The quick answer
To run a trial balance in NetSuite, open Reports > Financial > Trial Balance. Confirm the as-of date or period and view, refresh, then review the account balances and debit and credit totals.
A trial balance puts account balances side by side for review. Matching totals are a useful check, but they do not tell you whether every entry went to the right account. The screenshots use sample data and fictional person and operating-company names.
Before you start
Your role needs financial-report access. Know the as-of date or period and company scope you want. Keep the report basis and any filters consistent when comparing it with ledger detail or financial statements.
01. Open the Trial Balance
Go to Reports > Financial > Trial Balance. Confirm the title and wait for the account rows to appear.
This is a report of balances, not a journal-entry form. Running it does not change the ledger.
02. Check the period and view
Review End Of, As of, and View in the footer. The example shows This Period, Jul 2026, and Debit/Credit.
Confirm the intended reporting scope, then click Refresh after changing settings. A different period or view can change how the same account is presented.
03. Review account balances and totals
Read the accounts and their debit or credit balances. The sample totals are 16,625.05 on each side.
Check unusual balances individually. A journal posted to the wrong account can still leave total debits equal to total credits, so balance is one check rather than proof that the books are correct. If the totals differ, check reporting scope, accounting book, classifications, and role restrictions before concluding that the ledger is wrong.
Check the result
- The as-of date or period and reporting scope are correct.
- The selected view shows the balances you need.
- Debit and credit totals agree, with unusual accounts flagged for review.
Use the trial balance to guide account review. Open the supporting ledger detail when a balance needs explanation, keeping the period and scope aligned.
Common questions
How do I open the standard Trial Balance report in NetSuite?
From the home dashboard, go to Reports > Financial > Trial Balance and wait for the report to load. You need access to the Reports area and permission to view the report. Available navigation can vary by role, enabled features, and account configuration.
How do I select the Trial Balance date or accounting period?
Review the report footer’s Date or Period and As of options, then select the intended reporting point and click Refresh. Whether NetSuite presents dates or periods depends on account and personal reporting preferences. Always confirm the displayed context before interpreting balances.
How do I run a Trial Balance for a subsidiary?
In a OneWorld account, select the appropriate Subsidiary Context, including a consolidated context when available, and refresh the report. The subsidiaries shown depend on your role, permissions, consolidation setup, and selected accounting book. Single-subsidiary accounts may not display this filter.
What should I do when Trial Balance debit and credit totals differ?
First verify the date or period, subsidiary context, accounting book, classifications, and user restrictions, then refresh the report. Access limitations can affect results. Matching totals indicate that the selected context is balanced, but they do not prove transactions, classifications, or account activity are correct.