A Simple Guide to Downloading Your Bank Statements for Your Accountant
Hello! If your accountant has asked you for "PDFs and CSVs," and that sounds like a foreign language, don't worry. This guide is designed to help you get those documents from your computer to your accountant’s email inbox in just a few clicks.
Why does my accountant need these?
Think of your bank statements as the "proof" for your business story. Your accountant uses them to:
Complete your GST returns accurately.
Claim tax deductions on things like loan interest (saving you money!).
Show the IRD that your records match your bank account.
Understanding the Two File Types
Your accountant will usually ask for two versions of the same statement:
The PDF (The "Digital Paper" Version): This looks exactly like the paper statement you get in the mail. It is used to verify that the numbers are official and correct.
The CSV (The "Data" Version): This is a spreadsheet file. It allows your accountant to "talk" to software like Xero so they don't have to type in every single transaction by hand. This saves you money on accounting fees!
Step-by-Step Instructions for NZ Banks
ANZ (Business & Personal)
Log in to ANZ Internet Banking.
For PDF: Click on the Documents tab at the top. Under "Document type," select Statement, choose your account and date range, then click Search. Click Download.
For CSV: Click on your Account name. Click the Download button (downward arrow icon) at the top of your transactions list. Choose your date range, select CSV, and click Download.
Watch the Video: ANZ: View transactions and statements (YouTube)
Official Guide: Internet Banking for Business Guide (PDF)
ASB
Log in to FastNet Classic.
For PDF: Click the Menu (three lines, top left). Select Documents (usually on the right-hand side of the menu). In the Document Centre, choose your account, date range, and select Statements to download.
For CSV: Click the Menu and select Search and export transactions. Choose your account and date range. Under "Export As," select CSV - Generic and click Export.
Watch the Video: ASB: Downloading Bank Statements (YouTube)
Helpful Link: How far back can I go to see my statements in FastNet Classic? (Note: You can generally see statements back to January 2015).
BNZ
Log in to Internet Banking.
For PDF: Click Menu and select Documents. Click Statements, select your account, and then click Download on the statement you need.
For CSV: Click on the account name. Above your transactions, click Export. Select your date range and CSV format, then click Export.
Official Help: Viewing and saving statements | BNZ
Westpac
Log in to Westpac One.
For PDF: Click on your account. Select Documents on the right side. Choose your dates and click View, then download the file.
For CSV: Click on your account. Click the Export button (arrow icon) near your transaction list. Select your dates and CSV format.
Official Help: How do I download transactions and statements? | Westpac NZ
Kiwibank
Log in to Internet Banking.
For PDF: Click Settings at the top, then Statement vault. Find your account and click Download.
For CSV: Go to your account and select Search/export options. Set your dates and in the Export dropdown, choose CSV.
Official Help: Bank statements | Kiwibank
Tips for Success
Loan Statements: These usually show up in your "Documents" or "Statement Vault" just like bank accounts. Look for an Annual Interest Summary—this is vital for claiming tax deductions!
Avoid Screenshots: Photos of your screen are hard to read. Sending the original PDF and CSV files ensures your records are perfect.
Personal Notes: If you mark items as "Business" or "Private" on your statements, you can still send those notes to your accountant. They help us understand your spending.
Asking for Help: It is perfectly okay to ask a family member or a staff member at your local bank branch to show you how to do this once. They can even email the files directly to your accountant for you.
