A month-end close checklist that does not depend on email
A practical month-end close document list you can reuse for every small business client.
The month-end close is repetitive by design. That makes it a good candidate for a reusable checklist: the same documents, requested the same way, at the same point in the month.
The core list
Most small business closes need six groups of documents. Start with these and adjust for the client's industry:
- Bank statements for every account, including credit lines
- Credit card statements, including personal cards used for business
- Sales invoices or an invoicing export
- Expense receipts or a categorized expense export
- Payroll register and contractor payments
- Loan and lease statements
Turn the list into a request
A checklist in a spreadsheet still requires you to write an email. A checklist template inside your collection tool sends the request in one click, tracks uploads per item, and reminds the client about exactly what is missing.
Set the deadline before the close
Pick a document deadline that is earlier than your close deadline. If you need to close on the 10th, request documents by the 3rd. The gap is your buffer for missing receipts and late statements.
Try the workflow described here
DocChase gives every client request a branded link, a live checklist and automatic reminders. Free for 14 days, no credit card.
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