Free Accounting Closing Checklist

This comprehensive Accounting Closing Checklist outlines key tasks across various categories, ensuring a meticulous and accurate approach to the month-end process. From recording transactions to monthly financial statement reviews, this checklist serves as a reliable guide for a seamless accounting closure process.

Instructions: Simply check off each item upon completion to effectively track your accomplishments during the evaluation process.

Objectives:

1. To provide a structured guide for financial tasks.

2. To ensure accuracy in recording and reporting financial data.

3. To enhance compliance with accounting policies and regulations.

Recording Transactions

• Enter all Sales and Purchases: Accurately input sales and purchase transactions into the accounting software to maintain a clear financial trail.

• Record Cash Transactions: Ensure meticulous recording of all cash transactions to reflect the actual financial position.

• Enter Payroll Transactions: Record payroll transactions accurately, accounting for salaries, taxes, and any deductions.

• Record Business Expense Receipts: Capture and categorize all business expense receipts to track and manage expenditures effectively.

• Input Depreciation/Amortization: Include depreciation and amortization amounts to accurately reflect the diminishing value of assets over time.

Invoice Management

• Send out Invoices to Clients: Timely issuance of invoices to clients for services or products rendered.

• Monitor Client Payments: Regularly track and send reminders for overdue invoices, ensuring consistent cash flow.

• Process Refunds or Adjustments: Handle client refunds or adjustments as needed, maintaining transparency in financial dealings.

• Record Client Deposits: Accurately record client deposits or prepayments to reflect current liabilities.

• Perform Client Invoicing Audit: Regularly review and audit client invoices to identify any discrepancies or errors.

Accounting Reconciliation

• Perform Bank Reconciliation: Ensure a meticulous comparison between the company's bank statement and accounting records.

• Perform Inter-company Account Reconciliation: Reconcile accounts with inter-company transactions to maintain accurate financial records.

• Verify Expense Reimbursements: Validate all expense reimbursements to ensure compliance with company policies.

• Validate Credit Notes and Adjustments: Verify and record credit notes and adjustments accurately.

• Verify Transaction Classification: Confirm the correct classification of all transactions to maintain accuracy in financial reporting.

Monthly Closing Process

• Review Balance Sheet Accounts: Thoroughly review and reconcile balance sheet accounts for accuracy.

• Review and Adjust Income Statement Accounts: Evaluate income statement accounts, making necessary adjustments for precision.

• Review and Approve Monthly Financial Statements: Scrutinize and approve monthly financial statements for accuracy and completeness.

• Prepare Monthly Management Reporting Package: Compile a comprehensive management reporting package for stakeholders.

• Review Variance Analyses: Analyze variances from budget forecasts, identifying and addressing any significant discrepancies.

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