Stabilize the file before fixing history
Freeze new automations/rules until you confirm they’re classifying correctly. Pause third-party syncs that are duplicating entries.
Reconcile bank/credit card feeds to the latest statement before touching old months.
Key Takeaways
- Bad rules multiply mistakes—turn them off until verified.
- Start with the most recent statement to regain footing fast.
Triage and time-box the backlog
Work newest-to-oldest in 30/60/90-day buckets. Note unresolved transactions with owner and required doc.
Create a naming convention for support files (YYYY-MM Vendor Amount) and store per month.
Key Takeaways
- Newest-to-oldest shortens time-to-usable reports.
- A simple naming convention makes audit trails painless.
Document fixes and prevent rework
List key corrections (account, amount, why) in a running log. Add screenshots for unusual journal entries.
Re-enable rules slowly; test with a small batch and review impacts before scaling.
Key Takeaways
- A correction log saves hours when leaders or auditors ask “what changed?”
- Gradual rule reactivation prevents a second cleanup.