Linked Workpapers not showing in the Trial Balance

❓ Problem

You've created a new workpaper, but it's not appearing in the Trial Balance tab — meaning you can't see traffic lights, sign-off status, or engagement linking.

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🔍 Common Causes & Fixes

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✅ 1. Workpaper Was Manually Inserted (Not Created via Fetch)

If you use Excel’s native “Insert Sheet” or copy/paste an entire worksheet from another file, it won’t be recognized by Fetch.

Fix:

• Always create new workpapers via:

  • The Lead Sheet

  • Or use Ctrl + Shift + N (New Workpaper shortcut)

• Then paste your content below the Fetch banner on that new sheet

This ensures the workpaper is automatically indexed and connected to the Trial Balance.

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✅ 2. Sheet Name Was Changed or Duplicated Improperly

If you rename a sheet manually or copy it without using Fetch’s new workpaper process, it will break TB linkage.

Fix:

• Always create new workpapers via:

  • The Lead Sheet

  • Or use Ctrl + Shift + N (New Workpaper shortcut)

• Then paste your content below the Fetch banner on that new sheet

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✅ 3. No Account Reference (No Mapping to TB Row)

The workpaper must be linked to a General Ledger via the appropriate dropdown or reference cells. If you do not select the right GL, it wont show up on the Trial Balance.

Fix:

• Go to the workpaper header

• Make sure the “General Ledger” dropdown is selected

• If blank, select the appropriate account

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✅ 4. Formula or Fetch Reference Was Broken

If key formula cells are deleted, moved, or overwritten, Fetch may no longer identify the sheet as a valid linked workpaper.

Fix:

• Recreate the workpaper using Ctrl + Shift + N

• Copy only the values or tables — not header formulas

• Always paste below the Fetch-provided template area

• If you need more General Ledger drop downs, select the add GL row button

• If you do not need all the General Ledger drop downs, simply hide the unused rows. 

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✅ How to Verify it’s Linked

You can test if a workpaper is linked to the TB by:

• Going to the Trial Balance tab

• Navigate to the General Ledger, ensure there is a workpaper name in the link section and there is the traffic light system between the current and prior values.

• If nothing happens → check the above errors.

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💡 Best Practices

• Never insert sheets manually — always use Fetch’s workpaper creation tools

• Never rename sheets after creating

• Keep the Fetch header section intact (don’t delete banner rows or formulas)

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📬 Still need help?

Email [e-mail] with:

• Your file (if possible)

• A screenshot of the workpaper

• The name of the TB line it's meant to link to