QuickBooks Tip: How to Reconcile Accounts – A Guide for Creatives & Freelancers
As a creative professional — whether you’re a designer, photographer, writer, or digital artist — managing your finances might not be your favorite part of running your business. But reconciling your accounts in QuickBooks Online is a simple, essential step to stay on top of your money and avoid surprises during tax time.
Why Reconciliation Matters for Creatives
Reconciling your accounts ensures that what’s recorded in QuickBooks matches your actual bank or credit card statements. When your books are clean and accurate, you can:
Know exactly what you earned and spent
Avoid overdraft fees or bounced payments
Track expenses for deductions (gear, software, subscriptions)
Be ready for tax season with less stress
How to Reconcile Accounts in QuickBooks Online
Log into QuickBooks Online.
Navigate to “Accounting” > “Reconcile.”
Select your bank or credit card account.
Enter the ending balance and date from your bank statement.
Match transactions in QuickBooks with your statement.
If the difference is $0.00, you’re good to go. Click “Finish Now.”
Creative-Friendly Best Practices
Reconcile monthly — even if you only have a few transactions.
Use labels/tags to categorize creative-specific expenses.
Save receipts from software, travel, and equipment.
Schedule a recurring “money date” to review your finances.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping reconciliations for months at a time.
Mixing personal and business expenses (keep separate accounts!).
Not tracking payments from clients through different platforms.
Letting confusion about a transaction keep you from finishing your books.
FAQ
I’m a creative — do I really need to reconcile every month?
Yes. Even with just a few invoices and expenses, reconciliation helps you stay organized and prepared.
What if I use multiple payment platforms (PayPal, Stripe, etc.)?
You’ll want to reconcile each connected account or payment method to stay accurate.
Can I do this myself, or do I need a bookkeeper?
You can absolutely do it yourself, but a bookkeeper (like DBR Bookkeeping) can help make sure it's right and save you time.
🎨 Want to focus more on your craft and less on your books?
Book a free call with Dr. Bryan Raya, QuickBooks ProAdvisor:
👉 https://calendly.com/dbr_bookkeeping/book-a-free-call-with-dbr
Let’s start Doing Business Right — and give your creativity the financial foundation it deserves.
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