Bench + Bookkeepers: Faster Bank Import
Bookkeepers deal with statements from dozens of different banks, each with its own PDF format. Copy-pasting transactions is error-prone and tedious. If you use Bench for your accounting, you need a fast way to get bank statement data into the system.
BankScan AI for Bookkeepers Using Bench
BankScan AI converts any bank statement PDF to CSV formatted for direct import into Bench. BankScan AI handles every major UK bank format automatically. Upload the PDF, download the spreadsheet — no manual data entry needed.
The Bookkeepers + Bench Workflow
Bookkeepers collect bank statements from clients weekly or monthly, categorise each transaction against the chart of accounts, reconcile balances, and flag discrepancies. They typically process statements in batches by client, posting entries into cloud accounting software before month-end close.
Key terms you'll encounter: chart of accounts, bank feed, transaction categorisation, month-end close.
How It Works
Upload any bank statement PDF
Supports all major banks. Saves approximately 30 minutes per client per month on data entry, freeing up 8-10 hours per week for a bookkeeper with 20+ clients
AI formats for Bench
Output as CSV with Date, Description, Amount — Bench bookkeepers handle column mapping during their review process — dates in MM/DD/YYYY.
Import and reconcile
Share BankScan AI's converted CSV files with your Bench bookkeeper via the Bench portal. They import the data into your Bench account for categorisation and reconciliation. Bench bookkeepers can use BankScan AI's pre-structured data to speed up categorisation, reducing the typical 5-day turnaround to 1-2 days for historical catch-up bookkeeping.
Supported Banks
BankScan AI works with all major UK and US banks, including:
Bench Features for Bookkeepers
- Bench ready — Output formatted as CSV matching Bench's expected column structure
- Smart integration — Bench bookkeepers can use BankScan AI's pre-structured data to speed up categorisation, reducing the typical 5-day turnaround to 1-2 days for historical catch-up bookkeeping.
- Built for Bookkeepers — Saves approximately 30 minutes per client per month on data entry, freeing up 8-10 hours per week for a bookkeeper with 20+ clients
- Software compatible — Output works directly with Xero, QuickBooks Online, FreeAgent
Import Steps for Bookkeepers Using Bench
As bookkeeper, here's how to get bank data into Bench:
- Share BankScan AI's converted CSV files with your Bench bookkeeper via the Bench portal
- They import the data into your Bench account for categorisation and reconciliation
Common Import Issues
Bench's human bookkeepers handle most import issues. Main challenge is when bank feeds disconnect — BankScan AI serves as the backup data source for gap periods.
Bench Import — Built for Bookkeepers
Unique hybrid model combining software with dedicated human bookkeepers. Popular with US small business owners who want hands-off bookkeeping without hiring an in-house accountant.
Try Free — Bench + Bookkeepers