Summer flew by, didn’t it? Between ball games, beach days, BBQs, and all the outdoor chaos, your business books might have taken a bit of a backseat. Now that we’re easing back into routines and heading into the final stretch of the year, it’s the perfect time for a little fall financial clean-up.

Before Q4 ramps up and the holiday rush begins, take a beat to check in with your numbers. A little tidy-up now means fewer surprises in December — and a much smoother tax season.

Here’s a simple, no-stress checklist to help you prep your business finances for year-end:

1. Reconcile All Bank and Credit Card Accounts
   Make sure everything through September is squared away. Don’t wait until December when things get hectic:

• Catch missing or duplicate transactions now
• Reconcile not just your main accounts — check PayPal, Venmo, Stripe, etc.
• Tip: If you use accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero, double-check that all feeds are connected and accurate

2. Clean Up Your Chart of Accounts
   A messy chart of accounts = confusion later.

• Archive or merge unused categories
• Rename anything vague (what does “Misc Exp” even mean?)
• Ask yourself: “Would this make sense to someone else reviewing my books?”

3. Follow Up on Outstanding Invoices
   Get that cash in before year-end.

• Run a report of unpaid invoices
• Send gentle (but firm) reminders — bonus if you automate this
• Consider adding late fees or offering payment plans if needed

4. Categorize and Attach Receipts
   If you’ve got a shoebox full of summer receipts… now’s the time.

• Make sure all business expenses are properly coded
• Upload receipts to your accounting platform (or a cloud folder organized by month)
• Going digital now = less stress come tax time

5. Review Recurring Subscriptions and Expenses
   Sneaky costs can fly under the radar.

• Review bank/credit card statements for forgotten subscriptions
• Cancel or renegotiate anything that’s no longer bringing value
• Ask: “Is this expense helping my business grow right now?”

6. Compare Budget vs. Actuals (YTD)
   This is where strategy kicks in.

• Review where you’re over or under budget so far
• Think ahead: Any big purchases, tax-saving moves, or contributions you want to make before year-end?
• Schedule a meeting with your accountant or bookkeeper to plan ahead

      Bonus Tip: Schedule a Fall Financial Check-In
       Doing a quick check-in with an accountant now can save hours (and headaches) later. Plus, you’ll head into Q4 with clarity, confidence, and maybe even some extra savings.

Ready to Get Your Books in Order?
We help small business owners clean up their books, catch red flags, and prep for year-end with confidence.

Schedule your Fall Financial Clean-Up Session today — we’ll walk you through it, step by step.