HOW-TO

How to import purchase invoice records from a CSV into Sage 50

Short answer

In Sage 50, use the import template for purchase invoice records. Fill one row per line, keep the same invoice number on every line of a bill, test with a few rows, then import.

Last checked

Importing bills from a CSV means loading many supplier bills into your accounting system from one spreadsheet instead of typing each one.

Before you start

  • Sage 50 Accounts (UK)

The Sage 50 way

Where to find it: File > Import

  1. Take a backup first.
  2. Use File > Import (Transaction CSV import) with a CSV or Excel-based file.
  3. The supplier must already exist.
  4. The Sage knowledgebase also describes entering supplier invoices by hand in a batch (Suppliers > Batch invoice). Lines with the same account, date and reference are grouped automatically, and a duplicate alert appears for an invoice that looks like one already entered.
  5. For the import, a Sage community reply says to use the Audit Trail Transaction templates. The sample files sit in the Import Templates folder of the Sage Accounts install, and a search for Import in the help gives the layout.
  6. Import a small test file first and check the audit trail before loading the full batch.

Limits in Sage 50

  • Edition and region decide the template.
  • A Sage community reply says the core import only creates postings in the audit trail. It does not create the 'paper' invoice that you can progress through the invoicing module.
  • Because the import posts directly, take a backup before you start and check the supplier account codes match records that already exist.

Good to know in Sage 50

  • The same KB article lets you record a payment against a batch invoice as you enter it, with Pay Date, Bank A/C and Pay Ref. Disputed invoices get a reason in the Disputed? column.
  • A school-sector webinar for Sage 50 suggests using the supplier import template when you first set up the Suppliers ledger, then recording unpaid invoices in the first month with a nominal code on each.

Words Sage 50 uses

  • Batch invoice. A window that lets you enter many supplier invoices in one go.

Common mistakes

  • Importing before taking a backup.
  • Importing for a supplier that does not exist yet.

More help

Sources

Last checked 2026-10-19. Confidence: partial.

Common questions

How do I import supplier invoices?

Take a backup first. Use File > Import (Transaction CSV import) with a CSV or Excel-based file. The supplier must already exist.

Does the import layout vary?

Yes. Edition and region decide the template.

Where do I learn the exact columns?

A Sage KB tip says supplier invoices can be imported from CSV or Excel and points to a how-do-I-import-data article. Check it for your edition.

Can Pulsify import a CSV of bills?

No. Pulsify reads invoice documents. Forward each invoice to your Pulsify address and approve it.

Pulsify setup guides

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