Overview
The Client Accounting Suite (CAS) Import Tool allows you to import data from CAS (Client Accounting Suite) into AccountEdge Pro. This tool supports importing accounts, customers, employees, and vendors with custom field mapping and detailed error reporting.
Before You Begin
Prerequisites
Step 1: Export Your Data from Client Accounting Suite (CAS)
Before you can import data into AccountEdge Pro, you must first export your data from Client Accounting Suite (CAS).
To export your CAS data:
Visit the CCH Support page for detailed export instructions:
https://support.cch.com/oss/sfs/kb/solution/000282689Follow the step-by-step instructions provided by CCH to export the following data types:
Chart of Accounts
Customers
Vendors
Employees
Create a separate folder for each client - Organize your exports by creating a dedicated folder for each client and placing all their exported files (Accounts, Customers, Vendors, Employees) in that client's folder.
Make note of where you saved the files - you'll need this location during the AccountEdge import process.
Important Export Notes:
Export all data types you plan to import into AccountEdge
Keep all exported files together in the same folder for easy access
Do not modify the exported files - import them as-is into AccountEdge
If you encounter issues with the export, contact CCH Support for assistance
Step 2: Prepare AccountEdge Pro
Sign Up as a CAS Customer: In order to access the CAS Import Tool in AccountEdge, you will need to sign up as a CAS customer. For information about signing up and registering, visit:
https://www.accountedge.com/cas/AccountEdge Pro Installation: Ensure AccountEdge Pro is installed and properly licensed
Create a Company File: Create a company file that is ready for importing by selecting the CAS option on the Accounts List window
Payroll Setup: If importing employees or vendors, you must complete the Payroll Easy Setup Assistant first (this will be prompted during the import process)
Run the Easy Setup Assistant: Run the Easy Setup Assistant to set up any defaults you may have. Do NOT import any data during this process.
Important Warnings
⚠️ Payroll Setup Required: If you're importing Vendors or Employees, you must complete the Payroll Easy Setup Assistant before importing. This assistant sets up the payroll year, tax year, tax categories, and payroll accounts needed for proper data import.
⚠️ Data Verification: The CAS Import Tool will skip records that have import errors. You'll need to fix any errors in the log file and re-import those records.
Step-by-Step Import Process
Step 1: Access the CAS Import Tool
Open AccountEdge Pro and open the file you created, or create a new file using the Create Company File option from the Company File Maintenance popup on the welcome window
Navigate to File menu > Import Data > Client Accounting Suite
Read the description and instructions
Click the CAS Import Tool Guide link for detailed instructions if needed
Step 2: Choose Your Import Method
You have two options:
Option A: Create Import Files
Best for importing data one record type at a time
Gives you more control and flexibility
After the import files are created, you will need to import them manually using the tab-delimited option
Option B: Import CAS Files (Recommended)
Imports all CAS data and provides a detailed summary
Shows warnings and errors in an organized report
More efficient for bulk imports and account mapping
Step 3: Select Your CAS Export Files
You will be prompted to import each CAS record type (Accounts, Customers, Vendors, Employees)
The prompt states: “When prompted, select your CAS Account file to import”
Click Skip Accounts for example, if you don't want to import that record type
Otherwise, proceed to file selection
Navigate to the location where your CAS export files are stored
Browse to your CAS folder (e.g., DEMOCAS8001)
You'll see several exported files:
Chart of Accounts
Customers
Vendors
Employees
Select the appropriate file for your import
Click Open
Step 4: Review the Import Summary
After the import completes, you'll see the Import Summary dialog showing:
Import Statistics Table:
RECORD TYPE | IMPORTED | WARNED | SKIPPED |
Accounts | 30 | 0 | 0 |
Vendors | 4 | 0 | 0 |
Customers | 0 | 0 | 0 |
What's Next Section
The summary provides important next steps:
Review the logs: A log file for each record type (with warnings or errors) can be found in a specified folder
Click "Open Folder": Opens the folder containing the import log files
File Locations:
File Name: CAS Import Complete
Log Location: C:\Mac\Home\Documents\AccountEdge Pro\acct Logs\
Log Location: C:\Mac\Home\Documents\AccountEdge Pro\acct Logs\CAS Import Log Files
Step 5: Handle Linked Accounts
After closing the import summary, you may see a Review Your Linked Accounts dialog:
Message: "Before using AccountEdge, verify your Linked Accounts match what you imported from Client Accounts Suite (CAS)."
What This Means: Accounts labeled "[Default]" were created automatically by AccountEdge. You should review these accounts and change them to your imported accounts if applicable.
Action Items:
Go to Setup > Linked Accounts to review and verify:
Bank Accounts
Accounts Receivable
Undeposited Funds
Historical Balancing
Pay specific attention to accounts marked with “[Default]”
Options:
Click View Linked Accounts to review them now
Click Close to review them later
Understanding the Import Log
Log File Location
Import logs are saved to:
Documents\AccountEdge Pro\Import Logs
Log File Structure
Each import creates separate log files for different record types:
Import Log_Accounts
Import Log_Customers
Import Log_Vendors
Import Log_Employees
Reading the Log
The log contains:
Imported Records: Successfully imported items
Warnings: Items imported with potential issues
Errors: Items that failed to import and why
Best Practices
Before Import
Backup Your Company File: Always create a backup before importing data
Complete Setup First: Finish all required setup assistants (especially Payroll)
Verify CAS Export: Ensure your CAS export files are current and complete
During Import
Review Each Summary: Don't skip the import summary screens
Check for Warnings: Even successful imports may have warnings to address
Monitor Progress: For large imports, be patient and don't interrupt the process
After Import
Review the Logs: Check all log files for warnings or errors
Verify Linked Accounts: Always review and update linked accounts
Spot Check Data: Manually verify a sample of imported records
Fix Errors: Address any errors before proceeding with normal operations
Run Reports: Generate reports to verify data completeness and accuracy
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Problem: Payroll and Tax Year warning appears
Solution: Complete the Payroll Easy Setup Assistant before attempting to import employees or vendors
Problem: Linked Accounts warning appears after import
Solution:
Go to Setup > Linked Accounts
Review all accounts marked with "[Default]"
Link them to the appropriate imported accounts
Save your changes
Problem: Some records are "Skipped" in the summary
Solution:
Open the import log file
Review why records were skipped
Common reasons include:
Duplicate records
Missing required fields
Invalid data formats
Correct issues in your CAS export and re-import if necessary
Problem: Import takes a very long time
Solution:
For very large data sets, consider importing in smaller batches
Ensure adequate system resources are available
Close other applications during import
Consider using "Create Import Files" for more control
Additional Resources
Getting Help
CAS Import Tool Guide: Click the link in the import tool dialog
AccountEdge Help: Press F1 or select Help > Help Center
Support Center: Contact AccountEdge support for technical assistance
Search Knowledge Base: Use the Help menu to search for specific topics