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Business Accounting Checklist
Small habits keep books ready for anything: taxes, loans, or a big decision. Print this page and check things off. Or hand it to whoever keeps your books.
Every month
- Record and categorize all business transactions
- Send invoices promptly; follow up on overdue ones
- Pay bills on time; note anything that must wait and why
- Download or file bank and credit card statements
- Reconcile bank and credit card accounts against the books
- Set aside money for taxes in a separate account
- Review cash flow: what came in, what went out, what’s next
Every quarter
- Review estimated-payment questions with your tax preparer or planner
- Check vendor and contractor records (W-9s on file for anyone you pay)
- Review payroll records if you have a team
- Compare actual results against your budget; note the why
- Back up your financial records to a second location
Every year end
- Close out unreconciled accounts; chase missing statements
- Summarize 1099 contractors and confirm their details
- Inventory equipment and large purchases made during the year
- Compile a list of what changed in the business this year
- Meet with your accountant while the year is still open for planning
General guidance, not tax advice. Every business is different. Scope and specifics get confirmed in a conversation. If you’d like help taking these off your plate, we’re one consultation away.
Ready when you are
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