AP vs GL reconciliation is the process of ensuring that the detailed Accounts Payable subledger aligns with the summarized AP control account in the General Ledger, thereby safeguarding accuracy and audit readiness.
Step 1: Pull Reports
- AP subledger and vendor aging report (lists outstanding invoices by vendor).
- GL Trial Balance (AP control account).
- Supporting documents: vendor invoices, payment records, credit memos, journal entries.
Step 2: Compare Totals
Compare the total of the AP subledger with the AP control account balance in the GL. They should match. If they differ, investigate discrepancies and reconcile.Step 3: Spot the reason for Differences
- Recognition of liability being delayed: invoices entered in AP but not yet posted to GL
- Other Unposted transactions: payments and credit memos that are updated in AP but haven’t hit the GL and consequently the decrease in liability doesn’t get reflected.
- Manual journal entries in GL only.
- Errors: duplicate entries, wrong vendor codes, incorrect amounts.
Step 4: Fix the errors/problem
Next step is fixing the errors by Post missing entries, Reverse incorrect ones and document the manual adjustments.
Step 5: Document the Reconciliation
Prepare a reconciliation statement showing: AP Subledger balance, GL balance, list of Reconciling items and explanations. Maintain this as part of audit trail and compliance records.