Month-end close checklist
Print using your browser’s Print command, preferably landscape. Complete one checklist per period. Record actual due dates, evidence references and reviewer approval; a checked task without evidence is not a completed control.
Business: ____________________ Period ending: ____________________
Prepared by: ____________________ Reviewed by: ____________________
| Task | Owner | Due date | Evidence | Exception | Reviewer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Confirm all accounts and collect complete statements | |||||
| Record and review source-supported transactions | |||||
| Reconcile bank, card, loan and processor accounts | |||||
| Review receivables, payables and applicable adjustments | |||||
| Review reports and resolve exceptions | |||||
| Approve, lock and archive the evidence | |||||
| Assign next-period outstanding-item checks |
Keep unexplained differences open for investigation. Never post a suspense or equity entry merely to force agreement. Adapt tasks to the accounting basis and actual accounts; this educational checklist does not certify compliance.
Completed October handoff
Fictional Cedar checking example, October 2026. These roles and dates illustrate a workflow, not a promised closing schedule.
| Task | Owner | Due date | Evidence | Exception | Reviewer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collect statements | Bookkeeper | November 2 | October account register and complete checking PDF | Savings statement requested separately; full close awaits receipt | Owner checks account coverage |
| Reconcile checking | Bookkeeper | November 3 | Statement $1,295; reconciliation $1,445; fee entry $5 | D200 $200 and C050 $50 are October timing items | Reviewer traces both references and fee posting |
| Review other accounts and adjustments | Responsible preparer | November 4 | Aging, payroll and applicable approved schedules | Missing invoice assigned to owner; no invented amount | Reviewer checks supporting schedules |
| Approve and lock | Owner | November 6 target | Final reports, dated approval and lock record | Do not mark complete until missing statement and invoice questions resolved | Authorized reviewer signs after resolution |
| Follow timing items | Bookkeeper | Next reconciliation | Subsequent bank posting references | Confirm D200 and C050 clear; investigate delay | Reviewer checks carry-forward list |
Balance and journal-entry evidence
Register before fee: $1,000 + $500 - $100 - $100 + $200 - $50 = $1,450. Both $100 payments are genuine, supported by separate references. Statement: $1,000 + $500 - $100 - $100 - $5 = $1,295.
Adjusted bank: $1,295 + deposit in transit $200 - outstanding check $50 = $1,445. Adjusted books: $1,450 - fee $5 = $1,445. Fee entry: debit bank-fee expense $5, credit cash $5. Do not post new entries for the ordinary timing items.
Record actual sign-off, not the target date: Preparatory review __________ Final approval __________ Lock date/user __________
Reference: IRS Publication 583, reconciling the checking account. Worked amounts are original fictional examples.