SHORT ANSWER · DATASNIPPER
Can DataSnipper read bank statements?
Yes, within audit work: DataSnipper’s cash reconciliation workflow agrees the ledger ending balance to the bank statement. Extracting every row from a stack of PDF statements into a forensic workpaper is a different job. ZeraBooks does that one, proving opening balance plus every row equals the printed closing balance.
TWO DIFFERENT CHECKS
What is the difference between agreeing the ending balance and proving every row?
Agreeing the ending balance confirms one number; proving the statement confirms every row behind it. Choosing a tool for the second? See the best DataSnipper alternatives.
| Check | What it confirms | Matter 25-117 |
|---|---|---|
| Ending balance agreed | The ledger’s ending balance matches the statement | 18,240.55 |
| Every row proven | Opening plus every row reaches the printed closing | 14,902.35 + 8,120.00 − 4,781.80 = 18,240.55 |
| Balance chain | Each month opens where the last one closed | March closes 18,240.55, May opens 21,905.10: April missing |
| Duplicates | A period uploaded twice counts once | Amex February, 41 rows counted once |
ZeraBooks runs the last three for every account and cardholder. The 3,664.55 hole between March and May is the request to make before any tracing starts.
ZeraBooks builds the workflow around your matters and your template for free. No development charge, whether it’s a forensic department or one person.
FOR A FORENSIC FILE
What does a forensic workpaper need from the statements?
It needs every row, each one traceable to its source file, plus proof that nothing is missing. The All details download carries Date, Description, Amount, Money In, Money Out, Balance, Account, Account Last 4, Cardholder, Type, Check Number and Source File on every row.
From there the matching can happen in Excel, as how does DataSnipper work in Excel describes. The same proven table also feeds analytics, covered in how to get PDF bank statements into CaseWare IDEA. For the two tools side by side, read DataSnipper vs ZeraBooks.
Does DataSnipper extract every transaction from a PDF statement?
Its site describes matching documents to workpapers and agreeing the ending balance in its cash-rec workflow. ZeraBooks is built for pulling out and proving every row.
Does ZeraBooks read scanned bank statements?
Yes, scans saved as PDF. A statement that doesn’t tie after reading is marked Needs a look.
Can ZeraBooks read check images with the statement?
Yes. Number, date, payee, amount, memo and “written by” go onto the statement line the check paid, and images never add rows.
Sources and further reading
- DataSnipper
FREE CUSTOM BUILD
Prove every row, not just the last one.
Then agree the balance.
Send one past matter and see every statement tied in your workpaper in 2 to 3 days, built free.