MATTLY FINANCE / BOOKKEEPING & RECONCILIATIONS
Bookkeeping & reconciliations
Keep transactions and supporting records organised, reconcile balances and bring unresolved differences into view.
WHEN IT HELPS
When the records need a reliable routine.
- Transactions and supporting documents are not being kept together.
- Bank movements and accounting records do not agree.
- Missing information keeps delaying month-end reporting.
What the work covers
Select the tasks that address your priority. The engagement sets out which accounts, periods and outputs are included.
- Organise the transactions and source documents within the agreed scope.
- Record or review bookkeeping entries for the agreed periods.
- Compare recorded bank transactions with bank statements and investigate differences.
- Raise missing records and unresolved items for clarification.
What a reconciliation actually checks
A bank reconciliation compares the statement with the cashbook for the same account and cut-off date. It distinguishes items missing from the records from timing differences, such as a recorded payment that has not yet appeared on the statement.
Corrections need an explanation and supporting information. Unresolved differences remain visible in the workings rather than being cleared with an unexplained balancing entry.
Keeping the next period manageable
A recurring routine can organise documents, record transactions, reconcile the selected accounts and carry forward a query list. Frequency depends on transaction volume and the reporting needs established at the outset.
What you receive
- Organised bookkeeping records for the agreed periods.
- Reconciliation workings for the agreed accounts.
- A visible list of missing information, differences and queries.
Why it matters
Reports depend on the records beneath them. Reconciliations help establish the position and identify items that still need an explanation; they do not make incomplete records reliable by themselves.
Confirm the output format and reporting cycle at the start.
What you provide
The exact checklist depends on your systems and the agreed work. It may include:
- Bank statements covering the agreed periods.
- Relevant sales invoices, supplier invoices, receipts and other supporting documents.
- Access to the agreed accounting records, opening balances and prior reconciliations where available.
Do not send these records through the public enquiry form. Agree a suitable sharing channel and authorised access first.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE / NOT A CLIENT CASE STUDY
What this looks like in practice
A payment appears on the bank statement but has no supporting invoice in the records. The query identifies the date, amount and missing information so you can provide the document or explain the transaction.
| Working | Amount | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Bank statement closing balance | R48 500 | Balance shown by the bank at the period end. |
| Less: payment recorded but not yet reflected | (R2 000) | Check that it subsequently clears; investigate if it remains outstanding. |
| Adjusted bank balance | R46 500 | R48 500 less R2 000. |
| Cashbook closing balance | R46 500 | Balance in the accounting records after supported corrections. |
| Unexplained difference | R0 | The two adjusted balances agree in this simplified example. |
Agreement is a control, not a shortcut. An outstanding payment needs support and a follow-up. A zero difference does not establish that every transaction has been correctly classified or that all documents are complete.
Responsibilities & scope
You provide complete records, respond to queries and approve business decisions. MATTLY works within the agreed scope, raises unresolved information and communicates the position reached.
The agreed work is bookkeeping and reconciliation support. It does not constitute an audit, assurance opinion or independent verification of every source document. Tax treatment and statutory requirements must be raised before the scope is agreed.
For fees, timing, changes and handover, see the working arrangements below.
Read the working arrangements ↗LET’S AGREE THE RIGHT SUPPORT
Start with what needs attention.
Tell Edward about your priority, the periods involved and your current records. Keep confidential documents out of the initial enquiry.