The glossary to understand and take action

Bank reconciliation

A check that explains differences between the transactions and balances of a bank account and those recorded in the accounts.

Notion comptable, fiscale ou juridique · Luxembourg Fiduciaries Editorial Team · Reviewed on

Understand the scope

Definition and points to distinguish

Transactions are reconciled by amounts, references and dates. Remaining differences are documented: timing difference, fees to be recorded, error or item to be investigated. A matching balance alone does not prove that all transactions have been correctly classified.

In your file

What this changes in practice

The reconciliation compares the accounting balance of a bank account with the bank statement, then explains the differences. Pending transactions may create a normal timing difference, whereas a duplicate or omission requires a correction. Each discrepancy must be identified rather than posting an overall entry to equalise the balances. Performing this regularly prevents anomalies from accumulating at closing.

A scenario to help you understand

Educational example

A payment appears in the bank account without an invoice having been recorded. The reconciliation makes it possible to find the supporting document and handle the discrepancy correctly.

Fictitious situation, presented to illustrate the concept.

Prepare for what comes next

Points to check

  • Utiliser des soldes à la même date
  • Justifier chaque écart
  • Suivre les éléments non apurés

The practical question

Find out more

Faut-il corriger tous les écarts de rapprochement immédiatement ?

Certains écarts correspondent à un décalage de date normal et doivent être suivis, pas effacés artificiellement. D’autres révèlent une erreur à corriger. Documentez leur origine et vérifiez leur apurement sur la période suivante. Un élément ancien non expliqué mérite une investigation, même si son montant paraît faible ou si le solde total reste proche de la banque.

Connecting concepts

Terms to know as well

Continue with the concepts, contacts and procedures related to this topic.

BookkeepingBookkeeping consists of recording transactions, filing their supporting documents and monitoring accounts according to a regular organisation.Accounting documentAn accounting document is a document that substantiates a transaction: an invoice, statement, contract or other evidence appropriate to its nature.Accounting closeThe accounting close encompasses the work that finalises the accounts for a financial year and makes it possible to prepare the financial statements.Financial forecastThe financial forecast translates the project's assumptions into expected results, cash flows and financing needs.General ledgerThe general ledger presents the movements recorded in each accounting account, together with their references and amounts.Aged trial balanceA statement that allocates receivables or payables by age at a given date, in order to organise their monitoring.

Put it into practice

Explore further with our guides

Practical guideBank reconciliation: understanding and handling discrepanciesPractical guideThirteen-week cash flow plan: building useful monitoringPractical guideCredit note and corrective invoice: correct without losing the audit trail

Sources and verification

References consulted on 20 September 2026. Official procedures specify the applicable conditions and exceptions.

This guide explains a general process. The applicable rules depend on your situation; it does not constitute personalised advice. Report a correction.

A definition gives you a reference point. To examine your situation, clarify your question with a professional.