Small businesses
Are your books ready to close?
A practical close-readiness checklist for evidence, bank reconciliation, VAT working figures, questions and reviewer handoff.
A deadline is easier when readiness is checked early. Use this list before asking an accountant or authorised reviewer to complete the close.
Checklist
Evidence is present
Important receipts, invoices and supporting records are registered and their review status is known.
The bank is explained
Imported lines are matched where appropriate and the exceptions have a clear owner or next action.
The period is correct
Dates, VAT basis and filing frequency reflect the organisation's actual setup.
Working figures have support
Each material total can be traced back to posted entries and source records.
Uncertainty is explicit
Questions about treatment, private use, VAT or missing information have not been silently guessed.
Review is recorded
The person responsible for review and filing has the close pack, exceptions and authority to decide.
Readiness is not a guarantee that a filing is correct. It is a transparent view of whether the work is organised enough for an authorised decision.
Related lesson: Deadlines and close readiness — Know what is ready and what needs attention next.