Which method is considered the most manual for account reconciliation?

The most manual method for account reconciliation is the use of paper statements. This approach involves physically receiving and handling paper documents containing transaction details. Reconciling accounts with paper statements requires manually comparing each transaction listed on the statement to entries recorded in the accounting system or ledgers. This method is time-consuming and prone to errors, as it relies heavily on human intervention to identify discrepancies and confirm the accuracy of account balances.

In contrast, online banking, automated reports, and mobile applications streamline the reconciliation process through digital access, automation, and real-time updates. These methods can significantly reduce the manual effort needed by providing integrated tools that simplify data comparison and analysis, thereby enhancing efficiency and accuracy in reconciliations.