For many Singapore SMEs, XBRL validation errors appear at the worst possible time — right before submission to ACRA. The numbers may be correct, but the system still flags issues, forcing last-minute fixes and repeated checks.
Most validation errors are predictable. Understanding the common ones — and how to fix them — can save significant time and stress.
1. Balance Sheet Does Not Balance
One of the most frequent validation errors occurs when total assets do not equal total liabilities and equity.
Why it happens:
- Unreconciled adjustments
- Manual rounding differences
- Incomplete equity movements
How to fix it:
- Reconcile all balance sheet accounts
- Ensure profit or loss flows correctly into equity
- Check that rounding is consistent across statements
2. Inconsistencies Between Statements
XBRL systems cross-check figures across reports. If linked figures don’t match, validation fails.
Common examples:
- Net profit in the P&L not matching retained earnings movement
- Cash flow changes not aligning with balance sheet balances
How to fix it:
- Trace figures back to source accounts
- Verify all linked calculations
- Avoid making changes during XBRL tagging
3. Incorrect Account Mapping
Mapping errors occur when accounts are tagged to the wrong XBRL taxonomy elements.
Why it happens:
- Overly broad or generic account names
- Misunderstanding taxonomy definitions
- Inconsistent classification year to year
How to fix it:
- Review account classifications carefully
- Use the most specific taxonomy element available
- Keep chart of accounts stable across periods
4. Missing Mandatory Fields or Disclosures
Even when primary statements are correct, missing required fields can trigger errors.
Common omissions include:
- Required notes or disclosures
- Mandatory comparative figures
- Key entity information
How to fix it:
- Review ACRA’s required disclosure list
- Ensure notes align with main statements
- Run validation checks early to identify gaps
5. Validation Errors Caused by Manual Adjustments
Late manual adjustments often introduce inconsistencies that XBRL validation detects.
Why it happens:
- Adjustments made outside the main accounting system
- Changes not reflected consistently across reports
How to fix it:
- Make all adjustments at the bookkeeping level
- Update financial statements before XBRL conversion
- Avoid fixing numbers during tagging
How to Reduce Validation Errors Long-Term
Most validation issues are symptoms of weak data preparation rather than XBRL complexity.
SMEs using AI-powered bookkeeping platforms like ccMonet reduce validation errors by:
- Maintaining consistent transaction categorisation
- Reconciling accounts continuously
- Reducing manual data handling
- Ensuring traceability from transactions to statements
- Combining AI automation with expert review
Validation Errors Are Easier to Prevent Than Fix
Fixing XBRL validation errors under deadline pressure is stressful and inefficient. Preventing them through better preparation is far easier.
When financial data is clean, structured, and reviewed throughout the year, XBRL validation becomes a quick confirmation step — not a roadblock.
👉 Learn how AI-powered bookkeeping helps Singapore SMEs avoid common XBRL validation errors with ccMonet
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