Statement import formats

Kontala imports two file types, both up to 5 MB: CSV and OFX. OFX files (both the older SGML style and the newer XML style) describe their own structure, so everything below is about CSV.

What a CSV needs

The first row must be your column headings, then one row per transaction. Kontala needs at least:

• a date column,
• a description column, and
• an amount - either one signed column, or separate money-in and money-out columns.

A running balance column and a bank memo column are optional. The memo appears in smaller text under each transaction's description.

Kontala recognises common bank headings automatically - for example "Date", "Description", "Narrative", "Amount", "Paid in", "Paid out", "Credit", "Debit" and "Balance". If your headings are unusual, you just assign the columns yourself on the Check the columns step.

Dates

The Date format dropdown offers: DD/MM/YYYY, YYYY-MM-DD, DD-MM-YYYY, DD.MM.YYYY, DD MMM YYYY, DD MMMM YYYY, DD/MM/YY and MM/DD/YYYY. When a date could be read more than one way, Kontala prefers the UK reading.

Amounts

Currency symbols, commas and spaces are all fine - "£1,250.00" reads as 1250.00. With a single amount column, a leading minus means money out. With separate money-in and money-out columns, values must be positive - the column decides the direction.

A balance cell that cannot be read is simply ignored; it never blocks the import.

Fixing the mapping

Detection is a proposal, not a commitment. On the Check the columns step, change any dropdown and the Preview table re-reads your file immediately - keep adjusting until every row looks right, then choose Import.

Still stuck? See Statement import problems, or start from the Download CSV template file described in Import a bank statement.