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Definition · the close

Account reconciliation

Account reconciliation is the practice of matching an account balance to supporting source data and resolving any differences. For account reconciliation, the important details are the accounting period, source evidence, reviewer, materiality threshold, and control purpose that make the treatment auditable during close, reporting, and later review.

Also known as reconciliation, GL reconciliation, balance sheet reconciliation

Written by Pluvo TeamReviewed by Pluvo Team
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Why it matters

Understanding account reconciliation matters because close, reconciliation, and audit work depend on consistent timing, source evidence, review thresholds, and ownership. A loose definition creates avoidable rework. Pluvo traces reconciling differences to their source across connected systems, so a break is explained at root cause, not just flagged.

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In practice

  • Close example

    Teams use account reconciliation during close, review, or audit support when a balance or transaction needs evidence. The controller should be able to trace the number to source records, timing, reviewer, and control threshold.

  • Pluvo example

    Pluvo traces reconciling differences to their source across connected systems, so a break is explained at root cause, not just flagged.

In practice, teams should define account reconciliation with a clear source, owner, time period, and decision before they use it in reporting, planning, or operating reviews.

Understanding account reconciliation matters because close, reconciliation, and audit work depend on consistent timing, source evidence, review thresholds, and ownership. A loose definition creates avoidable rework. Pluvo traces reconciling differences to their source across connected systems, so a break is explained at root cause, not just flagged.

A strong workflow for account reconciliation separates the definition from the action: first agree what the term means, then decide how it is measured, when it changes, and who is accountable for the next step.

Pluvo traces reconciling differences to their source across connected systems, so a break is explained at root cause, not just flagged.

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FAQ

What is account reconciliation?

Account reconciliation is the practice of matching an account balance to supporting source data and resolving any differences. For account reconciliation, the important details are the accounting period, source evidence, reviewer, materiality threshold, and control purpose that make the treatment auditable during close, reporting, and later review.

What is the difference between account and bank reconciliation?

The boundary for account reconciliation differs from related terms by scope, source data, time period, and decision use. In this glossary, it covers matching an account balance to supporting source data and resolving any differences, so teams should compare those boundaries before using it in reporting or planning.

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Sources

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