Module 9About 8 minFree lesson

Matching bank and book transactions

Objective: Match statement lines to book entries, including one-to-many matches.

Recommended first: Bank reconciliation basics

Start by matching identical amounts with the same reference (check number or deposit slip). A single bank deposit can match several book receipts deposited together. Whatever remains unmatched is a reconciling item.

Match by amount and reference first.
Then by amount and close dates.
Then look for groups that sum to one line.

Matching is easier when the books record check numbers and deposit slip references. Work from the bank statement down, ticking each line against the books, then list what remains on each side. Remaining book items are usually deposits in transit or outstanding checks; remaining bank items are usually fees, interest, collections, or errors.

One-to-many matches are common: a single deposit can include several customer receipts recorded separately in the books.

Check your work

Was every match confirmed by amount and reference or date?
Are leftover bank items explained?
Are leftover book items timing differences?

Worked example: Split deposit

Bank deposit $300 (DEP-1) matches two book receipts of $100 and $200 with reference DEP-1.

Common mistakes

✗ Matching items with the same amount but different references.
✓ Check the reference and date as well.

Guided practice

Use hints freely here.

Item 1 of 1

Freeeasy

Reconcile Corner Bean Café's bank account

Reconcile the bank statement to the Cash account at month-end. Classify each unmatched item, compute the adjusted bank and book balances, and record only the adjusting entries the books need.

Bank statement balance (Mar 31, 2026)

$5,910.00

Cash account (books)

$6,100.00

1. Classify each unmatched item

In the books Deposit of $660.00 recorded Mar 31, not on statement ($660.00)
In the books Check #1182 for $500.00 not yet cleared (($500.00))
On bank statement Monthly service fee $30.00 (($30.00))

2. Adjusted balancesAdjusted bank balanceAdjusted book balance

3. Adjusting entries the books need

Record only book-side items. Leave this empty if no entries are needed.

Independent practice

Try these without hints. Completing the lesson needs at least one independent item solved without revealing the answer.

Item 1 of 2

Prointermediate

Reconcile Harbor Point Consulting's bank account

Reconcile the bank statement to the Cash account at month-end. Classify each unmatched item, compute the adjusted bank and book balances, and record only the adjusting entries the books need.

Checking answers on Pro items requires a Pro or Lifetime plan. See plans.

Bank statement balance (Mar 31, 2026)

$7,640.00

Cash account (books)

$6,210.00

1. Classify each unmatched item

On bank statement Bank collected a client payment of $750.00 directly (ACH) ($750.00)
On bank statement Wire fee $40.00 (($40.00))
In the books Check #2210 $720.00 outstanding (($720.00))

2. Adjusted balancesAdjusted bank balanceAdjusted book balance

3. Adjusting entries the books need

Record only book-side items. Leave this empty if no entries are needed.

Next lesson →

Progress is saved on this device. Create a free account to keep it everywhere.

References and provenance

OpenStax, Principles of Accounting, Volume 1: Financial Accounting (accessed 2026-10-29)

Original lesson written for Bookkeeping Exercises (AI-assisted drafting). Calculations are verified by the platform's automated accounting tests. Not yet reviewed by a credentialed accountant. Updated 2026-10-29.