Move books from QuickBooks or Xero

Moving from another program takes two files, both exported as CSV: the chart of accounts, then the trial balance as of the day before the books start in Magpie. Set up the books first; see Keep books with Accounting.

Import the chart of accounts

In the other program, export the chart of accounts as a CSV file. It needs a column for each account's name and one for its type; account numbers and descriptions come too.

In Chart of Accounts, choose import its chart of accounts, choose the file and Read file. Each account is listed with the type it will have in Magpie, found from its type in the file. Check them, choose a type for any that was not recognised (it is left unticked until you do), and choose Add ticked accounts. Cancel import adds nothing.

Accounts the chart already has, by number or name, are left as they are. The plan's limit on bank and card accounts still applies; any more are added as other assets or liabilities.

Import the trial balance

Export the trial balance as of the day before the books start, as a CSV file with Debit and Credit columns. On Opening balances (in Settings, or Enter opening balances on the overview), under Import a trial balance, choose the file and Import trial balance.

Each row is matched to an account by number, then by name, and the amounts are filled in for you to check. Nothing is saved until you choose Save opening balances. Income and expense rows are left out, as they are part of Opening balance equity. Rows that match no account are listed: add the account or import the chart of accounts, then import the trial balance again.

Unpaid invoices and bills from the other program are not brought over one by one: their totals are in the trial balance, under Accounts receivable and Accounts payable.

If a file cannot be read, Contact support.