Common Mistakes to Avoid When Importing Data into Sage Intacct
Are you struggling to import data in Sage Intacct? In this week’s tip, we’ll cover a few of the most common mistakes to help you diagnose and fix the problem, so you can get your data imported in no time.
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Common Errors to Look Out For
- Have you got the correct import file for the correct area in the system?
- Is the date format correct (DD/MM/YYYY)?
- Are all fields in the correct format?
- Are you at the right level (Top level or Entity level)?
- Are your values formatted as numbers?
We’ll go into each of these in more detail below.
Have you got the correct import file for the correct area in the system?
When importing data into Sage Intacct, you need to make sure you’re using the correct file, otherwise it may not work. For example, the Accounts Payable import file won’t work in Purchasing, and vice versa.
To find a list of all the import templates, navigate to:
Company > Setup > Import Data
Find the information you want to import and click ‘Template’ to download the template file.
Is the date format correct (DD/MM/YYYY)?
Another common error is selecting the wrong date format. Usually, Sage Intacct will remember the format you select after a few imports, however, it’s worth having a glance at this each time.
Always check the ‘Date format’ dropdown is set to ‘DD/MM/YYYY’ when importing a file.
Are all fields in the correct format?
File imports in Sage Intacct are case sensitive and data such as supplier IDs, Department IDs and terms need to be entered exactly. For example, if your dimension code is ‘D101’ it will not accept ‘d101’.
Make sure you check the system for the correct ID or naming convention as you’re completing your import file.
Are you at the right level (Top level or Entity level)?
Making sure you’re at the correct level is crucial because your system may not be set up to alert you of this error.
For example, you might be importing invoices at Top level, when it should be done at Entity level, which will cause problems when you go to pay the invoice.
Before starting the import, check you’re at the right level via the dropdown at the top.
Are your values formatted as numbers?
Sage Intacct doesn’t accept currency symbols (such as £) and commas (,) so if any of these are in your file, you will get an error.
When preparing your file for import, make sure your values are formatted as numbers.
If you’ve got any other errors you’re unsure about, or you need help with importing data in Sage Intacct, get in touch.
Sage Intacct Data Import FAQs
What file format does Sage Intacct support for imports?
Most Sage Intacct imports are completed using UTF-8 encoded CSV (Comma Separated Values) files. It’s recommended to download the latest template directly from Sage Intacct before preparing your data.
Where can I download Sage Intacct import templates?
Most import templates can be downloaded from the Company Setup Checklist within Sage Intacct, which you can find by navigating to: Company > Setup > Import Data. Other templates are downloaded directly from the application area, such as the supplier import template, which can be found on the Suppliers list page.
How do I prepare my CSV file for import into Sage Intacct?
First, you need to download the template from the Company Setup Checklist within Sage Intacct. Open the file and familiarise yourself with the requirements for each field. Enter your data, ensuring there are no commas, blank fields or special characters. Save it as a UTF-8 encoded CSV and you’re ready for import!
Written by: Philippa Leonard, Sage Intacct Team Leader at PKF Smith Cooper Systems
Reviewed by: Haris Naeem, Sage Intacct Consultant at PKF Smith Cooper Systems
Last updated: September 2026
