Monthly Bookkeeping Checklist
Stay organized and accurate with this step-by-step monthly bookkeeping checklist for small businesses and accountants.
Consistent monthly bookkeeping keeps your business compliant, tax-ready, and financially healthy. This checklist outlines the core tasks every business should complete each month-whether you’re doing it yourself, working with a bookkeeper, or managing it for clients.
Checklist: Monthly Bookkeeping Tasks
Reconcile all bank accounts - Reconcile credit card accounts
- Categorize income and expenses
- Review and record loan payments
- Enter and match all receipts and invoices
- Record payroll transactions
- Track accounts receivable and payable
- Review and clear uncleared transactions
- Update chart of accounts if needed
- Review P&L and Balance Sheet reports
- Verify sales tax collected and owed
- Confirm cash flow trends and working capital
- Back up your financial records (if using desktop software)
- Share reports with your accountant or CPA
Need Help With Monthly Bookkeeping?
RemoteBooksOnline provides CPA-reviewed monthly bookkeeping with reconciliations and reports, starting at just $150/month.
Why Monthly Bookkeeping Matters
- Catches errors before they compound
- Keeps you ready for taxes year-round
- Supports accurate budgeting and forecasting
- Ensures lenders and stakeholders see clean data
- Saves time at year-end and reduces CPA costs
Who This Checklist Is For
- Small business owners
- Bookkeepers and CPA firms
- Admins managing QuickBooks or Xero
- Startups preparing for fundraising or taxes
- Entrepreneurs without a full-time finance team
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s included in monthly bookkeeping?
Monthly bookkeeping includes reconciling accounts, categorizing transactions, recording accounts receivable and payable, and generating core financial reports.
Can I outsource monthly bookkeeping?
Yes. RemoteBooksOnline handles monthly bookkeeping for thousands of clients across industries. First month is free.
What happens if I skip a month?
Skipping months can lead to messy reports, cash flow errors, and higher year-end tax prep costs. Staying current is essential.
Need Help With Monthly Bookkeeping?
RemoteBooksOnline provides CPA-reviewed monthly bookkeeping with reconciliations and reports, starting at just $150/month.