Month-end bookkeeping checklist for small businesses

A short monthly close is easier than reconstructing a full year under deadline pressure.

Organised records supporting this accounting guide

Reviewed 19 September 2026 · General information, not individual tax advice.

Complete the records

Make sure every bank movement can be linked to a sales invoice, supplier bill, payroll item, tax payment or owner transaction.

  • Upload invoices and receipts
  • Record sales and credit notes
  • Separate drawings, loans and business costs

Reconcile and review

Reconcile each bank and card account, then investigate old balances and transactions without evidence.

  • Bank and card reconciliations
  • Debtor and creditor review
  • Payroll and VAT control balances

Use the numbers

Compare revenue, margin, overheads and cash with the previous month and your expectations. The close should produce questions as well as totals.

  • Cash available after upcoming liabilities
  • Overdue customer invoices
  • Unexpected cost or margin movements

Official source

Revenue — keeping records

KR Accountancy, Cork & Cobh

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