Month-End Close Checklist

The month-end close checklist top-performing bookkeepers use. Reconcile, accrue, review, and lock your books within 10 business days every month.

Why this matters

A disciplined monthly close is the single largest driver of financial-statement reliability. Businesses that close within 10 business days consistently produce financials owners can actually use.

Every unreconciled account is a place where errors, fraud, or missing transactions hide. Full reconciliation of every balance sheet account is the standard, not an aspiration.

Once the close is done, lock the period in your accounting software. This prevents backdated entries that would silently change last month's financials.

How to use it

Start the close no later than 3 business days after month-end.
Work through the sections in order, bank & cash first because everything downstream depends on it.
Assign each section an owner if you have a team; nothing should be 'everyone's job.'
Target close within 10 business days; 5 for mature small businesses.
Lock the period once financials are delivered.