What is Bank Reconciliation?

Bank Reconciliation Definition 

Bank reconciliation is a process used by individuals and businesses to ensure that their financial records, particularly those related to bank transactions, match the information provided by their bank statements. The purpose of bank reconciliation is to identify and resolve any discrepancies between the two sets of records.

How to Do Bank Reconciliation

Here's a step-by-step explanation of the bank reconciliation process: 

• Gather Documents: Collect your bank statement for the relevant period and any additional records of transactions that have not yet been recorded in your accounting software.
• Compare Deposits: The second step in the accounting reconciliation procedure is to compare the deposits listed on your bank statement with those in your accounting records. Check for any deposits that are missing or recorded incorrectly.
• Compare Withdrawals: Do the same for withdrawals or payments. Compare the withdrawals on your bank statement with those in your accounting records. Ensure that all transactions are accurately recorded.
• Adjust for Outstanding Transactions: Account for any outstanding invoices that haven't cleared the bank yet. For example, outstanding checks or deposits that still need to be processed by the bank.
• Check Bank Charges and Interest: Verify that any bank fees, service charges, or interest earned are correctly reflected in both your records and the bank statement.
• Reconcile Balances: Adjust your accounting records for any differences and update the balance sheet reconciliation statement. This involves adding or subtracting certain transactions to ensure that the ending balance in your accounting system matches the ending balance on the bank statement.
• Document Discrepancies: If there are discrepancies that cannot be immediately resolved, document them and investigate the reasons. Common causes include errors in recording transactions, timing differences, or even a bank error.
• Make Corrections: Make necessary corrections to ensure accurate financial records. 

Bank Reconciliation Statement

A bank reconciliation statement is a document that compares and reconciles a company's cash balance in its accounting records to the corresponding balance shown on its bank statement. The purpose of the bank statement reconciliation is to ensure that the records are consistent and accurate, identifying any discrepancies like outstanding checks, deposits in transit, or errors in either the company's records or the bank's records. It's a crucial accounting tool for verifying the actual cash position of a business.

How Frequently Should You Do Bank Reconciliation? 

Bank reconciliation should be performed monthly to ensure timely identification and correction of discrepancies between a company's accounting records and the bank statement.

Bank Reconciliation Challenges

• Timing Differences: Transactions can appear in the company's accounting records at a different time than they appear in the bank statement, leading to discrepancies.
• Outstanding Transactions: Outstanding checks or deposits that haven't cleared the bank can cause differences between the financial statement and accounting records.
• Bank Errors: Banks could make errors in recording transactions, and these errors can be challenging to identify and rectify.
• Transaction Complexity: High transaction volumes or complex financial activities can make reconciliation more time-consuming and prone to errors.
• Data Entry Errors: Mistakes in recording transactions in the company's books can lead to discrepancies during the reconciliation process.
• Fraudulent Activities: Fraudulent transactions can go undetected, affecting the accuracy of both the bank statement and the company's records.
• Unreconciled Differences: Some differences will not be immediately explainable, requiring thorough investigation and resolution.
• Bank Statement Lag: Delays in receiving bank statements can hinder the timely completion of reconciliations.
• Complex Banking Arrangements: Multiple accounts, loans, or credit lines can complicate the process.
• Changes in Bank Fees or Policies: Changes in bank fees, interest rates, or policies affect the reconciliation process. 
• Software Issues: Technical issues with accounting software could lead to inaccuracies in financial data management.

Types of Bank Reconciliation

Bank reconciliations can be categorized based on the frequency and purpose of the reconciliation process. 

Here are three common types of bank reconciliation:

Monthly Bank Reconciliation

Frequency: Monthly

Purpose: This is the most common type of bank reconciliation and is typically performed at the end of each month. It involves comparing the transactions recorded in the company's accounting records with those in the monthly bank statement. The goal is to ensure that the two sets of records match and to identify and resolve any discrepancies.

Daily Bank Reconciliation

Frequency: Daily

Purpose: Some businesses, especially those with high transaction volumes or a need for real-time accuracy, perform daily bank reconciliations. This involves reconciling the bank transactions daily to identify and address any errors or discrepancies. Daily reconciliations can provide a more up-to-date and accurate picture of the company's financial position.

Year-End Bank Reconciliation

Frequency: Annually (at the end of the fiscal year)

Purpose: Besides regular monthly reconciliations, businesses often perform a more detailed bank reconciliation at the end of the fiscal year. This year-end reconciliation is crucial for financial reporting and tax preparation. It involves a thorough review of the entire year's transactions to ensure that the financial records accurately reflect the company's financial position.

Example of Bank Reconciliation

Let's go through a simplified example of a bank reconciliation. Suppose you are a small business owner, and you have a bank statement for December, as well as your accounting records (cash book or general ledger). 

Here's a hypothetical scenario:

Starting Balances

Bank Statement (December 1): $5,000

Accounting Records (December 1): $5,000

Recorded Transactions in Accounting Records (December)

Deposits: $10,000

Withdrawals/Checks: $3,000

Bank Fees: $20

Interest Earned: $50

Bank Statement Transactions (December)

Deposits: $11,000

Withdrawals/Checks: $2,800

Bank Fees: $15

Interest Earned: $40

Now, let's perform the bank reconciliation.

Compare Deposits

Accounting Records: $10,000

Bank Statement: $11,000

Discrepancy: $1,000 (possibly outstanding deposits)

Compare Withdrawals/Checks

Accounting Records: $3,000

Bank Statement: $2,800

Discrepancy: $200 (possibly outstanding checks or unrecorded withdrawals)

Compare Bank Fees

Accounting Records: $20

Bank Statement: $15

Discrepancy: -$5 (bank fees recorded higher in accounting records)

Compare Interest Earned

Accounting Records: $50

Bank Statement: $40

Discrepancy: -$10 (less interest earned in bank statement)

Adjust for Outstanding Transactions

Add an outstanding deposit of $1,000 to accounting records.

Subtract outstanding checks or unrecorded withdrawals of $200 from accounting records.

Reconcile the Balances

Adjust the accounting records for discrepancies and outstanding transactions.

Revised Accounting Records (December)

Deposits: $11,000

Withdrawals/Checks: $2,800

Bank Fees: $15

Interest Earned: $40

Ending Balance in Accounting Records: $11,255

Final Step 

Compare the revised ending balance in the accounting records ($11,255) with the ending balance in the bank statement ($11,255). If they match, the reconciliation is complete.

Bank Reconciliation Journal Entries

The journal entry for a bank reconciliation brings the company's accounting records in line with the actual transactions.

The purpose is to record any adjustments needed to correct discrepancies between the bank statement and the company's books. 

Assume there is an ending balance discrepancy of $500, where the company's records show a higher balance than the bank statement.

Adjusting for Outstanding Deposits or Credits

If there are outstanding deposits or credits not yet reflected in the bank statement, increase the cash balance in the company's books.

Adjusting for Outstanding Checks or Debits

If there are outstanding checks or debits not yet reflected in the bank statement, decrease the cash balance.

Adjusting for Bank Fees or Service Charges

If there are bank fees or service charges not yet recorded in the company's books, decrease the cash balance.

Adjusting for Interest Earned

If there is interest earned not yet recorded in the company's books, increase the cash balance.

Recording the Reconciled Balance

Finally, adjust the cash account to reflect the reconciled balance.

Ensure that the total debits equal the total credits in each adjusting entry to maintain the accounting equation.

Note: The specific accounts and amounts will vary based on the nature of the discrepancies and the adjustments needed. 

Bank reconciliation is a vital financial management process that ensures the accuracy and integrity of a company's financial records. This methodical comparison of the company's accounting records with the bank statement identifies and resolves discrepancies, such as timing differences, outstanding transactions, and errors. 

By performing regular bank reconciliations, businesses can maintain a clear and up-to-date understanding of their financial position, enhance internal controls, and detect and prevent potential fraud.