Opening Balances

Opening Balances let you enter the starting balances for your accounts when you first set up StewardTrack's finance module or begin a new fiscal year.

Accessing Opening Balances

Navigate to Stewardship > Setup & Configuration > Opening Balances in the sidebar.

When to Use Opening Balances

You'll need to enter opening balances when:

  • Setting up StewardTrack for the first time -- Enter current balances from your existing financial records

  • Starting a new fiscal year -- Carry forward closing balances from the previous year

  • Migrating from another system -- Transfer balances from your old system

Opening Balance List

View all entered opening balances:

  • Account -- Which account the balance applies to

  • Balance -- The opening balance amount (debit or credit)

  • Effective Date -- When this balance takes effect

  • Notes -- Any context about the balance

Entering Opening Balances

  1. Click Add Opening Balance or Create New.

  2. Fill in:

    • Account -- Select the account from the Chart of Accounts

    • Amount -- The starting balance

    • Debit/Credit -- Whether this is a debit or credit balance

    • Effective Date -- The date the balance takes effect (usually the start of your fiscal year)

    • Notes -- Context or reference (e.g., "From XYZ Bank statement 12/31/2025")

  3. Click Save.

  4. Repeat for each account that needs an opening balance.

Important Notes

  • All accounts should balance -- Total debits should equal total credits

  • Enter balances for all active accounts -- Don't skip accounts that have balances

  • Use accurate figures -- Reference bank statements and financial records for exact amounts

  • Run a Trial Balance after entering all opening balances to verify they're in balance

Best Practices

  • Document your sources -- Note where each balance came from in the Notes field

  • Verify with bank statements -- Cross-reference entered balances with actual bank and investment statements

  • Enter all balances at the same effective date -- Consistency is key for accurate reporting

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