diff --git a/erpnext/accounts/doctype/chart_of_accounts_importer/chart_of_accounts_importer.py b/erpnext/accounts/doctype/chart_of_accounts_importer/chart_of_accounts_importer.py
index 03c3eb0..a812e87 100644
--- a/erpnext/accounts/doctype/chart_of_accounts_importer/chart_of_accounts_importer.py
+++ b/erpnext/accounts/doctype/chart_of_accounts_importer/chart_of_accounts_importer.py
@@ -293,6 +293,11 @@
 	accounts_dict = {}
 	for account in accounts:
 		accounts_dict.setdefault(account["account_name"], account)
+		if not hasattr(account, "parent_account"):
+			msg = _("Please make sure the file you are using has 'Parent Account' column present in the header.")
+			msg += "<br><br>"
+			msg += _("Alternatively, you can download the template and fill your data in.")
+			frappe.throw(msg)
 		if account["parent_account"] and accounts_dict.get(account["parent_account"]):
 			accounts_dict[account["parent_account"]]["is_group"] = 1