Free Template

Monthly Month-End Close Checklist

The same month-end process a licensed CPA uses — laid out step by step so your books close accurately every month and your numbers are ready when it's time to decide.

  • ✓7 sections · 35 practical tasks
  • ✓Print-friendly PDF with fillable notes
  • ✓Built for small businesses in NJ and nationwide

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What's inside

A repeatable close, every month

Work top to bottom and nothing slips — reconciliations, receivables, payroll, the balance sheet, and the review that turns numbers into decisions.

01

Close the bank & credit card accounts

  • Reconcile every bank and credit card account to the statement
  • Clear stale uncleared transactions
  • Confirm opening balances match last month's close
02

Revenue & receivables

  • Confirm all invoices were issued
  • Match deposits to invoices and processor payouts
  • Review the A/R aging and follow up past 30 days
03

Expenses & payables

  • Enter all vendor bills and attach receipts
  • Review A/P aging and upcoming payments
  • Confirm no personal expenses in the business books
04

Payroll & contractors

  • Record all payroll runs for the month
  • Reconcile payroll liabilities
  • Track contractor payments for 1099s
05

Balance sheet review

  • Reconcile loans, split principal and interest
  • Record depreciation and review fixed assets
  • Reconcile sales tax payable to filings
06

Review, close & report

  • Compare P&L to prior month and prior year
  • Clear Uncategorized / Ask My Accountant
  • Lock the period and save your reports

Rather not do it yourself?

BookSmart NJ closes the books, reconciles the accounts, and translates the numbers into decisions — with a licensed CPA (NJ & PA) and active NJCPA member on your side. Based in NJ, servicing clients nationwide.

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