Manual journals — creating, posting & managing

How to create manual journals from a workpaper or the dashboard, post them, sync with Xero, and void or edit them.

The Manual Journals section allows you to post entries that sit outside automation processing — used for non-routine transactions, corrections, accruals, provisions, or adjustments identified during review or GL Scrutiny.

Auto-generated journals

Zato automatically creates system-generated manual journals for specific workpapers: ACC, OIC, IIC, IOA, OCA, HOM, RES, TCP, and ENT. These are created automatically as part of the automation process.

Creating journals — from a workpaper

Select the MJ option within the workpaper, enter the required journal entries, and click Save. The journal is saved as Posted and reflects in all workpapers.

Creating journals — from the dashboard

  1. Navigate to Results → Manual Journals.
  2. Click + Add New Manual Journal.
  3. Select the source: GL Scrutiny, Workpapers, or Others.
  4. Enter the journal details.
  5. Click Save Draft. Supporting documents can be attached.

Posting journals

  1. Click Post Journal on the dashboard.
  2. The system displays all unposted manual journals.
  3. Select the journals to apply.
  4. Click Post to Zato.

To sync with Xero, click Sync with Xero after posting.

Other actions

  • Void: Permanently cancels the journal and removes it from further processing.
  • Download: Export journals for offline review.
  • Edit: Click the pen icon at the top-right of a journal, make changes, then Save.