Use this article to understand what a generic worksheet is, when to use a generic worksheet, and how to work with a generic worksheet in Cimplico Workpapers.
ℹ️ Note: A workpaper is made up of many worksheets. Worksheets can live in different sections of a workpaper: Trial Balance, Leadsheets and Other Schedules. For an overview of every worksheet type, see Worksheets Explained .
What is a generic worksheet?
A generic worksheet is a worksheet for storing supporting information that isn't tied to a financial figure.
A generic worksheet looks like any other worksheet in Cimplico Workpapers. The difference is that a generic worksheet has no amount to reconcile or build. Generic worksheets usually live in the Other Schedules section of a workpaper.
How is a generic worksheet different from other worksheets?
A default worksheet reconciles a trial balance amount, and a creation worksheet builds an amount from its entries. A generic worksheet has no amount at all, so entries in a generic worksheet hold descriptions and files only. For a full comparison of worksheet types, see Worksheets Explained.
When should I use a generic worksheet?
There are two main ways to use a generic worksheet in Cimplico Workpapers.
Storing non-financial information
Add a generic worksheet to Other Schedules when you need to keep information in the workpaper that doesn't relate to an amount. Common examples include:
financial statements
tax returns
management letters
engagement letters and other working notes
💡 Tip: Set up generic worksheets in your other schedules with an Other Schedules template to keep workpapers across your firm consistent and quick to set up.
Converting a default worksheet
You can convert a default worksheet in the Trial Balance to a generic worksheet using the ellipses (...) near the review button. Convert a default worksheet when you want to verify an account or add evidence, but don't need to reconcile the amount with entries.
Converting the default worksheet to a generic worksheet lets you attach files and add comments without needing entries to reconcile. A converted generic worksheet stays in the Trial Balance section of the workpaper. A converted generic worksheet also keeps its journals.
What can I do in a generic worksheet?
A generic worksheet has most of the same tools as other worksheets in Cimplico Workpapers. In a generic worksheet, you can:
create entries (without an amount)
attach files
add calculations
use checklists
view the worksheet history
add internal comments and client queries
review the worksheet
Journals are not available in a generic worksheet. The only exception is a generic worksheet that was converted from a default worksheet, which keeps its journals.
How do I add an entry to a generic worksheet?
Entries in a generic worksheet hold descriptions and files rather than amounts.
Open the generic worksheet.
Click New Entry.
Check the date. The date defaults to the workpaper's period end date.
Add a description.
Attach any files.
The entry appears in the entries table with an automatically assigned reference number. Only the date is required, so you can attach files later. For more detail, see Creating an entry in a worksheet.
When can a generic worksheet be reviewed?
A generic worksheet can be reviewed once:
all internal comments are resolved
all client queries are resolved
all checklist items are resolved
Unlike a default worksheet, a generic worksheet has no amount, so entries don't need to reconcile before review.