Post‑Migration Checklist: Ensuring Data Accuracy After Switching Systems

Switching accounting systems is exciting which can enjoy better reports, cleaner automation—but it comes with a big “gotcha”: your data needs to be spot‑on from day one. Whether you’ve moved from Excel to ABSS or migrated to SQL Account, here’s a simple checklist to confirm you’re ready to close your first month without surprises.

1. Verify Your Master Data

• Customers & suppliers: Make sure names, addresses and account numbers match your source files. Spot‑check a few records to ensure no duplicates or typos slipped through.

• Inventory items: Check SKUs, descriptions and units of measure. In SQL Account, confirm the correct costing method (FIFO or weighted average) is set for each stock item.

2. Check the Chart of Accounts

After a migration, it’s vital to make sure your new ledger structure makes sense. Go into ABSS or SQL Account and review your Chart of Accounts to confirm:

• Every account (Assets, Liabilities, Equity, Income, Expenses) is there and named correctly.

• Codes and descriptions are clear and consistent—for example, “4000 Sales – Local” vs. “4005 Sales – Export.”

• Sub‑accounts roll up neatly into their parent categories (e.g. all travel‑related expenses sit under “6100 Travel”).

If you did change account codes during the switch, keep a simple mapping table on hand for your finance team and auditor. It helps everyone match old reports to the new structure without confusion.

3. Confirm Opening Balances

• Run a trial balance in your old system on the cut‑off date, then run the same report in your new system. The totals for each account should agree.

• In ABSS, use the “Reconciliation” reports to cross‑check bank and AR/AP balances; in SQL Account, check the Ledger Opening Balance report.

4. Validate GST / Tax Codes

• Make sure GST codes were imported correctly and that your default codes reflect your business (e.g. standard‑rated, zero‑rated or exempt).

• Post a test invoice and bill, then run a GST report to see if the tax amounts line up with your expectations.

5. Reconcile Inventory Quantities & Costs

• For trading businesses, run an inventory valuation report in both systems and compare item quantities and dollar amounts. Pay special attention to high‑value stock and fast‑movers.

• If using weighted‑average costing in SQL Account, check that the calculated average costs align with your old system’s valuation.

6. Run Parallel Reports

• For the first month, generate key reports (Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, AR ageing, AP ageing, GST summary) in both the old and new systems. Small rounding differences are normal; large discrepancies need investigation.

• This “double run” gives you confidence before fully switching off the old system.

7. Train Your Team & Lock Periods

• Show your finance team how to record day‑to‑day transactions, attach documents and run their usual reports. The smoother they are, the fewer errors creep in.

• Once the month is closed, use the lock‑period feature (available in both ABSS and SQL Account) to prevent accidental postings into previously finalised periods.

Final Thought

A migration doesn’t end when the data’s copied over—you need to confirm everything ties out. Take a little time to check your lists, balances and reports, and you’ll avoid bigger headaches later.

Need a hand double‑checking your migration or setting up a clean chart of accounts? Apscom specialises in both ABSS and SQL Account. We can help import your customers, suppliers and inventory ( for SQL Account ), build a chart of account ( for both SQL Account and ABSS ) that fits your business, and run sanity checks so you know your books are accurate from day one. Message us any time for a quick chat!