Import a CSV file into Xero

This tutorial shows how to import a CSV file into Xero online accounting system. The CSV file you have could be imported as is, and if it is not imported by Xero, use the ProperConvert app and convert it to CSV with the Xero target set (click on the CSV tab on the right sidebar and then set the file type as "Xero". If you have other formats like PDF, QIF, QFX, OFX, QBO, MT940, you may convert them as well to CSV or to QBO/QFX/OFX (Xero imports QBO, QFX, OFX, CSV files. See this tutorial as a video at https://youtu.be/QO2o9sYIgYc

The Date Format for CSV Xero could be month/day/year or day/month/year, as the day suggests on the help page, depending on your country settings. The Converter looks at your country setting and uses as month/day or day/month suggesting the format, but you can set it the way you like. We will use month/day/year for Xero.

We have a test account in Xero. Click Accounts, then Bank Accounts.

Let's say we have a Checking account. Click 'Manage Account' - 'Import a Statement'.

It says, that it supports a CSV file. Then click 'Browse' for CSV, select a sample-bank-statement.csv, open it and click the 'Import' button.

The right column is the names from the CSV file and the left column is the names inside Xero. Select Check Number is 'Check No.' and Reference is 'Reference' if you have it. If your CSV file has the header line, set the "Don't import the first line because they are column headings" and click "Save".

See the confirmation about imported transactions.

Now it shows that it is Jul 2, 2016, the Amount, the Deposit. Now we have to process it inside the application, like Map it to Proper Account, select a Vendor Name. It is a usual process in the accounting system after you import any file with transactions. Quickbooks called it 'Mapping', Xero called it 'Review'. Before you just have done those transactions into your system, it usually goes to some intermediate place, when you review imported transactions and add them to the register.