End Month close template

Chart of accounts........line by line by line!

1. Reconcile Cash. If cash is right, everything else is just accounting.
2. Get the rest of the balance sheet right
3. Get the Income statement right
4. Look for stupid errors. Obvious mistakes.

First, start before the month ends for transaction processes that operate all month, like procure to pay, and customer order to collection. Standardize recurring requirements which will ne numerous in format and timeliness of data. Have scheduled reminder notices for process' completion. Identify critical reconciliations, particularly cash and major balance sheet captions and ensure they are completed on a very timely basis. A budget/planning system can identify "unexpected" items either present or absent. Identify major risks which may require evaluation for liability accruals. Know your expected effective income tax rate.

I work on cash first, but daily.
Second, I reconcile the balance sheet and attendant schedules. If the balance sheet is right, the other statements are in good shape for a fast close.
Third, depending on the environment (I specialize in construction), I tie out the WIP report (which also ties the balance sheet and the income statement as well as reconciles the income statement.

Income statement, current and outstanding invoices, % of budget, remaining runway (startup company)