Why Your Bookkeeper Keeps Asking for Bank Statements (Even if You Use Xero)

If you're a business owner using Xero, you've probably asked yourself this before:"Why is my bookkeeper still asking for bank statements when everything’s already in Xero?"

Fair question.

After all, Xero bank feeds are supposed to pull your transactions in automatically—so what gives?

Let’s clear it up:

Bank Feeds Are Amazing—When They Work Perfectly

There’s no doubt that bank feeds have made bookkeeping faster and more efficient. When they’re connected and running smoothly, they automatically import your daily bank transactions straight into Xero. No manual data entry, no spreadsheet uploads—just seamless syncing.

But (and it’s a big but)…

Bank feeds aren’t bulletproof.

Here’s Why We Still Need Your Bank Statements

Even with a live bank feed, things can go wrong behind the scenes—and often, you wouldn’t even notice. A few common issues include:

1. Missing Transactions

Sometimes, the feed skips a day or misses a few statement lines. It’s not super common, but it happens—and even a single missed transaction can throw your numbers off.

2. Feed Disconnects or Glitches

If your bank changes its connection format or updates security protocols, your feed can silently drop out. You won’t always get a notification—and by the time we spot the issue, several weeks could be missing.

3. Deleted or Edited Transactions

Occasionally, users (accidentally or otherwise) may delete imported feed lines or edit transactions in a way that breaks the link to the original statement. We’re not judging—we’ve all clicked the wrong thing before!

4. Reconciliation Accuracy

To ensure your Xero file matches your actual bank balance, we sometimes need to double-check your official bank statement. It's our way of making sure nothing's been missed or misclassified.

Don’t Email Bank Statements—Use Xero Files

Because bank statements contain sensitive information, we don’t recommend sending them by email. Instead, upload them securely using Xero Files.

✅ It’s safe

✅ It keeps everything in one place

✅ We can access it quickly and securely on our end

📌 Here's how to upload files to Xero:

➡️ Upload files to the file library in Xero

It only takes a minute, and it’s the safest way to share financial documents with your bookkeeper.

What You Can Do to Help

Sending your bank statements monthly (via Xero Files, not email!) helps us keep your records clean and accurate—and it’s especially helpful at BAS and EOFY time.

You can also check your feed status in Xero to make sure everything’s connected and importing properly.

📌 Need to set up or reconnect a bank feed?

➡️ Xero Central: About bank feeds

Final Thought

Bank feeds are a brilliant tool—but like any tech, they’re not perfect. Think of missing bank feed data like a crocodile lurking just below the surface.

You might not see it right away—but it’s there, waiting to strike at the worst possible time (like BAS or EOFY).

That’s why your bookkeeper keeps asking for your full bank statements—we’re not being annoying, we’re trying to spot what’s hiding before it takes a bite out of your reporting.

Need help uploading files or checking your feed status?

Let’s chat—we're here to make it easier.

Don't let a broken bank feed take a bite out of your reporting.