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Month-End Mayhem to Zen: A Stress-Free Closing Checklist

  • Writer: Zachary Kamish
    Zachary Kamish
  • May 23
  • 2 min read


Let’s be real: month-end closing can feel like a sprint through a maze, blindfolded, while holding a calculator.

At Kamish and Associates, we know that closing your books doesn’t have to mean losing your mind. With the right steps (and a little planning), you can turn your month-end chaos into clean, confident reporting. Here’s how to make it happen—without the panic.


Why Month-End Closing Matters

Closing the books each month gives you an accurate snapshot of your financial health. It helps you:

  • Track performance against goals

  • Catch errors early

  • Prepare for tax time

  • Make better business decisions


Skipping this process? That’s like trying to drive with your eyes closed.


Your Month-End Stress-Free Checklist

Here’s your simplified, repeatable month-end closing routine.


1. Reconcile Bank Accounts

  • Match bank statements with your accounting software

  • Investigate and resolve discrepancies


2. Review and Categorize Transactions

  • Ensure all transactions are entered and properly coded

  • Look out for duplicates or uncategorized entries


3. Accounts Receivable & Payable

  • Send invoices for the month

  • Follow up on unpaid invoices

  • Pay or schedule due bills


4. Payroll & Contractor Payments

  • Confirm all payroll entries are accurate

  • Reconcile payroll liabilities


5. Adjust Journal Entries

  • Post depreciation, accruals, and other manual adjustments if needed


6. Run Key Reports

  • Profit and Loss Statement

  • Balance Sheet

  • Cash Flow Report


7. Review for Accuracy

  • Check for large variances from prior months

  • Ensure reports reflect the true picture of your business


8. Back Everything Up

  • Store financial data securely

  • Maintain records for audit trail


9. Reflect and Plan Ahead

  • What worked well this month?

  • What needs improvement next month?


Tools We Recommend

  • QuickBooks Online: For easy reconciliation and transaction matching

  • Gusto: For managing payroll and contractor payments

  • Dext/Hubdoc: To automate receipt and invoice collection

  • Google Drive or Dropbox: For securely storing reports


Make Month-End a Team Effort

If you’re doing it all alone, it might be time to bring in backup. Our team at Kamish and Associates can help streamline your process and give you peace of mind each month.

Want the checklist in your inbox? [Download it here]

At Kamish & Associates, we're helping you go from mayhem to mastery—one close at a time.

 
 
 

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