Should I be able to upload current bank balance (as well as transactions) from my bank via a csv file?

Hi there, @andy-mcwilliam.

Yes, you can manually import data into your account to have an updated bank balance in QuickBooks. To manually upload bank transactions, your CSV file must be formatted correctly to successfully import it. 
 

Here are the things that you need to check:

1. QuickBooks has 3 fields: Date, Description and Amount to import bank transactions. Some UK banks provide .CSV transactions in 3 columns, and others in 4 columns (separating Amount into Debit and Credit fields). Both formats work for QuickBooks, if fields are mapped correctly.
2. Mandatory fields should be filled in. For Amount fields with no value (normally happens to 4-column .CSV files), enter 0 (zero).
3. Remove all symbols in the Amount field. For example, currency sign or comma.
4. If your Amount field is in one column, use the minus - sign  to depict money out rather than brackets ( ).
5. Remove non-transactional info in the file (ex. account numbers, opening, closing balance).
6. Save your changes.

Once verified, you can now import bank transaction, here's how:

1. In the left menu, click Banking and go to the Banking menu.
2. Choose File upload. If you’ve never connected an account, you can select Upload transactions manually. You can also begin your upload from the Import Data page (select Settings ⚙, under Tools select Import Data, and select Bank Data).
3. Pick Browse and choose the file you downloaded from your bank. If you haven't downloaded your CSV file yet, follow the onscreen instructions in the Upload file window to download your transactions and then select the file you downloaded.
4. Select Open, then select Next.
5. From the QuickBooks Account drop-down list, select the bank or credit card account then select Next.
6. Choose a Date, date format, Description, and Account. Note: You can choose 1 column or 2 columns.
7. Hit Next.
8. Select the checkboxes of the transactions to import and select Next then Yes.
9. Select Let's go! when the Import completed notification appears.

For more information about the process above, check these articles:

• Import bank transactions using Excel CSV files

You can get back to me anytime you have additional questions in QuickBooks by posting your response below. I'll do whatever it takes to ensure your concerns are addressed. Enjoy the rest of your day.