Sage recommends to start Accounting at the beginning of a new accounting period.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Enter the start date in the settings: Navigate to Settings, select Accounting Dates & VAT, and enter your Accounts Start Date in the relevant field.
2. Submit your final VAT return using your previous system.
3. Print the trial balance from your previous system.
4. Create records for customers, suppliers, and bank accounts in Sage Accounting.

Information you need

• A list of outstanding (unpaid) transactions for your customers or suppliers
• Balance for each bank account from your bank statements
• Balance of each ledger account from your trial balance

How it works

You can enter opening balances all at once or at different times, depending on your preference and situation. If your accountant has processed your accounts but hasn't sent the full trial balance yet, you can still enter opening balances. Later, you can add the remaining values from the trial balance when available.

You can enter opening balances either as a single value or as a list of transactions. If you have unpaid invoices from your previous system, it's advisable to enter them as separate values. This allows for easier matching with payments later on.