This article explains how to make the most of the trial balance, from using tabs to understanding the key columns.
Tabs and Traffic Light Indicators
At the top of the trial balance, you’ll find tabs to filter accounts by status. These accounts will also be shown with a coloured indicator.
All: Shows all accounts in the trial balance.
Unprepared: Accounts not yet started (red).
In Progress: Accounts currently being worked on (amber).
Awaiting Review: Accounts ready for review (blue).
Reviewed: Accounts that have been finalised (green).
Excluded: Accounts removed from the trial balance workflow (grey).
Searching, sorting and filtering
You can filter, search, and sort the trial balance to quickly find and organise the information you need.
Filtering Options
Filtering Options
You can filter by the below options:
Status
Account class
Report code
Ledger amount
Workpaper amount
Ledger amount LY (prior year)
Variance ($ or %)
Unreconciled items
Outstanding comments
Sorting Options
Sorting Options
You can sort the trial balance by one of the following:
Status
Code (this is the default sort method)
Description
Account type
Account class
Report code
Ledger amount
Workpaper amount
Ledger amount LY (prior year)
Variance ($ or %)
Outstanding queries
Outstanding comments
Outstanding checklist items
Search Function
Search Function
The search function lets you locate specific accounts by searching the account column, including account codes, names, types, and report codes.
You can combine multiple options simultaneously—for example, applying filters, conducting a search, and sorting results—to customise your trial balance view.
💡 Tip: Many users find the “Assignee” filter particularly helpful for identifying their responsibilities as a preparer.
Key Columns in the Trial Balance
Account Column
The Account column displays:
Account code
Account name
Account type
Report code
Assigned user (if any)
Current Amount and Amount (LY)
These columns show:
Current Amount: The account balance for the current year.
Amount LY: The account balance for the previous year.
If draft journals already exist, the adjusted figure after the journal will be displayed, with the original ledger figure shown beneath it.
ℹ️ Note: Credits are displayed as negatives (with brackets), and debits are displayed as positives (without brackets).
Variance
The Variance column highlights the difference between the current year’s amount and last year’s amount.
By default, the variance is shown as a monetary value.
Click on the variance to toggle it to a percentage view for a different perspective on changes.
Files
The Files column indicates whether files are attached to the account and how many. You can also view these files directly by selecting the paperclip icon.
💡 Tip: Drag and drop files directly onto an account to upload them quickly.
Outstanding
The Outstanding column shows any unresolved items linked to the account:
Calculations (number of calculations pending)
Client Queries (number of unresolved queries)
Internal Comments (number of unresolved comments)
Checklist Items (number of unresolved checklist items)
💡 Tip: If you’re unsure what a symbol means, hover over it to see a quick description.