Importing Actuals Data via Integrations
Integrations allow you to map your accounts from an external source (Xero, MYOB, Quickbooks or Excel) and import months of actuals within minutes. Importing via integrations is the recommended approach - it is faster, less prone to error and easier to reconcile than entering actuals via manual entry.
Build from an Integration (Recommended)
When Building your Forecast, we recommend doing so from an integration so you can Map your Chart of Accounts (CoA), bringing in real historical data as the foundation of your model. This is the most efficient way to bring actuals into Castaway and reduces the risk of errors compared to manual entry.
Before you Start - The Import Process
Before importing, you will need to connect your data source and Map your Chart of Accounts (CoA).
The following is the actuals import process, see the attached articles and ensure the following steps are completed in this order:
| Stage | Description | Articles |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Connect your external source | Link Castaway to your accounting system | Xero, MYOB, Quickbooks & Excel |
| 2. Map your accounts | Map all GL codes from your accounting system to the Castaway chart of accounts | Mapping your Chart of Accounts (CoA) |
| 3. Set your Actuals Active Month | Define which months of actuals are available to import | Changing the Active Actuals Month |
| 4. Import Opening Balances | Bring in your balance sheet opening position | Importing and Reviewing your Actuals Data |
| 5. Import Actuals | Bring in your selected months of actuals data | Importing and Reviewing your Actuals Data |
| 6. Review imported data | Confirm data has imported correctly and resolve any out of balance issues | Troubleshoot: Out of Balance (OOB) Projects |
How to Import
The process is covered in detail here: Importing and Reviewing your Actuals Data
The Actuals Data Tab
Forecast > Actuals Data is where your actuals data sits once it is part of your model. Here it can be reviewed before you proceed, an Out of Balance row will alert you in red. For your first import, inputting your Opening Retained Earnings balance can be done at the bottom of the Balance Sheet tab.
You can also manually input and edit your Actuals Data in this space, however, we do not recommend this as a workflow unless only minor adjustments need to be made.
If you need any assistance please contact our support team at: support@castawayforecasting.com