IRIS + 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 IRIS for your accounting, you need a fast way to get bank statement data into the system.
BankScan AI for Bookkeepers Using IRIS
BankScan AI converts any bank statement PDF to CSV formatted for direct import into IRIS. BankScan AI handles every major UK bank format automatically. Upload the PDF, download the spreadsheet — no manual data entry needed.
The Bookkeepers + IRIS 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 IRIS
Output as CSV with Date, Narrative, Debit, Credit — IRIS uses Narrative instead of Description and requires separate Debit/Credit columns — dates in DD/MM/YYYY.
Import and reconcile
In IRIS Accountancy Suite, open the client file, go to Bank > Import Transactions. Select the CSV file, map columns to Date, Narrative, Debit, Credit, and import. IRIS links bank transactions directly to tax computations, so imported statements feed into both bookkeeping and tax return preparation simultaneously.
Supported Banks
BankScan AI works with all major UK and US banks, including:
IRIS Features for Bookkeepers
- IRIS ready — Output formatted as CSV matching IRIS's expected column structure
- Smart integration — IRIS links bank transactions directly to tax computations, so imported statements feed into both bookkeeping and tax return preparation simultaneously.
- 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 IRIS
As bookkeeper, here's how to get bank data into IRIS:
- In IRIS Accountancy Suite, open the client file, go to Bank > Import Transactions
- Select the CSV file, map columns to Date, Narrative, Debit, Credit, and import
Common Import Issues
IRIS is strict about column naming — use 'Narrative' not 'Description'. Also requires the CSV to not contain any currency symbols in amount columns.
IRIS Import — Built for Bookkeepers
Dominant in UK accountancy practices — used by 6 of the top 10 UK firms. IRIS is the professional's choice for multi-client practice management.
Try Free — IRIS + Bookkeepers