The Art of Business Growth: Expert Funding Solutions for Your Business

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Monthly Finance & Accounting Tasks

A well-organized financial system is critical for tracking cash flow, staying compliant, and making informed decisions. Below is a step-by-step checklist to ensure your small business finances are set up correctly.

Bookkeeping & Record-Keeping

  • Track income & expenses (use accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, or Wave).
  • Reconcile bank & credit card statements (match transactions with your books).
  • Organize receipts & invoices (use tools like Expensify or Shoeboxed).
  • Review unpaid invoices and follow up on overdue payments.

Cash Flow Management

  • Update cash flow projections (ensure you can cover upcoming expenses).
  • Monitor accounts receivable (send reminders for late payments).
  • Manage accounts payable (schedule vendor payments to avoid late fees).

Tax & Compliance

  • Set aside estimated taxes (quarterly for self-employed/business owners).
  • Verify payroll tax payments (if you have employees).
  • Review sales tax filings (if applicable).

Quarterly Finance & Accounting Tasks

  • Review profit & loss (P&L) statement – Identify trends and adjust budgets.
  • Check inventory levels (if applicable) and adjust ordering.
  • Meet with your accountant to discuss tax strategies or financial concerns.
  • Evaluate business credit score (Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business).

Annual Finance & Accounting Tasks

Financial Reporting & Planning

  • Prepare annual financial statements (Balance Sheet, P&L, Cash Flow Statement).
  • Review business performance (compare to previous years & industry benchmarks).
  • Adjust budgets & financial goals for the next fiscal year.

Tax & Legal Compliance

  • File annual tax returns (Federal, State, Local).
  • Issue 1099s to contractors (if you paid $600+ to any vendor).
  • Renew business licenses/permits if required.
  • Backup financial data (cloud storage + physical copies for tax records).

Debt & Financing Review

  • Assess business loans/credit lines – Refinance if better rates exist.
  • Review business credit cards – Optimize rewards or lower fees.

Ongoing Best Practices

  • Separate personal & business finances (dedicated bank accounts & cards).
  • Automate recurring bills & invoicing (reduce manual work).
  • Set aside emergency funds (3–6 months of operating expenses).
  • Stay updated on tax law changes (consult an accountant if needed).

Pro Tips

  • Use accounting software to save time on manual entries.
  • Schedule a monthly “finance day” to review everything at once.
  • Hire a CPA or bookkeeper if finances feel overwhelming—worth the investment!
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