The Month-End Close Checklist

A clean, repeatable close you can run every month: 22 steps across 4 stages, plus the exact client-reminder emails that get documents in before close starts, not during. Print it, copy it into your workpapers, or import the Google Sheet.

Get the checklist + reminder emails

Free. Google Sheet + printable PDF + the 3 chaser-email templates land in your inbox.

The checklist

Run it top to bottom, every month

Stage 1 (chasing) is the part that actually slows close down. Start it about a week before period end so docs land before you reconcile.

Pre-close: chase what's missing

Start about a week before period end. Front-load this, it's the painful part.

Send each client their document-request list (bank, credit-card, loan statements; receipts over your threshold)
Confirm every bank and credit-card feed is connected and synced through period-end
Request explanations for uncategorized or unclear transactions
Collect missing receipts for flagged expenses
Pull payroll reports and third-party processor exports (Stripe / Square / PayPal / Gusto)
Send escalating reminders to non-responders (Day 1 → Day 4 → Day 8, templates below)
Mark each client "docs complete" before moving them into reconciliation

Reconcile

Reconcile every bank account to its statement
Reconcile every credit card to its statement
Reconcile loans and lines of credit to statements
Clear and age undeposited funds
Reconcile payment processors to deposits (Stripe / Square / PayPal)

Review and adjust

Categorize all transactions; zero out "Ask My Accountant" / uncategorized
Record accruals, prepaids, depreciation, amortization
Review AR aging
Review AP aging
Book inter-company / owner-draw / loan entries
Tie payroll liabilities to payroll reports

Financials and close

Review P&L vs prior month or budget, flag and explain variances
Review Balance Sheet, every line explainable
Lock the period and set the closing date
Deliver the client report package plus a short month summary note

Bundled free

The 3 reminder emails that actually get docs in

An escalating sequence: friendly, then a nudge, then a kind consequence. This is the polite, in-your-voice follow-up CloseDesk automates.

Day 1Quick doc request for June books

Hi {{first}}, starting your June close. To finish it cleanly I need: {{list}}. Easiest is to reply with them attached, or drop them here: {{link}}. Thanks!

Day 4Re: June books, still need a couple things

Hi {{first}}, just these left: {{remaining}}. Getting them over this week keeps your close on schedule and your numbers accurate. Upload here: {{link}}

Day 8June close on hold, items outstanding

Hi {{first}}, I can't finalize June until I have: {{remaining}}. If they're not in by {{date}}, your close slips to next cycle. Two minutes here: {{link}}. Happy to hop on a quick call if easier.

Stop doing Stage 1 by hand

Let AI chase your clients for documents, in your firm's voice.

CloseDesk runs the reminders, files what comes back, and assembles your close package. Founding firms get lifetime pricing.

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FAQ

Month-end close, answered

What is a month-end close checklist?

A repeatable list of steps a bookkeeper works through each month to chase missing documents, reconcile accounts, post adjustments, and produce accurate financials before locking the period.

How long should a month-end close take?

It varies by client count and complexity, but the slow part is almost always Stage 1, chasing clients for documents. Front-loading document collection about a week before period end is the single biggest time-saver.

Is the checklist really free?

Yes. Enter your email above to get the Google Sheet, a printable PDF, and the three client-reminder email templates, free, no strings.