Importing a client list from VT, BTCSoftware or IRIS

Importing the list

1. Export the list

   Export the client list from your current package as a CSV file. If it only exports to Excel, open the file and save it as CSV.

2. Upload it

   Go to Import and export, then "Import a client list". Choose where the list comes from and upload the file. Commas, semicolons and tabs are all recognised.

3. Check the columns

   Under "Columns in" each Accountin field shows the column it matched, such as Company no or CRN for the company number and ARD or Period end for the year end. Change any match, or choose "Not in the file".

4. Check the rows

   "Check before importing" shows how many rows are ready and how many have problems, with a note against each problem.

5. Create the clients

   Press "Create clients". Rows with problems are left out, and clients already in Accountin are skipped.

Limits and checks

• Up to 2,000 rows and 4 MB per file. Split a larger list into several files.
• Company numbers are eight letters and numbers, UTRs ten digits (a trailing K is removed) and VAT numbers nine digits.
• A year end can be a full date, 31/03, 31 March or just a month name, which is read as the last day of that month.
• The type is read from words in the cell, such as LLP, guarantee, partnership, sole trader or Ltd. A blank type with a company number is treated as a company.
• A client counts as already in Accountin when the company number matches, or the name matches where there is no number.

Moving the figures across

The client list brings in names and reference numbers. Each client's figures come across with a trial balance import. The guides for VT, BTCSoftware and Taxfiler cover what to export.