New to accounting and struggling a bit to learn the recon process. If I'm reconciling for the month of Jan, and the bank statement periods end in the middle of the month, which opening balance should I begin with, the opening balance for the bank statement period Dec 15 - Jan 15, or the opening balance for the bank statement period of Jan 15 - Feb 15? I would think I should begin with the Dec 15 - Jan 15 opening balance, correct?

Are you using a software program for your books? If so you can look at the reports for the last recon date and go from there. If not then I would start with the oldest and rec up til the current statement. Other wise you might have to do an a/e to make the opening balances match. Hope that helps.

You will need to reconcile your bank statement balance ending Jan 15th to your book balance as of January 15th; Then reconcile your bank statement ending balance as of Feb 15th to your book balance as of Feb 15th, in order to determine if the entire month of January reconciles.

Bank reconciliation process: Ending bank statement balance
Add deposits/additions on your books not included on bank statement
Less Withdrawals/subtractions on your books not included on bank statement
Equals adjusted bank balance.

Adjust your books for any bank fees, other charges or adjustments on the bank statement
that are not on your books.
Equals adjusted book balance.

The adjusted bank balance and the adjusted book balance should reconcile to the same
amount if done correctly.