December always arrives with a particular energy — a mix of celebration, reflection, and the quiet realization that the year’s financial story is almost complete. Whether you’re running a growing business or juggling multiple responsibilities, this is a great moment to pause, take stock, and set yourself up for a strong start in January.
The good news? A little focused attention now saves you a lot of stress later.
Here’s a simple, friendly December bookkeeping checklist to help you close out the year feeling organized and confident.
1. Reconcile All Accounts Before the Ball Drops
Bank accounts, credit cards, loans — give everything a final pass for the year.
This helps you spot any surprises before they turn into January headaches.
Think of it like tidying the kitchen before guests arrive. It just feels better.
2. Review Outstanding Invoices and Bills
If someone owes you money, now’s the time to send a gentle reminder.
If you owe someone money, getting it wrapped before year-end keeps your books cleaner and your budget clearer going into 2026.
3. Update Mileage, Receipts, and Business Expenses
December is the perfect “round-up month.”
Gather those digital receipts, categorize loose expenses, and capture any mileage you may have forgotten throughout the year.
Future You will be so grateful when tax season rolls around.
4. Take a Fresh Look at Your Profit & Loss
December’s P&L isn’t quite the full story yet, but it’s close enough to give you valuable insights:
- Did your revenue goals line up with reality?
- Were your expenses steady or spikier than expected?
- What patterns do you want to repeat (or avoid) next year?
A few minutes with your financials now helps you plan smarter for 2026.
5. Prep for 1099s Before January Hits
If you paid contractors this year, start confirming W-9 information now.
It’s much easier to collect details before everyone disappears for holiday travel.
Trust me — in January you’ll be happy you did this .
6. Set One Gentle Financial Goal for 2026
Not ten. Not five.
Just one clear goal that feels supportive, doable, and honest.
Maybe it’s improving cash flow.
Maybe it’s finally outsourcing your bookkeeping.
Maybe it’s tightening up your systems so everything feels smoother.
One goal done well beats a list of goals abandoned by February.
7. Celebrate Your Wins (Big and Small)
If you’re reading this, you’ve made it through another year of running a business.
That alone is worth celebrating.
Maybe you grew.
Maybe you learned.
Maybe you simply kept going during months that weren’t easy.
Whatever your year looked like — take a moment to acknowledge it.
Final Thoughts
Closing out your books in December doesn’t need to be stressful. A little organization, a little intention, and a little consistency go a long way toward creating a financial picture you can feel proud of.
And if you want support going into 2026, I’m always here when you need clarity, structure, or just someone to make the numbers feel less overwhelming.
Here’s to a peaceful wrap-up and a strong start to the new year.
Gwinn Bookkeeping 