5 Best Reconciliation Tools: Ultimate Guide 2024

Account reconciliation is a mandatory business process. While every business has its procedures, it follows a pretty standard process of matching transactions across ledgers and bank statements to ensure financial accuracy of accounts. Reconciliation tools help teams maximize their productivity and save time in what would otherwise be a very timely process of account reconciliation.

But, how do you find the tool that is right for your business? It begins by understanding what account reconciliation software is and then comparing the features/pricing of the best tools on the market. This guide aims to help you cover all the bases!

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Best Reconciliation Tools Shortlist:

These are the platforms we’ve chosen based on how easy they are to work with and the features they offer:

1. SolveXia - Best for automation of complex financial reconciliation
2. Xero - Best for simple, small business bank reconciliation
3. Blackline - Best for financial close and reconciliation
4. Bank Rec - Best for automated bank account reconciliation‍
5. ReconArt - Best for flexible reconciliation and financial data matching

Coming Up

What are the Best Reconciliation Tools?

What is Account Reconciliation Software?

How to Know if You Need Account Reconciliation Software?

Why is Account Reconciliation Important?

How to Choose the Best Reconciliation Software?

What are the Best Features of Reconciliation Software?

What are the Benefits of Automation Reconciliation Software?

Wrapping Up

What are the Best Reconciliation Tools?

Choosing the right reconciliation tool means considering both the upsides and the downsides. Let’s take a look at what some of the best tools on the market have to offer. 

1. SolveXia

Best for automation of complex financial reconciliation

SolveXia is a Digital Work Platform for Finance Automation. Many organizations use SolveXia to automate their account reconciliations, with a critical benefit being significant (100x) gains in team productivity.

What sets SolveXia apart most from other tools is it is more extensible than financial close vendors because it has data transformation and enrichment capabilities. You go beyond just your GL or Bank data and produce analytics using more integrated data, for example, overlap with rebates and commission calculations or management dashboards.

How it helps finance teams:

SolveXia enhances team productivity by automating data processing, reporting, and reconciliation tasks, allowing teams to focus on analyzing and investigating exceptions.

Key Benefits:

• Enhanced Productivity: Automates data processing, reporting, and reconciliation, allowing teams to focus on analysis and exception investigation.
• Powerful Capabilities: Supports data ingestion in any format, complex data matching, and integration with various data sources.
• Scalability: Easily scales to accommodate growing businesses with customizable workflows.

Pros:

• Powerful data ingestion and matching capabilities
• Integrates with various data sources
• Provides alerts and notifications for variances
• Quick deployment and easy user management
• Scalable to accommodate growing businesses
• Customizable workflows to meet specific needs
• Comprehensive audit trails for compliance
• Robust analytics and reporting features

Cons:

• May require initial setup time to configure workflows

Why customers love it:

Customers appreciate SolveXia's ability to streamline complex reconciliations, reduce manual effort, and provide comprehensive analytics, making it a versatile tool for finance teams.

Key Features:

• Enterprise-Grade Automation: Data processing, reporting, audit trails, and more.
• Data Integration: Pulls information from general ledgers, banks, suppliers, etc., for quick reconciliation.
• Complex Data Matching: Handles data in any format with accurate matching.
• Alerts and Notifications: Notifies users of variances and exceptions.
• Cloud-Based: Secure cloud operation with seamless integration.
• Quick Setup: Ready in less than 30 minutes, with instant user addition.
• Minimal Tech Support: Managed without technical assistance.
• In-House Hosting Option: Can be hosted internally if desired.
• Extensibility: Automates any data-intensive finance task or workflow.
• Integrated Analytics: Produces comprehensive analytics, integrating rebates, commissions, and management dashboards.
• User Management: Fast setup and user management without technical help.
• Smart Matching: Handles complex reconciliations, including one-to-many and many-to-many relationships.
• Data Persistence: Eliminates transaction timing differences for easier investigations.

Pricing:

You can request a free SolveXia demo and get a customized quote to meet your business needs.

Rating:

4.7/5

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2. Xero

Best for simple, small business bank reconciliation

Xero’s online accounting software allows you to see your cash flow in real-time through an easy-to-use interface.

How it helps finance teams:

Xero allows finance teams to monitor cash flow, manage invoicing, track inventory, and reconcile accounts efficiently from anywhere with an internet connection.

Key Benefits:

• Real-Time Monitoring: See cash flow in real-time for better financial oversight.
• Comprehensive Features: Manage invoicing, inventory, and account reconciliation efficiently from anywhere.

Pros:

• Real-time cash flow monitoring
• Unlimited users on all plans
• Extensive reporting and transaction linking

Cons:

• Can become expensive for larger businesses with extensive needs

Why customers love it:

Users appreciate Xero's ease of use, comprehensive features, and the ability to manage financial tasks efficiently from a single platform.

Key Features:

• Bank Reconciliation: Simplifies the reconciliation of bank transactions.
• Online Accounting: Manage accounts with real-time updates.
• Invoicing: Easily create and send invoices.
• Inventory Tracking: Monitor inventory levels and movements.
• Bill Payments: Manage and pay bills directly.
• Reporting: Detailed reporting with links to all transactions.

Pricing and Trials:

• Free Trial: Offers a free trial for new users.
• Affordable Plans: Plans start at $27.50 per month.

Rating:

4.3/5

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3. Blackline

Best for financial close and reconciliation

Blackline is a cloud financial close software system that supports continuous improvement in your business.

How it helps finance teams:

Blackline automates financial close processes, including reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and compliance across multiple currencies and geographies.

Key Benefits:

• Automates Financial Close: Streamlines financial close processes, including reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Global Support: Handles multiple currencies and geographies efficiently.

Pros:

• Comprehensive financial close management
• Advanced reconciliation and accounting automation
• Strong internal controls and compliance support

Cons:

• Pricing information not readily available; requires contacting sales

Why customers love it:

Customers value Blackline's robust features that enhance financial accuracy, compliance, and streamline the financial close process.

Key Features:

• Financial Close Management: Manages the entire financial close process.
• Reconciliations: Automates account reconciliations for improved accuracy.
• Accounting Automation: Enhances efficiency through automation of accounting tasks.
• Approval and Review Processes: Configurable workflows ensure accuracy across various currencies and geographies.
• Compliance and Data Management: Supports regulatory compliance with vast data management capabilities.
• Internal Control: Identifies discrepancies and strengthens internal controls.

Pricing:

• Custom Quotes: Pricing details are available upon request by contacting the sales team.

Rating:

4.5/5

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4. Bank Rec

Best for automated bank account reconciliation

Treasury Software’s product Bank Rec reconciles accounts automatically through transaction management.

How it helps finance teams:

Bank Rec reduces manual effort by automatically matching transactions and rolling forward unmatched records, allowing teams to focus on analysis and decision-making.

Key Benefits:

• Automatic Reconciliation: Automates the reconciliation process, allowing teams to focus on analysis and decision-making.
• Customizable Matching: Offers flexible, customizable matching rules to fit specific reconciliation needs.

Pros:

• No setup fees
• Flexible payment options
• Customizable matching rules

Cons:

• Limited to five users in the basic plan

Why customers love it:

Customers appreciate the ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to tailor the tool to their specific reconciliation needs.

Key Features:

• Automatic Reconciliation: Reconciles accounts through transaction management, reducing manual intervention.
• Matching Rules: Allows setup of matching rules to automate the reconciliation process.
• Unmatched Records Management: Rolls forward unmatched records until they find a match.
• High-Speed Matching: Quickly matches accounts for efficient reconciliation.
• Identification and Tracking: Identifies, tracks, and resolves matches.
• Import and Automation: Facilitates importing and automating transactions.

Pricing:

• No Setup Fees: No fees required for setup.
• Subscription Model: Monthly subscription starting at $99.95.
• Upfront Purchase Option: Option to buy the product outright.
• User Inclusion: Both payment options include five users.

Rating:

4/5

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5. ReconArt

Best for flexible reconciliation and financial data matching

ReconArt is entirely web-based reconciliation software that can also be hosted on-site if desired.

How it helps finance teams:

ReconArt automates bank, credit card, balance sheet, and other reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in financial processes.

Key Benefits:

• Automation and Accuracy: Automates bank, credit card, balance sheet, and other reconciliations to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Integration: Seamlessly integrates with ERPs and internal systems.

Pros:

• Comprehensive reconciliation capabilities
• ERP and system integration
• Full automation of reconciliation processes

Cons:

• Higher cost with a minimum user requirement

Why customers love it:

Customers value ReconArt's specialization in reconciliation, robust automation features, and the ability to handle complex financial tasks efficiently.

Key Features:

• Platform Flexibility: Entirely web-based with an option for on-site hosting.
• Comprehensive Reconciliation: Supports bank, credit card, balance sheet, financial close, accounts, variance analysis, journal entry, and intercompany reconciliations.
• ERP and System Integration: Seamlessly integrates with ERPs, platforms, and internal systems.
• Full Automation: Automates various reconciliation processes, saving time and improving efficiency.
• Dedicated Solution: Focuses exclusively on reconciliation tasks, suitable for companies of all sizes.
• Scalable Pricing: Available for purchase starting with a minimum of five users at $1,500 per month, providing a scalable solution for growing businesses.

Pricing:

• Minimum Users: Requires a minimum of five users.
• Subscription Cost: Starts at $1,500 per month.

Rating:

3.3/5

What is Account Reconciliation Software?

Bank account reconciliation software centralizes the financial close process and automates it for businesses. The software pulls data from the general ledger and compares it to bank statements and invoices to quickly reconcile accounts. Then, the software allows the preparer to electronically sign off upon completion and send it over to the approver for a final review. Once it’s approved, the software stores the data in the centralized database and provides your business with a secure audit trail. 

Most software systems allow for teams to upload supporting documents, view company policies, electronically sign off on reconciliations and leave comments, if needed. It also allows for controls to be set up so that processes are gated between employees for audit and compliance requirements. Additionally, the tool may provide users with a dashboard or a visual representation of current financial standing. 

How to Know if You Need Account Reconciliation Software?

Account reconciliation software is essential for businesses looking to streamline their financial processes and ensure accuracy in their financial statements. Here are key indicators that your business might need this software:

• Frequent Errors: Regular discrepancies in financial statements.
• Time-Consuming Process: Excessive time spent on manual reconciliations.
• Increased Transaction Volume: Growing or complex transaction volumes as the business scales.
• Compliance Requirements: Need to adhere to stringent industry regulations.

Implementing account reconciliation software can enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and ensure timely financial reporting, supporting better decision-making and regulatory compliance.

Why is Account Reconciliation Important?

Account reconciliation is a surefire way to ensure that your company’s transactions match what third-party documentation reports, such as bank statements and credit card statements. It is critical to close the books each month without errors. 

By performing account reconciliation, you can be confident in your business’s financials. Account reconciliation serves many purposes, including: 

1. Accuracy: Makes sure that transaction records and documentation are correct. 
2. Compliance: Since financial data is used for financial statements, you must comply with regulations by ensuring statements are accurate. 
3. Fraud Detection: Comparing internal and external documentation offers a way to spot fraud before it may spiral too large to contain. 
4. Financial Integrity: Stakeholders rely on financial statements to understand how the business is performing. Account reconciliation helps improve stakeholder confidence by upholding financial statements’ integrity.  
5. Preventive Action: With the ability to locate fraud or mistakes early on, businesses can promptly rectify issues, resulting in fewer losses and problems down the line. 

How to Choose the Best Bank Reconciliation Software?

Selecting the best bank reconciliation tools involves several key considerations:

1. Features:

• Look for automation capabilities such as bank feeds, automatic matching, and rule setup.
• Ensure the software integrates seamlessly with your existing accounting systems.

2. Pricing:

• Evaluate your budget and choose software that offers value without including unnecessary features.

3. Ease of Use:

• Opt for a user-friendly platform that simplifies the reconciliation process, reducing manual effort.

4. Scalability:

• Ensure the software can grow with your business, accommodating increased transaction volumes and additional users as needed.

5. Customization and Support:

• Check for customizable options and robust customer support to assist with any issues or specific requirements.

By focusing on these factors, your finance team can find a software solution that enhances efficiency and accuracy in financial reconciliation, ensuring smoother operations and more reliable financial management.

What are the Best Features of Reconciliation Software?

When looking for the best reconciliation tools, you’ll want to make sure the following features are included:

• Reporting: A statement can be produced to highlight any records that are unmatched between the GL and bank statement. The system should also be able to compare financial reports from previous historical periods in time and provide comprehensive dashboards for tracking KPIs and unreconciled transactions

• Workflow: Opt for software with customizable workflow management to streamline your reconciliation processes. It should provide task sequencing, completion tracking, and review capabilities for efficient process governance.

• Issue management: If there’s an issue, the tool should identify the exception and be able to roll forward unresolved issues into subsequent periods until it’s been resolved. You can also leverage a clean-up method to resolve issues manually.

• Transaction matching: This is the crux of the tool, where data from various sources is pulled, compared, and matched. Look for software that offers advanced, customizable matching rules for both individual accounts and company-wide policies. The system should support various matching criteria, including exact matches, fuzzy logic, and multi-level matching hierarchies, while allowing you to define tolerance levels for variances.

• Automated data import: Look for a tool with robust data integration capabilities that can automatically pull data from bank statements, invoices, and the general ledger. This is important because not only does it save time, but it also reduces the risk of manual input errors.

• Audit trail: The software should be able to store every action taken during the reconciliation process to comply with regulations.

• Security: As a primary concern, the tool should protect and securely store data to prevent breaches and hacks.

• Scalability: As your business grows, so does your transaction volume. Find a software that can keep up with this growth, which means that it won’t slow down as it has to compare more data and line items.

What are the Benefits of Automation Reconciliation Software?

Account reconciliation software saves your team time. More than saving time, it offers many necessary businesses like providing consistency, accuracy and clarity plus it reduces compliance risk, which can ultimately save you money, prevent fraud and maintain your entire company’s reputation. 

Here’s a look at some of the significant benefits of account reconciliation software. 

1. Fully Automated and Fast

One of the essential benefits of reconciliation software like SolveXia is that it is fully automated. This makes it easy to complete the financial close process in no time. Many finance teams spend the majority of their time inputting data, trying to understand variances and wasting time on manual and repetitive tasks. 

With account reconciliation software, the process is managed automatically, freeing up your team to focus on high-level work, while improving accuracy and insights while improving controls and reducing audit risks. 

2. Uniform Approach / Standardized Process

The reconciliation process should happen monthly. At the very least, it will take place quarterly, so it helps to standardize the process to ensure its accuracy. With account reconciliation software, the system will run reconciliations according to the automated process the same way, every time. 

This is particularly useful if your reconciliations take data from different systems, and there is complex and varied mapping and data cleansing involved. Reconciliation software removes automated this process, saving time and improving accuracy. 

3. Reduce Errors & Enhance Internal Controls

Reconciliation tools allow for enhanced internal controls because leaders and stakeholders can see how the process is functioning and rest assured that it’s running smoothly every time. It also prevents any actions outside the process, while alerts can also be set-up for any unusual variances or activities. 

By reducing manual human inputs, and with automatic mapping, you are also able to reduce errors. The software is trained to be accurate, which will prevent many potentially costly mistakes from occurring, while alerts will help identify problems as they happen in real-time. 

4. Recorded History

The software stores all data history and reconciliations. This is useful not only for audit trails and compliance but also for historical information. You can check in on how much something costs in the past and help to forecast future expenses. This way, you can better budget and manage financials in your business. 

5. Delegated Responsibilities

With account software, you can assign roles and manage access controls. In this way, every person on your team is aware of their position and responsibilities. When reconciliation needs to go through an approval process, then the system will automatically assign the next step to the approver as required.

Wrapping Up 

Ultimately, any business will have to perform financial close and account reconciliations. As a public company, these processes are highly regulated, and if done incorrectly, could cost you your business. 

For small and large companies alike, performing accurate reconciliations can reduce fraudulent charges and help identify mistakes in financial processes. Having an up-to-date view of your business’ cash flow is directly correlated to making wise business decisions. 

All in all, using the best reconciliation tools like SolveXia will save your team time, allow every person to understand their role and responsibility better, and provide you with a convenient and secure location to store recorded financial history.