FreeAgent + 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 FreeAgent for your accounting, you need a fast way to get bank statement data into the system.
BankScan AI for Bookkeepers Using FreeAgent
BankScan AI converts any bank statement PDF to CSV / OFX formatted for direct import into FreeAgent. BankScan AI handles every major UK bank format automatically. Upload the PDF, download the spreadsheet — no manual data entry needed.
The Bookkeepers + FreeAgent 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 FreeAgent
Output as CSV / OFX with Date, Description, Amount (single column) — FreeAgent also accepts OFX files which skip the column mapping step entirely — dates in DD/MM/YYYY.
Import and reconcile
In FreeAgent, go to Banking > select your account > Import Bank Statement. Choose CSV or OFX format, upload the file, and FreeAgent will parse the transactions automatically. FreeAgent automatically estimates your tax bill in real-time as transactions are imported, giving sole traders an up-to-date picture of their tax liability.
Supported Banks
BankScan AI works with all major UK and US banks, including:
FreeAgent Features for Bookkeepers
- FreeAgent ready — Output formatted as CSV / OFX matching FreeAgent's expected column structure
- Smart integration — FreeAgent automatically estimates your tax bill in real-time as transactions are imported, giving sole traders an up-to-date picture of their tax liability.
- 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 FreeAgent
As bookkeeper, here's how to get bank data into FreeAgent:
- In FreeAgent, go to Banking > select your account > Import Bank Statement
- Choose CSV or OFX format, upload the file, and FreeAgent will parse the transactions automatically
Common Import Issues
FreeAgent can struggle with CSV files that have extra header rows or summary rows at the bottom. Ensure only transaction data rows are included.
FreeAgent Import — Built for Bookkeepers
Free for NatWest, RBS, and Ulster Bank business customers. Popular among UK freelancers and contractors for its simple self-assessment tax return filing.
Try Free — FreeAgent + Bookkeepers