Start with the unfinished business
The useful starting point is often the work that crosses month end: a consultancy milestone awaiting approval, materials ordered for a tenant improvement, or an advance for an autumn event. We identify those items before treating every bank receipt as revenue and every withdrawal as this month's expense.
A monthly close can cover operating accounts, cards, customer balances, suppliers, payroll entries and tax control accounts. The scope follows your transaction sources and the reporting decisions you need to make.
A short review with clear owners
You receive the agreed reports and an exceptions list that distinguishes missing documents, accounting questions and operational follow-up. A disputed invoice belongs with the person managing the client relationship; an unexplained transfer needs the underlying account statement. Giving each item an owner stops unresolved balances rolling forward unnoticed.
Illustrative example: design work and a deposit
A Calgary design consultancy has collected a $12,000 advance for work scheduled next month, while $18,000 of completed milestones remains unpaid. Its bank balance alone hides both facts. A deposit schedule and receivables review show the obligations behind the cash and the invoices that deserve attention first. Revenue recognition follows the agreed accounting policy and contract terms.
Questions about this work
How often should we send documents?
A weekly document routine usually makes a monthly close easier. We agree a cutoff and review date around your billing and payroll schedule.
Does monthly bookkeeping include releasing payments?
Payment preparation and final authorization are separate responsibilities. We confirm your approval process and the services included before work begins.
Put this into practice
Sources and current guidance
A practical next step
Bring the records you have.
We can identify missing information, agree on the scope and organize the next bookkeeping step.
Request a bookkeeping review