discrepancies might occasionally happen. There are chances that the balance will be off while doing that. There are other factors at play in the QuickBooks reconciliation discrepancy mistake than an incorrect report review. This could also be the cause of the QuickBooks reconciliation discrepancy issue if you forcefully match the report. To eliminate the reconciliation discrepancy in QuickBooks Desktop, you must find fresh modifications.

Reasons for Don’t Match Bank Statements at the End of Reconciliation

Incorrect ending balance entry.
Changes to reconciled transactions.
Missing or duplicate transactions.
Uncleared transactions.
Reconciliation changes with journal entries.

Steps to Fix Issue: Reconciliation in QuickBooks Desktop

Ensuring the accuracy of financial records while using QuickBooks Desktop requires that, throughout the reconciliation process, your accounts match your bank statements. Don’t worry if you discover inconsistencies. To fix the reconciliation issues in QuickBooks Desktop by checking your opening balances, review changed or missing transactions, and spot any incorrect adjustments.

Step 1: Examine the Starting and Opening Balances

Before moving forward, make sure that your opening and beginning balances are accurate.

Review Opening Balance

Access QuickBooks and open your company file.
Go to the Chart of Accounts by clicking on the Lists menu and selecting Chart of Accounts.
Locate the “Opening Balance Equity” account in the list.
Review each entry in the account for potential errors, duplicate transactions, or missing data.
Compare the Opening Balance Equity with external records, such as bank statements or previous financial statements, to identify inconsistencies.

Review Beginning Balance

When a transaction value or date has to be changed in the correct digits.
If your previous transaction is not reconciled.
When you reconcile your transaction last time, then maybe due to an error, it creates a problem.
When you delete the transaction erroneously or for some other reason.

Related Issue: Fix QuickBooks Bank Reconciliation Problems

Step 2: Review the Modified, Removed, or Added Transactions

Run a Reconciliation Discrepancy Report

Find it by selecting Reconciliation Discrepancy from the Reports menu under Banking.
Find whatever differences need to be addressed and consult with the person who made the changes.

Make a report on missing checks

Go to Banking, Reports, then Missing Checks to access it.
Check the report, not your bank statement, for any transactions.

Run a Report on Transaction Details

You have to go to Custom Reports, which is under the Reports menu, and then you have to select Transaction Detail.
Check the transactions between the earliest and last reconciliation dates by filtering by the account.

Step 3: Check for Reconciliation Adjustments

Open the Chart of Accounts by selecting the Lists menu, then look at the Reconciliation Discrepancies account.
Make sure the adjustments are accurate.
If those corrections and adjustments disagree, then resolve the conflict.

Finalizing the Reconciliation:

Once the problems have been resolved, go to the last step of account reconciliation.

Related Issue: Fix Beginning Balance Issues in QuickBooks Desktop

FAQs

What should I do if my QuickBooks ending balance doesn’t match my bank statement?

Start by checking your opening and beginning balances. Then, look for edited, deleted, or added transactions using the Reconciliation Discrepancy, Missing Checks, and Transaction Detail reports.

How do I check if transactions were changed after my last reconciliation?

Run the Reconciliation Discrepancy report. Go to Reports > Banking > Reconciliation Discrepancy, select the account, and review for any changes made after the last reconciliation.

What is a Reconciliation Discrepancy report and how do I use it?

This report shows transactions that were changed after being reconciled. It’s useful for identifying what may be throwing off your ending balance.

How can I find missing checks that might affect my reconciliation?

Use the Missing Checks report by going to Reports > Banking > Missing Checks, select the account, and review for any checks not appearing on your bank statement.

How do I review reconciliation adjustments?

Go to Lists > Chart of Accounts, open the Reconciliation Discrepancies account, and check the entries dated around your last few reconciliations.

What if I still can’t find the issue after running reports and checking balances?

You may need to undo previous reconciliations until your opening balance is correct. Consider working with your accountant for guidance through this process.