---
title: How to prepare my chart of accounts file for import into ChurchTools?
description: "To obtain a chart of accounts file in a format that ChurchTools can read, you can download an *import template* from ChurchTools Finances, which you can use as a basis for importing your data. ## 1. Download the account import…"
url: "https://staging.churchtools.academy/en/help/churchtools-modules/import-and-export-finances-en/how-to-prepare-my-chart-of-accounts-file-for-import-into-churchtools/"
updated: "2026-07-03"
category: Finances / Import and export
---

# How to prepare my chart of accounts file for import into ChurchTools?

To obtain a chart of accounts file in a format that ChurchTools can read, you can download an *import template* from ChurchTools Finances, which you can use as a basis for importing your data.

## 1. Download the account import template

In ChurchTools, navigate to the *Finances module*. Open *Accounts* (2) in *Master Data* (1). From the *context menu* (3), select *Import Accounts from CSV File* (4).

[![Screenshot Finances Master data Import accounts from CSV file](https://staging.churchtools.academy/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Finances_Master-data_Import-accounts-from-CSV-file.png)](https://staging.churchtools.academy/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Finances_Master-data_Import-accounts-from-CSV-file.png)

Here, you can download an *import template* (5) that is tailored to the general master data that has already been created.

[![Screenshot Finances Master data Import accounts from CSV file Download Import template](https://staging.churchtools.academy/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Finances_Master-data_Import-accounts-from-CSV-file_Download-Import-template.png)](https://staging.churchtools.academy/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Finances_Master-data_Import-accounts-from-CSV-file_Download-Import-template.png)

## 2. Customize the account import template

Copy all the data from your export file, paste it into the account import template, and customize it to suit your needs.

**Tip**

We recommend that you **compare** the **account groups in your chart of accounts file and in ChurchTools one last time** and reconcile them if necessary. Only entries that match 100% can be imported.

## 3. Save the import file

Save your customized chart of accounts file by selecting *File* > *Save As...* in *CSV UTF-8 (comma-separated values)* format as a CSV file.

[![Screenshot Finances Import file](https://staging.churchtools.academy/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Finances_Import-file-1.png)](https://staging.churchtools.academy/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Finances_Import-file-1.png)

To learn how to import your chart of accounts into ChurchTools, see our guide ["How to import account data from a file?"](https://staging.churchtools.academy/en/help/churchtools-modules/import-and-export-finances-en/how-to-import-account-data-from-a-file/)

## Read more

- [How to import account data from a file?](https://staging.churchtools.academy/en/help/churchtools-modules/import-and-export-finances-en/how-to-import-account-data-from-a-file/)