Not sure where to even start?

Then this is the place for you.

You can create a test ACH/Nacha file for your bank in 5 easy steps:

1. Create a new account in ACH Universal
2. Complete the ACH Setup
3. QuickBooks Online Wizard
4. Enter Profile banking information
5. Create a test file

1. Create a new account in ACH Universal (File > New > Create)

Click on the blue 'File' tab >New Account > 'Create an Account'.

Note: If you will be setting up on a multi-user platform, you may want to hold off creating your production accounts until you have connected to the SQL backend.  See the SQL instructions for our
Workgroup (SQL Express) or Enterprise (SQL Server) platform.  

Then enter a name for your account.  You will want to be able to identify the bank account name (e.g., Operating or Payroll).  Click Next, then Finish.  The software will open into the new account.

If you will be originating ACH transactions from more than one bank account, you will want to create a new account in our software for each bank account originating ACH files.
(See also Multiple Origination, covered separately, if working with numerous bank accounts.)

Congratulations.  We'll be working in this account going forward.

2. ACH File Setup

If you will be testing with your bank, you will need to perform this step prior to creating the files that you send to them.

If you already signed up with your bank for ACH service, this information will be in your Welcome packet.  If you have not signed up for ACH Service, you will want to contact the Treasury Management Department at your bank to start the process.

If you have been creating ACH files, but do not have the original documentation from your bank, ACH Universal can pull the Setup information from an ACH file that you have already created.

If you are unsure of the information required, follow our guidelines within the wizard below. Of course, we can't guarantee compliance with your bank, but it is a conservative approach to create a test file.

Most (basic) users can click 'Finish' to complete.
However, if any of the following apply to you, you will want to click the 'Advanced Setup' radio button and then 'Next':
--If using an SEC code other than PPD (such as CCD)
--If creating an offsetting record (i.e., balanced file). 

Be sure to click 'Next' until 'Finished'.

3. QuickBooks Online Wizard

On the Home Page - click the large QuickBooks Online Integration Window.  

Connecting to QuickBooks Online - Setup

After the software restarts, simply click on the QuickBooks Online Integration Window to arrive at the screen below.

Then click on the 'Connect to QuickBooks' button on the QuickBooks Online Integration Window to initiate the login and authorization process. 

Note:  You must have Admin rights in the QuickBooks Online company file for the integration.

Your default browser will open and prompt you to log into your QuickBooks Online Account.

When you see this message pop up on a new screen, go back to ACH Universal.

Selecting an account from QuickBooks Online - Setup

Now, switch back to ACH Universal.

Select a bank account to work with from your QuickBooks Online company and click 'Save'.

When you click Save, you will be brought to the Transactions tab.

4. Entering banking information for Customers, Employees and Vendors

Profile information will need to be stored in ACH Universal.

You can either:
--A. Import the banking information into ACH Universal Profiles (names must match exactly, see below), or
--B. Edit the ACH Universal Profiles created automatically by QuickBooks (during View Transactions)

A. Import the banking information into ACH Universal Profiles 

If you want to import profiles, you may want to close the QuickBooks Integration wizard and first Import all Profiles (from an Excel or CSV file).  On your import file, you'll include the

• Name,
• ABA Routing Number,
• Bank Account Number, and
• Email addresses if sending emails -- and store the information in ACH Universal.

Important:  Profile names that are imported must match the QuickBooks Online names exactly or the integration process will not work.

If you don't have a spreadsheet with your profile information - don't worry. 
QuickBooks Online will create a profile (name only - without the banking information) from the transactions.

B. Edit the ACH Universal Profiles created automatically by QuickBooks (during View Transactions)

On the Transactions tab, select a date range that has transactions in your account and click 'View'.

Profiles are automatically created / added when you click 'View Transactions' from the Transactions tab.
If a profile already exists for the Customer/Employee/Vendor, no profile is added.
If a profile does not exist, the system will create the name in ACH Universal.

You can now update the profile relating to each transaction 'on-the-fly' as it comes into the window. Click the Profiles tab in the integration box - we'll need to highlight the Profile name and 'Edit' to enter their banking information and save.

A profile containing only the vendor's name was created.  

Note:
What happens if the ACH recipient was already paid by check and the transaction appears in the window?

You will see the check reference number showing.  Highlight that row so it turns blue (click on far left), and then click 'Do Not Send -Permanent'.  It will be excluded from the ACH file, and your control totals at the bottom will be adjusted.

5. Create a test file

Now when we re-run transactions, they are eligible to be included in an ACH file.

Click 'Create ACH file'.

Click on Yes to view the file.

This is an example of an ACH/Nacha file.  

You can upload this file to your bank if you've completed all of the steps above.

Note: If you skipped the ACH Setup [gear icon], you'll see 'OPEN ITEM' within the file - do not send it to the bank.

Remember to upload the file to your bank. 

By default the file will be located in the folder:
C:\Users\[Your User folder]\Documents\Treasury Software\To Bank

If you want to store the file in a different location, from the 'Create ACH File Page' icon, you can change the default location by clicking on the far right blue bar 'Change File Name/Location' and pointing the software to a different folder.

Need help or want to schedule a call to get setup?

Click here to schedule a Zoom setup call.

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