The Profit Ledger

Where small business meets smart bookkeeping.

Monthly Checklist Template

How to Create and Use a Bookkeeping Checklist (Free Template)

Welcome to The Profit Ledger — your go-to spot for smart bookkeeping tips, tutorials, and tools for small business success.
Whether you’re a solopreneur or scaling your team, we help you take control of your finances with confidence.

Why Every Business Needs a Bookkeeping Checklist

Let’s be real — managing your books can feel overwhelming. Between invoices, receipts, bank reconciliations, and tax prep, it’s easy to lose track of the little things that keep your finances on point.

That’s where a bookkeeping checklist comes in.

It’s a simple, powerful tool to help you:

✅ Stay organized
✅ Avoid costly mistakes
✅ Maintain accurate records
✅ Feel confident during tax season

Think of it as your go-to roadmap for keeping your business finances clean and current — no matter your size or industry.

What Should Be on a Bookkeeping Checklist?

Here’s how we recommend breaking it down:

🗓️ Daily Tasks

  • Check bank and payment notifications
  • Log cash or paper receipts
  • Record sales and payments received

📅 Weekly Tasks

  • Reconcile bank and credit card transactions
  • Review unpaid invoices and follow up on overdue ones
  • Enter and categorize expenses
  • File paper or digital receipts
  • Review your cash flow

📆 Monthly Tasks

  • Reconcile all bank and credit card statements
  • Review profit and loss (P&L) and balance sheet
  • Record payroll (if applicable)
  • Review and pay bills
  • Set aside money for taxes

📣 Quarterly Tasks

  • Review quarterly financial performance
  • File quarterly tax estimates (if required)
  • Review outstanding receivables
  • Meet with your bookkeeper or accountant

📊 Annual Tasks

  • Prepare financial statements for tax filing
  • Review yearly income and expenses
  • Back up your bookkeeping data
  • Review contractor 1099 requirements
  • Plan and set financial goals for the next year

Tips to Make It Stick

✔️ Pick a consistent time — Block time on your calendar for weekly/monthly bookkeeping.
✔️ Use software to simplify — Tools like QuickBooks or Xero can automate much of this.
✔️ Keep everything in one place — Digital folders, cloud accounting tools, and our checklist help keep your books tidy.

Download Your Free Bookkeeping Checklist 🧾

Ready to stay on top of your books without the stress?

📥 Click here to download The Profit Ledger Bookkeeping Checklist (Excel)

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