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A general ledger CSV upload: 10 benefits for reporting



A typical way to automate financial reporting is by integrating it with your bookkeeping software. However, integration projects can be costly, ranging from € 2,000 to € 10,000, not to mention the recurring monthly fees. This increases the payback time of your reports if you only need to run reports and forecasts occasionally, like once or a couple of times per month.

For many small and medium-sized businesses, full integration can be overkill. A practical, hands-on alternative is to run reports using general ledger CSV file uploads. This offers several advantages, making it a more efficient and cost-effective solution for your business.

1. General ledger CSV files are free.


One of the most significant advantages of general ledger CSV file uploads is the cost savings. With no need for expensive integration, you avoid paying the integration project costs of connecting your bookkeeping software with reporting tools. There are also no recurring monthly integration fees, meaning you only pay for the time it takes to upload the file and run your report. For example, with riskrate financial reporting automation, generating reports using CSV files can take seconds.


Export your data from your bookkeeping software as a CSV file and upload it to your riskrate financial reporting automation tool. You instantly save the integration project as there are no extra fees.

2. No commitment to a single bookkeeping software.

Integrating reporting tools directly with bookkeeping software often locks you into that system, limiting your flexibility. By using general ledger CSV files, you remain independent, allowing you to switch between different platforms as your needs evolve.


Export your CSV data from any bookkeeping software. There is no need to commit to just one.


3. Enable to use only the financial data you need.


General ledger CSV files give you complete control over the financial data you include in your reports. Unlike automated integrations that may pull in unnecessary data or miss essential information, CSV uploads allow you to tailor the report to your needs.




Automated integrations may pull unnecessary data. CSV allows you to tailor the report to your needs. Before uploading your CSV file, open it in Excel or Google Sheets and filter out unnecessary data. Then, customize your report to include only the most relevant information.

4. Save time and money: skip the integration projects.



Setting up integrations between bookkeeping and reporting software can take weeks or months. With general ledger CSV file uploads, you can bypass this process and start running reports with riskrate in seconds.

Export your general ledger as a CSV file, upload it, and run your report in seconds with riskrate. There is no need to wait for lengthy integration projects.

5. Adjust reports or budgets by cost center, your choice.


Typically, general ledger CSV includes all the bookkeeping data, like dimensions and cost centers. Running reports via general ledger CSV file uploads is simple and intuitive. Export your data, adjust it if necessary, and upload it to your riskrate financial reporting automation tool. There is no need for complex setups, software configurations, consultancy work, or set-up projects.




Export your CSV data, make necessary adjustments in Excel or Sheets, and upload it to your reporting tool. It's as simple as that.

6. Perform superior report accuracy with updated files.



After correcting your bookkeeping, upload the updated general ledger CSV to riskrate, the financial reporting automation tool. This will ensure that your reports are accurate and that you present yourself like a pro.

Make corrections in your bookkeeping and upload the updated general ledger CSV to Riskrate. This will ensure that you report like a Pro.

7. You have 100% control over your data.


You own your financial data. You can control your data by manually exporting and uploading general ledger CSV files whenever needed. You can ensure that the information is accurate, clean, and customized to your needs—unlike automated processes, which can be less flexible.




You own your financial data. Whenever you need a report or forecast, you can upload a general ledger CSV for free.

8. Run reports without limits.



CSV files are a universal format compatible with almost any software or platform. They can be imported seamlessly using Excel, Google Sheets, or specialized financial software.


Export your financial data as a CSV file, then import it into the platform of your choice, regardless of the continent you are running your business.




9. Avoid vendor lock-in.



Relying on general ledger CSV file uploads allows you to switch platforms whenever you need without worrying about migrating data from one integrated system to another. You can easily transition to a new tool if your business needs change.






Export your data from your current bookkeeping software and upload it to riskrate, your new financial reporting automation software. No complicated migration is needed.

10. High Security

Using CSV files can enhance your data security. Direct integrations might expose your financial data to more vulnerabilities. With CSV uploads, you control when and where your data is shared, minimizing exposure.

Export your CSV files and securely upload them to your riskrate, financial reporting automation software when you need to run the board report, budget follow-up, or cash forecast. This is limiting exposure and keeping your sensitive financial data safe.



Automate all your financial reporting with riskrate.













Start using riskrate free of charge. No manual work, hidden costs, set-up fees, or integration projects.


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Sign up and run your first financial report in less than 3 minutes.


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