How Singapore SMEs Can Reduce Back-and-Forth with Accountants During XBRL Filing

For many Singapore SMEs, XBRL filing isn’t delayed by the filing itself — it’s delayed by endless back-and-forth with accountants. Clarification emails, repeated document requests, and last-minute corrections often turn what should be a straightforward process into a drawn-out one.

Reducing this back-and-forth starts with improving the quality, structure, and clarity of the data you provide.

Why Back-and-Forth Happens During XBRL Filing

Accountants usually ask questions for one reason: the data isn’t clear enough to map confidently into XBRL.

Common triggers include:

• Inconsistent account classifications
• Missing supporting documents
• Unreconciled balances
• Late manual adjustments
• Figures that don’t tie across statements

Each issue creates another round of clarification.

Provide Finalised, Well-Structured Financial Data

One of the biggest causes of repeated queries is working with draft numbers. When figures keep changing, accountants have to recheck mappings and validations.

Before XBRL preparation begins:

• Finalise financial statements
• Lock key figures
• Ensure adjustments are fully recorded

Stable data reduces uncertainty and rework.

Standardise Account Classifications

When similar transactions are recorded differently, accountants need to confirm how they should be treated in XBRL.

Maintaining a consistent chart of accounts helps by:

• Making account intent clear
• Reducing subjective interpretation
• Simplifying XBRL mapping

Consistency over time matters more than perfect labels.

Ensure Strong Traceability

Accountants often request documents because they can’t trace figures back to source transactions.

Clear traceability means:

• Every transaction has supporting documentation
• Documents are linked to accounting entries
• Adjustments are clearly explained

This allows accountants to validate figures without repeated follow-ups.

Reduce Manual Errors With Automation

Manual bookkeeping increases the likelihood of inconsistencies that trigger questions.

AI-powered accounting platforms help by:

• Automating data extraction and categorisation
• Reducing copy-paste errors
• Flagging anomalies early

Platforms like ccMonet help SMEs provide accountants with cleaner, more reliable data.

Align Early on Filing Requirements

Not all companies file the same XBRL format. Misunderstandings around Full vs Simplified XBRL often lead to rework.

Clarify early:

• Which XBRL format applies
• What disclosures are required
• Submission timelines

Clear expectations reduce late-stage surprises.

Think of Accountants as Reviewers, Not Data Cleaners

The smoothest XBRL filings happen when accountants can focus on review and compliance — not data cleanup.

SMEs that provide structured, accurate data experience:

• Fewer clarification rounds
• Faster turnaround times
• Lower professional fees
• Less deadline pressure

Less Back-and-Forth Starts With Better Data

Reducing back-and-forth during XBRL filing isn’t about faster responses — it’s about giving accountants the data they need, in a form they can trust.

With structured systems and AI-powered bookkeeping, XBRL filing becomes a collaborative process instead of a cycle of corrections.

👉 See how AI-powered bookkeeping helps Singapore SMEs reduce back-and-forth with accountants during XBRL filing at ccMonet

‍