Liz Scott’s Free Monthly Bookkeeping Checklist for Accountants

Hey there, accounting leaders! I’m Liz Scott, an expert in accounting technology and workflow optimization. Let’s talk about something that might not sound thrilling at first but can be a game-changer for your firm—monthly bookkeeping! (Yep, you heard that right.)

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.”

 — Robert Collier. 

Think about that for a second. What if those small efforts included a rock-solid bookkeeping process that saved your firm time, money, and stress? Sounds pretty powerful, right?

Keeping your books in order isn’t just a “good idea.” It’s essential. Whether you’re managing a growing client base, optimizing workflows for your 20+ employee firm, or ensuring compliance, having accurate records will put your firm in control. With multiple team members handling bookkeeping, a strong workflow will keep everyone aligned, eliminate chaos, and boost efficiency.

That’s where this Monthly Bookkeeping Checklist comes in, crafted from my years of experience working with accounting firms to streamline their workflows and improve efficiency. Think of it as your firm’s financial roadmap—helping your team work smarter, stay ahead of deadlines, and maintain high-quality client service.

💡Scroll to the end for free bookkeeping templates

Why Your Firm NEEDS a Monthly Bookkeeping Checklist

Let’s be real—without a plan, bookkeeping can feel overwhelming. But with the right system in place, your team will:

• Avoid Financial Surprises – No more scrambling at tax time or wondering where the numbers don’t add up.
• Stay Compliant & Ready – Keep financial reports accurate and client filings stress-free.
• Gain Clear Insights – Know exactly how your clients’ businesses are performing month to month.
• Save Time & Increase Productivity – Say goodbye to last-minute panic and wasted hours across your firm.

Then let’s break it down into easy, scalable steps.

Step 1: Weekly Bookkeeping Tasks—Small Steps, Big Wins

Why wait until the end of the month to handle bookkeeping? A scalable system ensures your team stays ahead.

• Review A/P Reports & Pay Bills – Prevent overdue payments and maintain vendor relationships.
• Reconcile Deposits & Transactions – Ensure Stripe, PayPal, and bank deposits match across multiple accounts.
• Review Uncashed Checks – Avoid duplicate payments and identify unresolved transactions.
• Client Communication – Proactively request missing information before month-end.

✅ Pro Tip: Automate transaction syncing with your accounting software to cut down manual work and errors.

Step 2: Month-End Close—Bringing Everything Together

As the month ends, your firm’s bookkeeping team should finalize accounts and prep for reporting.

• Ensure All Transactions Are Categorized & Reviewed – Standardization reduces errors.
• Verify Vendor Payments & Classifications – Keep things properly categorized for tax efficiency.
• Reconcile Bank & Credit Card Statements – Every account should balance accurately.
• Address Unresolved Transactions – Investigate discrepancies before finalizing reports.
• Close the Books – Lock in financials to prevent accidental changes.

✅ Pro Tip: Assign a dedicated team member to oversee final reconciliations for accuracy.

Step 3: Create & Review Reports—Data-Driven Decision Making

Numbers tell a story—are you helping your clients understand theirs? Now’s the time to leverage insights.

• Generate Financial Summaries – Deliver detailed P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow reports.
• Hold a Team Review Meeting – Discuss client performance and necessary adjustments.
• Identify Trends & Advisory Opportunities – Help clients scale with data-backed decisions.

✅ Pro Tip: Compare reports against industry benchmarks to provide clients with added value.

Scale Your Firm with a Robust Monthly Close Process

By implementing this monthly bookkeeping checklist, your firm is positioned for next-level efficiency, accuracy, and growth. Imagine the confidence of knowing your team is working in sync, your clients’ books are spotless, and your firm is equipped to scale seamlessly.

Remember, as Robert Collier said, “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” Each step you take in optimizing your bookkeeping process brings you closer to that success.

It’s time to elevate your bookkeeping game! Find these templates in Canopy, or download them for free here:

Here’s to a more efficient, profitable, and stress-free month-end close! 🚀