Review or import Chart of Accounts
This is step 1 of 7 to set up your clients with Sage Accounting.
On this page learn how to:
- Review standard Chart of Accounts
- Import Chart of Accounts
Review standard Chart of Accounts
When you first set up your client's company in Sage Accounting, we'll create a Chart of Accounts based on your client's type of business.
All the ledger accounts are shown in the Chart of Accounts list.
Access these from Settings then Chart of Accounts.
Import Chart of Accounts
Before you begin you must:
-
have a new Accounting business with no transactions or records
-
have your chart of accounts file saved in comma separated value (CSV) format
-
use the same column headings and formatting as in the chart of accounts CSV template file
Step 1: Download the CSV template file
Each CSV file contains a standard list of ledger accounts and the required columns for Nominal Code, Ledger name, Control account, Category and Tax rate.
Download the CSV file that is suitable for your client's business type
Step 2: Prepare your import file
If you already have a list of ledger accounts exported from another system:
- Change the column headings to match the format used in the template file.
- Remove any columns in your CSV file that are not used in the template file.
- Make sure the data format used in each column matches the format used in the template file.
- Category - Each ledger account must belong to a one of the categories already set up in Partner Edition. You cannot use your own categories.
-
Tax rate - Each ledger account must have a Tax Rate associated with it.
If you don't have your ledger accounts in a CSV file already, simply amend the template file with the required ledger account names and nominal codes. Make sure you use the correct Category and Tax Rate for each one.
The maximum file size you can import is 0.5MB.
Control accounts
Control ledger accounts are required and used by default for certain transactions. They must be present in every ledger account list. You can't remove them but you can change the Nominal Code or Display Name.
Column headings and required formats
Use the table from column headings guide to ensure the file format is correct. Remember the file's column headings must match those in the table.
Show column headings guide
| A
|
NOMINAL CODE |
Can contain up to 8 numbers and each code must be unique. |
| B
|
LEDGER NAME |
Max length 200 characters. |
| C
|
CONTROL ACCOUNT |
If populated must contain a valid control account name, these ledger accounts can be updated with different numbers/names but should not be removed. If you select the control accounts of either BANK_CURRENT or BANK_CASH with the category as BANK you will create a bank account found in the Banking section. |
| D
|
CATEGORY |
Use one of the following categories
- SALES
- OTHER_INCOME
- DIRECT_EXPENSES
- OVERHEADS
- DEPRECIATION
- CURRENT_ASSETS
- FIXED_ASSETS
- BANK
- CURRENT_LIABILITY
- FUTURE_LIABILITY
- EQUITY
|
| E
|
TAX RATE |
Use one of the following tax rates:
- Standard,
- Lower,
- Zero,
- Exempt,
- No VAT
|
Step 3: Import the chart of accounts file
- From Settings, select Chart of Accounts.
- From the New Ledger Account drop-down arrow, select Import Accounts.
- Select the Upload Data File link.
- Browse to your CSV file and then select Open.
- Select OK.
Common errors
If your file cannot be imported, we'll tell you what the problems are and which rows are affected.
Show list of common errors
Not a valid column heading
This indicates that row 1 of the CSV file contains an invalid column heading.
The column headings must be in the following format:
Column A = NOMINAL CODE
Column B = LEDGER NAME
Column C = CONTROL ACCOUNT
Column D = CATEGORY
Column E = TAX RATE
To resolve this, you must ensure the column headings are correct and try the import again.
NOMINAL CODE must be unique
This indicates there is a duplicated a nominal code within the CSV file.
To resolve this, you must check for duplicates in the CSV file and change the code in the indicated cell to a unique nominal code then try the import again.
Not a number
This indicates the information is in another format when it should be a number. For example, if you enter text when it should be a number.
To resolve this, you must change the format in the indicated cell and try the import again.
Must be a valid category
This indicates the CSV file contains an invalid category.
The categories must be one of the following:
- SALES
- OTHER_INCOME
- DIRECT_EXPENSES
- OVERHEADS
- DEPRECIATION
- CURRENT_ASSETS
- FIXED_ASSETS
- BANK
- CURRENT_LIABILITY
- FUTURE_LIABILITY
- EQUITY
The category you choose determines where the ledger account appears in your management reports.
To resolve this, you must use a valid category in the indicated cell and try the import again.
Nominal code used
This indicates you have replaced a control account nominal code but have not added the control account indicator to an alternative code.
For example, nominal code 1000 for Stock – Raw Materials identified with control account indicator STOCK_RAW. If I use nominal code 1000 for Stock and don’t add the control account indicator STOCK_RAW it will receive the error.
You receive this error because the program adds all control accounts not found in the import, as the default code is used it can’t be used again.
To resolve this, we recommend you include all control account indicators listed below:
| STOCK_RAW |
TAX_LIABILITY |
| COS_GOODS |
STATUTORY_MATERNITY_PAY |
| TRADE_DEBTORS |
TAX_ALLOCATIONS_AND_ADJUSTMENTS |
| PURCHASE_DISCOUNTS |
STATUTORY_PATERNITY_PAY |
| BANK_CURRENT |
TAX_ON_SALES_HOLDING |
| EMPLOYEE_COSTS |
STATUTORY_ADOPTION_PAY |
| BANK_CASH |
TAX_ON_PURCHASES_HOLDING |
| EMPLOYERS_NIC |
BANK_CHARGES_AND_INTEREST |
| TRADE_CREDITORS |
PAYE |
| EMPLOYERS_PENSION |
EX_RATE_GAIN_LOSS |
| TAX_ON_SALES |
NI |
| OTHER_DEDUCTIONS |
OPENING_BALANCES |
| TAX_ON_PURCHASES |
STUDENT_LOAN |
| STATUTORY_SICK_PAY |
SUSPENSE_CORRECTIONS |
| ATTACHMENTS |
CARRIAGE_ON_SALES |
| SALES_SERVICES |
PROFIT_AND_LOSS |
| NET_WAGES |
OTHER_INCOME |
| SALES_DISCOUNTS |
SALES_PRODUCTS |
| PENSION |
|