Overview
Zoho Books supports flexible CSV bank statement imports, but simple and predictable layouts are easier to map.
KontoCSV converts PDF bank statements into a focused Zoho Books CSV with Date, Description, and Amount for single-column signed amount imports.
Who this is for
Accountants, bookkeepers, and small businesses that need a reliable manual bank transaction import.
Expected CSV format
Zoho Books allows flexible mapping. KontoCSV keeps the export intentionally simple so users can select the single-column amount import with negative withdrawals.
- Output: CSV (`.csv`)
- Encoding: UTF-8
- Delimiter: comma (`,`)
- Line endings: CRLF
- Header row: `Date,Description,Amount`
- Output filename from KontoCSV: `your-source-file-zoho-books.csv`
Required columns
Keep the file structure minimal. Extra columns can cause mapping errors in import flows.
Transaction date in MM/DD/YYYY format.
Always-populated plain-text description with no line breaks.
One signed amount field: positive deposits, negative withdrawals.
Date and amount formatting
The Zoho Books /en profile uses MM/DD/YYYY.
- Use one signed Amount column only.
- Withdrawals are negative and deposits are positive.
- Use dot decimal notation without thousands separators.
- Keep values plain numeric for mapping.
Step-by-step import
1. Download source statement PDFs
Export the complete statement period from your bank portal.
2. Convert with Zoho Books CSV profile
Select zoho_books_csv in KontoCSV and process the PDF.
3. Download your-source-file-zoho-books.csv
The file includes Date, Description, Amount with signed values.
4. Import in Zoho Books
Use the bank statement import flow and map the single Amount column.
5. Set single-column signed amount logic
Choose Zoho's option for single-column amounts with negatives for withdrawals.
Common import errors
Amounts map incorrectly as all deposits
Use Zoho's single-column signed amount import option with negative withdrawals.
Date values fail in parser
Ensure MM/DD/YYYY format for every Date row.
Description causes row breaks
Keep description plain text with no line breaks.
Unexpected import mapping prompts
Use only Date, Description, Amount and remove extra columns.
How KontoCSV exports for Zoho Books
KontoCSV export profile
- Profile ID: `zoho_books_csv`
- Header row: `Date,Description,Amount`
- Filename: `your-source-file-zoho-books.csv`
- Text is sanitized for CSV safety (line breaks removed, quotes escaped).
FAQ
Does Zoho Books require a specific filename prefix?
No. Zoho Books does not require a fixed filename prefix for statement CSV import.
Which amount import mode should I use in Zoho?
Use the single-column signed amount mode, where withdrawals are negative.
What CSV header does KontoCSV export for Zoho?
Date,Description,Amount
Can this process start from a PDF bank statement?
Yes. KontoCSV is designed to convert PDF statements to import-ready CSV structures.