Free checklist template · Accounting

Month-end close checklist

A month-end close checklist lists the steps to close a set of books each month: cut-off, reconciling the bank and balance sheet accounts, posting accruals and adjustments, reviewing the results and sending the reports. Following the same order every month makes the close faster, and lets a reviewer see what was done and by whom.

Updated October 2026 · PDF, Word and CSV · Free to use, don’t resell

Download PDFDownload WordDownload CSVUse it in Wikidoc ↓

Month-end close checklist

Checklist template

Business
Location
Date

Month-end close

Each month, in the first working days after month end

DoneTaskTimeInitials
Cut-off and transactions
Check every sales invoice for the month has been raised
Enter every supplier bill dated in the month
Code all bank feed transactions, and clear the suspense account
Record any cash takings, petty cash and card expenses
Reconciliations
Reconcile every bank, credit card and loan account to its statement
Reconcile accounts receivable to the aged debtors report
Reconcile accounts payable to the aged creditors report and supplier statements
Reconcile clearing accounts, such as payment processors, to zero
Reconcile inventory to the stock count or stock system, if held
Accruals and adjustments
Post accruals for expenses received but not yet billed
Post prepayments and release the month’s share
Record deferred income for amounts billed in advance
Review the doubtful debts provision
Payroll and tax
Reconcile the payroll report to the payroll and liability accounts
Check payroll taxes and retirement contributions are recorded and due dates noted
Reconcile the sales tax or GST account, and prepare the return if due
Fixed assets
Record any assets bought or sold in the month
Post the month’s depreciation
Review
Compare the profit and loss to budget and to last month, and explain big changes
Review the balance sheet for unusual or old balances
Have a second person review the reconciliations and journalsThe reviewer initials each one, or sends it back with questions.
Reporting and lock
Prepare the management reports and send them with commentary
Lock the period in the accounting software
Note anything to follow up next month
Completed by
Checked by (manager)
Date
Notes

How to use this template

  1. Add your own accounts, clearing accounts and reports, and remove what the business doesn’t have, such as inventory.
  2. Set a due day for each section, for example cut-off by working day 2 and reports by working day 5.
  3. Whoever does each step initials it, and the reviewer signs the sign-off line before the period is locked.
  4. Keep each month’s completed checklist with that month’s reconciliations and reports.
  5. After each close, note what slowed it down and change the checklist.

Related templates

Onboarding checklist

Accounting client onboarding checklist

An accounting client onboarding checklist lists every step from saying yes to a new client to their first piece of work: acceptance and identity checks, the engagement letter, clearance from the previous accountant, access to their software and records, and the kickoff meeting.

PDF · Word · CSV

Checklist

Mortgage loan file checklist

A mortgage loan file checklist lists what a broker’s file must hold at each stage of a loan, from the first meeting to settlement: the fact find, client identification, the client’s needs and objectives, verified documents, why the product suits them, and the disclosures.

PDF · Word · CSV

SOP

SOP template

An SOP template gives every standard operating procedure in your business the same structure: who owns it and when it’s reviewed, why it exists, who it applies to, who does what, the steps in order, and the records it produces.

PDF · Word

Onboarding checklist

New accountant onboarding checklist

A new accountant onboarding checklist covers what a new accountant, bookkeeper or graduate needs before handling client work: confidentiality and access, the practice management and accounting software, the firm’s workpaper and review standards, time recording, and a first job with close review.

PDF · Word · CSV

SOP

Workpaper review procedure

A workpaper review procedure sets out how an accounting firm checks a job before it goes to the client: what the preparer checks first, what the reviewer looks at, how review notes are raised and cleared, and who signs off.

PDF · Word

Checklist

Aged care shift handover checklist

An aged care shift handover checklist makes sure the outgoing team passes on everything the next shift needs to know: changes in each resident’s or client’s condition, incidents, medication, care tasks due, appointments and family contact.

PDF · Word · CSV

All accounting templatesAll templates

Common questions

What are the steps in a month-end close?

Make sure every transaction for the month is recorded, reconcile the bank and balance sheet accounts, post accruals, prepayments and depreciation, review the results against budget and last month, then send the reports and lock the period.

How long should a month-end close take?

Many small businesses and firms aim to close within five working days of month end. The checklist, bank feeds and clear owners for each step are what make a faster close possible.

Who should review the month-end close?

Someone other than the person who did the work, such as a senior accountant, the finance manager or the client manager. They review the reconciliations and journals and sign off before the period is locked.

Can I run the month-end close in Wikidoc?

Yes. Import the CSV as a monthly checklist for each client or entity, assign it to the preparer with a reviewer to approve it, and see which closes are done, overdue or sent back. Every tick is timestamped.

Run your checklists and SOPs in one place

Get startedBook a call
Wikidoc company logo

The operations management platform for SMEs that turns the way they work into a documented, repeatable, and teachable system.

hello@wikidoc.ai
Platform
NoticeboardDocumentationProcess mapTask boardChecklistRegistersModuleProgramPerformanceRecognitionPortalAnalyticsOrg chart
Solutions
Multi-locationGrowing teamsFounder-ledHigh turnoverComplianceProfessional servicesField serviceFranchisesAll solutions
Industry
FitnessFood serviceBeauty & salonsDentalPhysiotherapyVeterinaryAged & home careChildcareReal estateMortgage brokersAccountingAll industries
Company
AboutPricingHelp centerBlogTemplatesPrivacyTerms
© 2026 Wikidoc. All rights reserved
LinkedInXInstagram