Built from inside practice. Built by Mr H Hammad FCCA, ACA, ICAEW Chartered Accountant with over 20 years in practice.
ProductFor ClientsWhy BalansixPricingResourcesSupportBook a demoContact
BalansixBanking

Why can’t I delete a bank transaction?

Bank reconciliation and period controls protect completed accounting work. Check the controlling lock before changing the transaction.

Banking
Short answerWhat to checkWhy this control existsIf deletion is still blockedWhy the audit trail mattersFAQs

Short answer

Balansix can block deletion where the bank line is reconciled or the relevant accounting period is protected. Correct the controlling state first, then make the authorised correction.

What to check

  1. Check whether the bank line is reconciled.
  2. Check whether the accounting period is finalised or locked.
  3. If authorised, reopen the relevant control before correcting the transaction.
  4. Make the correction.
  5. Reconcile and re-finalise the affected period where required.

Why this control exists

Deleting a reconciled or protected transaction without reopening the related control could leave the bank proof or financial reports inconsistent.

If deletion is still blocked

Do not create an offsetting entry simply to bypass the lock. Contact support with the client, period, bank account and transaction if the documented control has been reopened but the action remains unavailable.

Why the audit trail matters

A reconciled bank line is part of the proof that the accounting records agree to the bank statement. Removing it silently would break that proof and could change reports or VAT returns that have already been reviewed or filed.

Blocking the deletion until the control is reopened gives the practice a clear, reviewable record of who changed what and why, which supports quality control and professional standards.

Frequently asked questions

Who can reopen a reconciled or locked period?

Staff with the appropriate access in your practice. If you do not have it, ask the reviewer or manager responsible for the client.

Why not post a reversing entry instead?

An offsetting entry that bypasses the lock leaves both the wrong line and the correction in the records, and makes the bank reconciliation harder to follow. Reopen the control and correct the original line.

Does reopening affect a submitted VAT return?

A submitted VAT return stays as filed. If the correction changes VAT, the effect is handled in the next open return.

Need help with your Balansix workflow?

Search the Help Centre first. If the issue remains, contact Balansix Support with the client, module, period, what you expected and what happened.