Bookkeeping · 6 min read

Monthly Bookkeeping Checklist for Small Business Owners

Bookkeeping is a rhythm, not a project. Run this list every month and your year-end takes hours, not weeks.

Weekly

Categorize new bank and credit card transactions
Send invoices and follow up on anything past due
Save digital receipts to a single folder or app

Monthly close

Reconcile every bank, card, and merchant account
Match payroll runs and tax payments to the P&L
Record loan payments — split principal and interest
Book depreciation and amortization if applicable
Review P&L vs. last month and vs. last year

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The CPA-Ready Business Finance Starter Kit

A practical, advisor-grade workbook for owners and founders — the foundations your CPA wishes every client showed up with. Books, taxes, cash flow, and entity decisions, in one place.

Monthly bookkeeping rhythm
Tax-ready document checklist
Entity & S-Corp decision guide
Cash flow & owner pay basics

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No signup required. Informational only — consult your CPA for advice.

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Quarterly

Calculate and pay quarterly estimated taxes
Review owner pay and S-Corp salary reasonableness
Update the cash flow forecast for the next quarter

Annually

File 1099-NECs by January 31
Send books and supporting docs to your CPA
Refresh budget and tax plan for the new year

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