Let's discuss something we know too well: the month-end close process. It comes around at the end of each month, yet many finance pros dread it!

We get it – closing the books each month can feel like a massive task, filled with numbers, deadlines, and just a tad bit of stress (okay, maybe more than a tad).

But here’s the thing: a smooth month-end close isn’t just about ticking boxes and meeting deadlines. When done right, it's a powerful tool that offers insights, drives decisions, and, believe it or not, can even bring a sense of calm.

Whether you’re a seasoned finance pro or just starting, we’re here to guide you through the process. We've got some handy checklists, nifty tips, and a few tricks up our sleeve to transform your month-end close from a frantic scramble into a streamlined process.

Month end close meme

So, let’s dive in and make those numbers work for us, not against us!

What is the month-end close?

The month-end close is the process that companies go through at the end of each month to finalize their accounting records and financial statements.

Put simply, it’s about wrapping up all the financial activities of the month and making sure everything adds up just right.

Think of it as the financial world's version of a monthly health check-up. It's where you gather all the bits and bobs – like sales, expenses, invoices, and receipts – and make sure they’re all accounted for.

It’s a time to make sure every penny that went out matches every penny that came in. We're talking about tracking down those pesky discrepancies, squaring away invoices, and making sure your cash flow is well-charted.

But why, you ask?

Well, it’s not just about keeping the auditors happy (though that’s a pretty big deal too). It’s about giving you and your team crystal-clear insights into the financial health of your business. It’s the info you need to make smart, informed decisions.

Are we spending too much on office snacks? Do we need to chase up those late payers? The month-end close helps you answer these questions (and more) with confidence.

By closing your books each month, you’re not just keeping things tidy; you’re writing the financial story of your business, one month at a time.

FP&A for startups: The role of FP&A in business growth
In this article, we explore how FP&A can help grow startups and provide vital support in making smart financial decisions during the early stages of growth.
Finance AllianceSabrinthia Donnelly

Month-end close checklist

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of our month-end close process checklist, let's chat about setting the stage for success.

To make the month-end close process smoother, you'll need a few key things on hand:

  • Total income/revenue: Knowing your total income helps you gauge how well the business is doing.
  • Accounts receivable: These are the funds you're expecting but haven’t received yet. Keeping an eye on these helps ensure you're not missing out on any cash that's supposed to be coming your way.
  • Expense receipts and supplier invoices: Like breadcrumbs, these help you trace where your money went. Keeping them organized is key to understanding your expenses.
  • Bank accounts and statements: Your financial truth lies here. Regular checks keep you in sync with your actual cash position.
  • Petty cash totals: Even small expenses can add up. Keeping track of petty cash prevents these small expenses from becoming big surprises.
  • Inventory total: For businesses with physical products, this is crucial. It's all about knowing what you have, what you need, and what you can do without.

With these elements in place, let's dive into our main checklist of month-end close best practices.

Here's a breakdown of each step and why it's a crucial part of the month-end close process:

1. Create a closing schedule

During the month-end close, 56% say they work longer hours per day. But this can be avoided by creating a closing schedule. This is your roadmap for the month-end close. Setting clear deadlines keeps everyone on track and helps prevent last-minute scrambles.

💡
Use digital calendars and reminders. Set up recurring events for each task in your closing schedule. This keeps everyone on track and accountable, reducing the chance of missed deadlines.

2. Record sales (income, revenue, accounts receivable)

Capture every sale you made. This step is critical to understanding your business's performance. So, make sure all cash, checks, merchant account, and account deposits from customers have been logged for accurate revenue totals.

💡
Implement automated sales tracking software. It reduces manual entry errors and saves time, giving you a real-time view of your sales figures.

3. Reconcile expenses (vendor statements, supplier invoices, accounts payable)

Match every penny spent with its corresponding receipt or invoice. Cross-check supplier invoices against processed payables and statements. And, remember to record any statement credits or unpaid expenses. This step is important to ensure you only pay for what you received, and nothing slips through the cracks.

💡
Use a centralized digital system for storing and categorizing receipts and invoices. This makes it easier to match expenses with bank statements and track down any discrepancies.

4. Record petty cash

Keep track of the small cash expenses. These can be easy to overlook but are important for accurate financial records. So, tally all petty cash receipts for miscellaneous expenditures and record the total for the month.

💡
Regularly update a petty cash log. A simple spreadsheet updated with each transaction can simplify monthly reconciliations.

5. Record customer invoices and payments

Ensuring all invoices are accounted for and payments are tracked is key to maintaining a healthy cash flow. Log all pending customer account invoices and payments/credits into your accounting system to update accounts receivable.

💡
Leverage invoicing software with automatic payment reminders. This reduces the time spent on chasing payments and keeps your accounts receivable up-to-date.

6. Review assets and liabilities

Take a snapshot of what you own and what you owe. Reconcile changes to assets and liabilities like loans, accrued expenses, deferred revenue and equipment.

💡
Keep a digital asset and liability ledger. Regular updates throughout the month will make the month-end review quicker and more accurate.

7. Reconcile bank statements

Compare your records with the banks to catch any discrepancies. It's like ensuring both sides of the story match.

💡
Link your accounting software with your bank accounts for automatic transaction updates. This reduces manual entry and helps spot discrepancies faster.

8. Count inventory

For those with physical products, know exactly what you have. Accurate inventory counts prevent overstocking and understocking. Investigate any product losses/damages.

💡
Use barcode scanning technology for inventory management. This speeds up counting and reduces errors compared to manual counts.

9. Reconcile income and payroll

Ensure what you're recording as income matches up with payroll expenses. This step is crucial for budgeting and planning.

💡
Integrate your payroll system with your accounting software. This ensures consistency in reporting and simplifies the reconciliation process.

10. Prepare financial reports

Construct monthly reports analyzing profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow and KPIs for business review and planning. These reports translate your hard work into insights, showing the financial story of your business. 

💡
Utilize financial reporting tools that pull data directly from your accounting software. This ensures accuracy and saves time on report generation.

FAQs: Month-end closing process

What is end-of-month reporting in accounting?

End-of-month reporting in accounting refers to the process of compiling and analyzing financial data at the end of each month. This includes preparing financial statements such as the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. The purpose is to provide a comprehensive overview of the company's financial performance and position at the end of each month.

What is a month-end close checklist?

A month-end close checklist is a detailed list of tasks and procedures that need to be completed as part of the month-end close process. This checklist typically includes activities such as reconciling bank statements, recording transactions, verifying account balances, and preparing financial reports. It serves as a guide to ensure a thorough and accurate closing process.

What is a month-end close process?

The month-end close process is the series of tasks and procedures performed by a company's finance team to close out the financial records for a month. This process includes reconciling accounts, recording transactions, adjusting entries, and preparing financial reports. The goal is to accurately reflect the company's financial activities and position at the end of each month.

How long should the month-end close process take?

The duration of the month-end close process can vary depending on the size and complexity of the business. Typically, it can take anywhere from a few days to a week. However, efficient processes and automation can significantly reduce this time.

What role does technology play in the month-end close?

Technology plays a crucial role in streamlining the month-end close process. It enables automation of repetitive tasks, provides real-time data for faster reconciliation, and improves accuracy through integrated accounting systems.

Can the month-end close process be accelerated?

Yes, the month-end close process can be accelerated by implementing efficient workflows, automating routine tasks, maintaining up-to-date records throughout the month, and utilizing robust accounting software.

How can a company improve its month-end close process?

A company can improve its month-end close process by training staff on best practices, implementing effective accounting software, regularly reviewing and updating procedures, and ensuring clear communication and collaboration among team members.