Everyone makes mistakes, especially in accounting. Maybe you accidentally deleted a transaction in QuickBooks Online. It can be a hassle, but don’t worry. You can recreate those deleted transactions manually. Let’s walk through the steps together.

Accessing the Audit Log

The first thing to do is check the Audit Log. This tool helps you see all changes made in your QuickBooks account, including what was deleted.

  1. Find the Audit Log: Click the Gear icon in the top right corner of your QuickBooks dashboard. From the menu, select Audit Log.

Filtering for Deleted Transactions

Now you can filter to find the deleted transactions:

  1. Set the Filters: Click the Filter button. Set the Users field to All Users. For the Date field, pick All Dates. In Events, check Transactions. In the Show dropdown, select Deleted/Voided Transactions. Then click Apply.

Examining Deleted Transaction Details

Once you filtered the list, you will see your deleted transactions:

  1. View Transaction Details: Look for the transaction you want to recreate. Click View to see all details like amounts and dates. Make a note of this information.

Recreating the Missing Transaction

Now that you have the necessary details, it’s time to recreate the transaction:

  1. Create a New Transaction: Click the + New button or the Create menu. Choose the type of transaction you need (like an Invoice or Expense). Enter the details you’ve noted carefully, then click Save.

Dealing with Reconciled Transactions

If the transaction was reconciled before deletion, you need to update the status of your recreated transaction:

  1. Go to the Chart of Accounts: Click on Bookkeeping and select Chart of Accounts. Find the account you need and click on Account history.
  2. Update the Reconciliation Status: Locate your restored transaction in the account register. In the Reconcile (✔) column, check the box until you see an R. This shows that it is reconciled. Save your changes!

Using Advanced Features: Backup and Restore

If you use QuickBooks Online Advanced, you have a useful option for restoring data:

  1. Go to Settings (the Gear icon) and select Back up company.
  2. In the Restore section, choose New Restore.
  3. Select your company and the restore point.
  4. Enter your company name to confirm and select Restore.

Bear in mind this action will overwrite all your current data, not just the deleted transaction.

Exploring Third-Party Solutions

Don't overlook the benefits of third-party backup solutions like SysCloud. These tools provide targeted recovery options, allowing restoration of individual transactions without affecting other data. It can save you time and reduce risk.

Final Thoughts

Deleted transactions can be unsettling. Yet, following these steps can guide you in recreating them in QuickBooks Online. By using the Audit Log and correctly managing reconciliation, you keep your financial records accurate and up-to-date. Mistakes happen in accounting, but with these tools, you can handle them effectively!