The columns ACS OnDemand expects
The ACS OnDemand general ledger import reads a CSV with these columns, in this order. ACS does not publish an official field list for this import, so this layout is based on working import files.
| Column | Required | What goes in it |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction ID | Yes | A number that groups the lines of one entry |
| Date | Yes | MM/DD/YYYY |
| Explanation | No | Merchant or description |
| Account | Yes | The account code from your ACS chart of accounts |
| Amount | Yes | Charges as positive numbers, two decimals |
| Comment | No | Memo or notes |
| Fund | No | Fund code, only if you use funds |
Exports from card, expense and bank systems rarely match this, which is why ACS File Converter lets you map your own columns onto these fields and writes the file in the right order and format.
How to import the CSV into ACS OnDemand
- Open the import. Go to General Ledger › Transactions › Enter/Post Transactions › Add/Edit Transactions, click Import, and choose your file. ACS OnDemand is desktop software and reads the file from your computer, so save it in your Downloads folder.
- Set up the Configure tab. Check Import File has a header record. Set Lookup Account by, Lookup Source by and Lookup Project by to Code, and Lookup Payee by to Last, First, Middle Initial.
- Choose how charges offset. Check Offset all entries to a single account and enter your offset account (for example 01-2190-001). Select Use Amount field to determine debit/credit entry type. Offsetting to a liability account mirrors how a credit card works; a cash account is the simpler option. Your bookkeeper can advise. Then click Next.
- Map the columns. On the Mapping tab, match each ACS field to the column of the same name: Transaction ID, Date, Explanation, Account, Amount and Comment. Click Save Map, give it a name so you can reuse it, then click Next.
- Check and import. On the View Import Data tab you can preview the values. ACS only imports transactions that have no errors.
Next time, go to General Ledger › Transactions › Import, pick your saved map and select the new file.
Common questions
What columns does the ACS OnDemand import need?
Seven columns, in this order: Transaction ID, Date, Explanation, Account, Amount, Comment and Fund. Transaction ID, Date, Account and Amount are required. Explanation, Comment and Fund are optional, and Fund is only included when you use it.
What date format does ACS OnDemand expect?
Dates written MM/DD/YYYY, for example 11/02/2026.
How should amounts be written?
As plain numbers with two decimals, with no dollar signs or thousands commas. Keep charges as positive numbers; ACS works out debit or credit from the Amount field when you choose that option in the import.
Do I need to add an offset row to my file?
Not if you choose Offset all entries to a single account in the import settings. Adding an offset row as well would offset every charge twice.
Having trouble with an error message? See fixing ACS import errors.
Convert a CSV for ACS OnDemand
Upload your file, match your columns and download a CSV laid out for the import. Free, no account needed.