Monthly bookkeeping close checklist

Month-end document list for bookkeepers: bank and card statements, payroll summaries, and checkpoints for unusual activity. It is ready to send to clients.

What this template is for

Use this checklist at the start of every month-end close. It asks clients for the files and quick answers your team needs before you reconcile, adjust, and file, without a dozen follow-up emails.

When to use it

Recurring monthly closes for bookkeeping or fractional CFO clients.
New clients where you want a consistent first month pattern.
Clean handoffs when another firm did the prior period and you need a standard intake.

Tips

Set a due date that matches your internal close calendar (often 5–10 business days after month-end).
Cash-basis clients can mark payroll or accrual-only items as waived after cloning.

Checklist preview

What this template asks for

These items are cloned into your workspace when you use the template. Edit anything before you send.

5 items

Business bank statements (all accounts)
Required File upload

PDF or CSV export for the full calendar month being closed.

Include every operating account, sweep accounts, and lines of credit used for operations.
Credit card statements
Required File upload

One statement per business card for the same period.

PDF downloads from the card issuer are ideal.
Payroll summary / register
File upload

Covering payroll dates that fall in this month.

Skip if payroll is outsourced with separate access or the entity has no payroll.
Were there any large or unusual transactions this month?
Required Select

Examples: asset purchases, loan draws, owner distributions, one-off consulting fees, insurance renewals.
Notes on unusual activity (if any)
Long answer

Short bullets: date, amount, counterpart, and business purpose.

Add this to your workspace, then send when you are ready

We save it as a template so you can adjust items, choose a client, and send like any other request.