Skip to content
Enjoy complimentary data migration when switching from your existing bookkeeper or CPA to Institution.
Reconciliation

Understand a zero difference before completion

Check evidence and unresolved activity even when the balances agree.

Updated 2026-11-11

A zero difference is necessary for completion, but it is not the only requirement. The window also needs a known ending balance, current matching statement evidence, resolved activity, and the required current authority.

  1. Confirm that Difference is zero and the ending balance came from the statement.
  2. Review unmatched recorded rows, unresolved or unattached statement activity, and any restricted records.
  3. Record or refresh the statement evidence, then complete the window only when the current action is available.

Offsetting mistakes can leave a zero total

Two incorrect or missing amounts can offset one another. Matching the actual activity and inspecting the document helps distinguish a supported reconciliation from a coincidental balance agreement.

Do not ignore unexplained rows solely because the summary is zero. Use match, attach, unmatch, or justified ignore actions according to the evidence. If restricted activity prevents full review, involve an authorized reviewer rather than estimating hidden amounts. The completion confirmation explicitly covers matched activity, current statement evidence, and zero difference. Treat it as a review decision about all those facts. After submitting, check the current status and evidence instead of assuming that a green difference value alone recorded completion.

Was this article helpful?

Tell us whether this answered the question you came with.

Related articles

Still stuck?

Tell us what you were trying to do and where it went wrong. If you are already a client, you can also open a support case from Help and support in your workspace.

We confirm who you are before we change anything on an account.