Spreadsheet Reconciliation Guide
How to reconcile Excel and CSV files step by step
Learn how to reconcile Excel and CSV files with cleaner keys, better file prep, and faster review using FireLookup.
Spreadsheet Reconciliation Guide
Steps to reconcile spreadsheets with less cleanup
Follow these steps to prepare your files, run reconciliation, review exceptions, and export cleaner results.
01 Prepare your files
- Make sure row 1 contains your column headers.
- Use supported file types (.csv, .xlsx, .xlsm, .ods or .numbers).
- Keep each file under 10 MB.
- Place the upload table on the first non-empty sheet if your workbook has multiple tabs.
02 Choose your key fields
- Select stable identifiers such as reference number, invoice number, transaction ID or date + reference.
- Keep date, ID, reference and description formats consistent across both files.
03 Preview and run
- Review detected headers and preview rows before running reconciliation.
- Confirm the right columns are selected and correct any issues.
04 Review and export
- FireLookup categorises matches and unmatched rows automatically.
- Download matched and unmatched packs in .xlsx, .numbers, .ods and .csv formats.
Pro tips
- Don’t include amount columns in the reconciliation key unless necessary.
- Remove repeated header rows and subtotal/grand total lines from your data.
- Avoid text-heavy amount values (e.g., “Paid 1200” or “USD 1200 CR”).
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Featured resources
Featured resources for cleaner file prep
Use these English guides when your team needs a bank reconciliation template, a month-end checklist, or a tighter process for reducing spreadsheet reconciliation errors before review.
10 Spreadsheet Reconciliation Errors That Create False Exceptions
These spreadsheet reconciliation errors make clean matches look broken. Fix them early and move the real comparison work into FireLookup when formulas stop scaling.
Read the false-exception error guideMonth-End Reconciliation Checklist for Finance Teams
Use this month-end reconciliation checklist to freeze scope early, route exceptions by owner, and hand reviewers a cleaner sign-off package.
Open the month-end close checklistBank Reconciliation Template in Excel for Faster Review
Build a bank reconciliation template in Excel that keeps source tabs clean, makes exceptions readable, and shows reviewers exactly what still needs action.
Open the bank reconciliation template guideExplore more
More spreadsheet reconciliation resources
Explore pricing, reconciliation guides, and support resources for teams comparing Excel and CSV files with an audit trail.