XBRL Filing Singapore: How to Validate Figures Before Submission

For many Singapore SMEs, XBRL filing feels uncertain right up until submission. Even after reviewing financial statements multiple times, there’s often lingering doubt: Will this actually pass ACRA validation?

The key to filing with confidence is not more checking at the end — it’s validating the right things before submission.

Start With Core Accounting Logic

XBRL validation is built on accounting logic, not presentation.

Before submission, confirm that:

• Total assets equal total liabilities plus equity
• Subtotals roll up correctly into totals
• Opening balances match prior-year closing figures
• Profit movements reconcile with equity changes

If these relationships don’t hold, XBRL will flag them.

Cross-Check Figures Across Statements

XBRL doesn’t review statements in isolation.

Validate relationships such as:

• Profit or loss vs retained earnings movement
• Cash flow changes vs balance sheet cash balances
• Depreciation or amortisation vs asset movements

These cross-checks catch issues that visual reviews often miss.

Confirm Classification and Mapping Consistency

Incorrect classification is a frequent cause of rejection.

Before submission:

• Review current vs non-current classification
• Check trade vs non-trade balances
• Ensure equity components are mapped consistently

Misclassification can trigger logical errors even when totals are correct.

Ensure Mandatory Fields Are Complete

XBRL requires completeness, not just accuracy.

Verify that:

• Required disclosures are filled
• Comparative figures are included
• Zero or non-applicable values are handled correctly

Blank mandatory fields often lead to immediate rejection.

Stabilize the Data Before Final Validation

Frequent last-minute changes increase risk.

Best practice is to:

• Lock the trial balance before XBRL work begins
• Document and approve any final adjustments
• Avoid changes after validation starts

Stable data is easier to validate accurately.

Validate at the Source, Not Just the Output

Validating the XBRL file alone is not enough.

Strong validation starts with:

• Clean, reconciled bookkeeping data
• A structured trial balance
• Financial statements generated from a single data source

This reduces the chance of hidden inconsistencies.

Platforms like ccMonet support accountants by generating Unaudited Financial Statements (UFS) from validated data, making pre-submission validation more reliable.

Use Validation Errors as Signals, Not Obstacles

When validation errors appear, they usually point to upstream issues.

Instead of fixing symptoms:

• Trace errors back to the trial balance
• Review classification decisions
• Resolve root causes

This prevents recurring problems.

Confidence Comes From Preparation, Not Guesswork

Successful XBRL filing isn’t about hoping for the best — it’s about knowing your data holds together logically.

When figures are validated early and systematically, submission becomes routine instead of stressful.

👉 Learn how structured, AI-assisted financial workflows support confident, low-risk XBRL filing at https://www.ccmonet.ai/

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