# Set the Accounting Start Date

The Accounting start date defines the point in time when your financial data begins inside CrewCost. This feature is especially important for firms migrating from another system, as it establishes a clear boundary between historical records stored elsewhere and all activity tracked in CrewCost going forward.

To set the Accounting start date:

1. Go to **Settings > Others** in the left menu.
2. Select the **Accounting start date** option. 
3. Enter the **start date** that represents the beginning of your financial activity.

{% hint style="info" %}
This should be the date after your previous system’s final reporting period.

Example: If your last complete month in your old system was December, your Accounting Start Date might be **January 1**.
{% endhint %}

4. Click **Save** to apply the start date. 

<figure><img src="/files/5qJhTKPu44GmTyPlCEBH" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Once you save the Accounting Start Date, CrewCost treats anything that occurred before that date as outside the system. If you run a report for a period before the start date, it will simply show that there’s no data for that period.
{% endhint %}

Setting the accounting start date ensures your financial records begin cleanly in CrewCost V2, helping you maintain accurate reports and a smooth transition from your previous system.

### See also&#x20;

Keep exploring our platform by taking the next step:

* [Connect Accounts via Plaid](/documentation/accounting-configuration/connect-bank-accounts-via-plaid.md): Step-by-step instructions for connecting financial institutions and managing live transaction feeds.
* [Manage and Match Bank Transactions](/documentation/accounting-configuration/manage-and-match-bank-transactions.md): Managing and matching bank/credit card transaction feeds.


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