Checking Accounting Data Entry

Checking your Entries for Errors

There are several things you can do to check your data entry in the MacNail construction accounting software, to catch errors before they cause troubles later.
1. Make sure Calculation is set to Automatic, or else use Calculate Now occasionally (see page 221).
2. In a Ledger, watch the running total column. If you accidentally enter a non-number in the deposit or payout columns, that row and all rows below it will be filled with #VALUE!.
3. In a Ledger or a Logbook, check the jobsite and who to columns after you type in code numbers for job and payee. It will 'look up' a value from the Master Index that should match the name you originally intended.
4. In a Labor or Material Logbook, check the total column. If it is not a legitimate number, it will be filled with #VALUE!.

NOTE-- In 2000, MacNail was replaced by Goldenseal construction accounting software. Goldenseal is an integrated program that includes general accounting, job costing, payroll and project billing, plus estimating and other features. Data entry is very easy in Goldenseal, which prevents you from making mistakes.

You can also use the Query Box to look for bad values in your accounting files. See page 97 for a list of items to check before making Reports.