Monthly Bookkeeping Checklist Every Business Owner Should Follow
Stay Organized. Stay Profitable. Stay Ahead.
Running a business is tough enough. But trying to grow without a handle on your books? That’s like traveling without directions.
Whether you’re doing the books yourself or using software like QuickBooks, this simple checklist can help you stay in control of your finances.
Why Monthly Bookkeeping Matters
Monthly bookkeeping isn’t just about being “organized.” It’s the foundation of:
Better decision-making
Smoother tax prep
Healthier cash flow
Fewer financial surprises
When you keep your books clean every month, your business runs smoother and profits become easier to grow.
Your Essential Monthly Bookkeeping Checklist
Use this as a recurring monthly guide. Block out an hour, set a calendar reminder, and take control.
1. Reconcile Bank & Credit Card Statements
Match your records with what actually happened. Look for discrepancies, duplicate entries, or missing expenses.
2. Categorize All Transactions
Assign every dollar to a proper expense or income category. Avoid “miscellaneous” unless absolutely necessary.
3. Review & Record Invoices
Check what’s been billed, what’s been paid, and what’s overdue. Follow up with late payers early.
4. Log & Organize Receipts
Upload paper receipts into your bookkeeping software or store digitally. Tie each to the correct transaction.
5. Update Payroll Records
Ensure employee/contractor payments are recorded, and payroll liabilities are accounted for.
6. Review Your Financial Reports
Look at your:
Profit & Loss Statement
Balance Sheet
Cash Flow Statement
What do the numbers really say?
7. Track Sales Tax & Other Liabilities
If you collect sales tax or have monthly remittance obligations, now’s the time to prep and review.
8. Backup Your Books
If your bookkeeping system isn’t cloud-based, make sure you store a monthly backup copy safely.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Let Bookkeeping Pile Up
Monthly bookkeeping takes less time, costs less in accountant fees, and prevents year-end panic. If you’re playing catch up every quarter, or worse, at tax time, your business could be missing out on opportunities or losing cash you don’t see.
Want This Checklist as a Downloadable PDF?
Need Help With the Setup?
If you’d rather not spend hours each month reconciling receipts and crunching numbers, we’ve got you.
At T&E Bookkeeping, we offer:
Done-for-you QuickBooks setup
Monthly bookkeeping packages
Personalized reports & insights
Fill out the form below for a free bookkeeping setup or estimate today!
