Workpapers by ChangeGPS is a downloadable Excel template that helps you prepare financial statement and tax return workpapers. This article shows you how to download Workpapers by ChangeGPS, open it in Excel Online, and use its core features.
Before you begin
Before you use Workpapers by ChangeGPS, make sure you have the following:
An Office 365 account. Workpapers by ChangeGPS only works in Excel Online. It cannot be used in the Excel desktop application.
The Workpapers add-in installed in Excel Online. For steps, see Install the Workpapers add-in in Excel Online.
A trial balance exported from your accounting software (Xero, MYOB, or HandiLedger) in Excel format, including Account Codes and Account Types. Both are required for Workpapers by ChangeGPS to map your data correctly.
Download Workpapers by ChangeGPS
To download Workpapers by ChangeGPS from ChangeGPS:
Head to Core > Resources.
Click the Tax Returns & Financial Statements folder.
Click the 2025 folder.
Click Workpapers by ChangeGPS 2025 to begin the download.
Open Workpapers by ChangeGPS in Excel Online
Workpapers by ChangeGPS must be opened in Excel Online, which works with any Office 365 account. To open the file correctly:
Go to office.com and sign in.
Make sure the downloaded file is saved to your OneDrive or SharePoint location.
Click Upload File.
Select the Workpapers by ChangeGPS file and click Open.
Tip: If you see a security warning when opening the downloaded Excel file, you'll need to unblock the file before continuing.
Import your trial balance
The first step in Workpapers by ChangeGPS is importing your trial balance. Begin by exporting a trial balance from your accounting software (Xero, MYOB, or HandiLedger) in Excel format. Your trial balance export must include both Account Codes and Account Types, as both are essential for Workpapers by ChangeGPS to map your data to the correct worksheets.
Configure your software settings
Before entering any data into Workpapers by ChangeGPS, configure your software settings so your trial balance maps correctly. To do this:
Select Import Trial Balance from the menu on the right of the screen.
Select your source software from the dropdown menu (Xero, MYOB, or HandiLedger), then import your Excel trial balance.
If you use Access Ledger, click Configure Software after importing your trial balance to ensure correct mapping alignment.
Selecting the correct source software is critical. Selecting the wrong software will cause mapping failures in your workpapers.
Enter data in Workpapers by ChangeGPS
Workpapers by ChangeGPS follows one golden rule for data entry: only enter data in the light grey cells. To enter data correctly:
Complete the header information in the light grey cells at the top of each worksheet.
Work through each section of the workpaper methodically.
Never alter white or protected cells, as these cells contain formulas.
Customise account mappings with the Keyword Index
The Keyword Index in Workpapers by ChangeGPS lets you customise account recognition for accounts with unique naming conventions. If an account isn't automatically populating in the expected worksheet, update the keyword for that account in the Name column of the Keyword Index.
The Keyword Index uses three mapping types:
Multiple returns multiple lines of accounts. Use this for consolidated account groups.
Prev returns the account's closing balance from last year. This is ideal for balance sheet comparisons.
Single returns the account's current year closing balance only.
Essential worksheets in Workpapers by ChangeGPS
Every job in Workpapers by ChangeGPS requires four core worksheets:
FS Index — the index of workpapers for financial statements.
WS6 — the financial statements review checklist.
WS4 — the index of workpapers for taxation.
WS5 — the taxation review checklist.
Workpapers by ChangeGPS may also show additional, unlinked worksheets in the FS Index. These additional worksheets are optional. Use your professional judgement to decide which supplementary workpapers apply to your engagement.
Navigate between worksheets
Workpapers by ChangeGPS is designed for quick navigation between worksheets. To move around the workbook:
Click any underlined workpaper reference in the FS Index to jump directly to that worksheet.
From any worksheet, click the FS cell to return to the FS Index.
If you use client printouts as physical workpapers, file and reference them consistently:
Write the workpaper reference number in the top right corner of each document.
File each document according to the sequence shown in the FS Index.
Keep a consistent filing order to support an easy review and audit trail.
Export data from Workpapers by ChangeGPS
Workpapers by ChangeGPS lets you export your workpaper data to CSV (Comma-Separated Values) format for Xero. To export your data:
Click the Export to XERO (CSV) button, located beneath the Final Review heading.
Save the exported file to your computer or cloud storage.
This CSV export format can only be imported into Xero.
Common issues
Workpapers by ChangeGPS won't open, or the add-in doesn't appear. Workpapers by ChangeGPS only works in Excel Online and requires the Workpapers add-in to be installed. If the add-in isn't showing, see Install the Workpapers add-in in Excel Online.
Accounts aren't appearing in the expected worksheet. This usually means the account name doesn't match an existing keyword. Update the Keyword Index as described above.
Learn more
For a full video walkthrough of Workpapers by ChangeGPS, see the training module in the Access Evo Learning app, or watch it directly here: Access Workpapers | Rise 360.