---
title: "Monthly Close Checklist (Excel): 26 Steps | MCC Solutions"
description: "A free 26-step month-end close checklist for small businesses in Excel or Google Sheets, with progress tracking. Reconcile, review and lock the month."
url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/templates/monthly-close-checklist"
---

Free template

# Free monthly close checklist for small business

Twenty-six steps in a sensible order, with a progress bar. Use it every month, and your books stay current instead of piling up.

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Keeping your own books? Tallyfinch does invoices, bank import and reports on your computer. [See Tallyfinch](/bookkeeping/mcc-books-downloadable-bookkeeping-software)

[Download the Excel file](/downloads/templates/monthly-close-checklist.xlsx)Free. No sign-up. Excel file (.xlsx), 10 KB. Works in Google Sheets too.

## What is inside

- **Seven sections** Cash and bank, income and customers, expenses and bills, payroll, taxes, balance sheet, and reports and close.
- **A reason for each step** One line on why the step matters, so a new helper knows what to look for.
- **Done, date and notes** Pick Yes, No or N/A. The progress cell counts the steps you have completed.

## How to use it

- Choose the month you are closing at the top.
- Start with cash. Reconcile every bank account and card before anything else.
- Work down the list. Mark N/A for steps that do not apply, and add notes for anything unusual.
- Finish by saving the reports, setting the closing date in your software and sending the reports to whoever needs them.

## Using it in Google Sheets

- Open Google Sheets and choose File, then Import, then Upload, and pick the downloaded file.
- Choose "Replace spreadsheet" or "Insert new sheet(s)".
- Check the formulas and the dropdown lists after the import. Most carry over, but Google Sheets handles a few functions and formats differently.

## Things to watch

- **Close on a schedule.** Pick a day, such as the fifth business day, and keep it. A habit beats a heroic catch-up.
- **Reconcile first.** Every later check depends on the cash numbers being right.
- **Lock the month.** Setting a closing date in your accounting software stops accidental edits to numbers you have already reported.
- **Ask about the judgment calls.** Items like deposits received in advance and large purchases need your CPA's guidance on treatment.

## Questions

**What is a month-end close?**

The set of steps you take after a month ends to make sure the books are complete and accurate: reconcile accounts, record what is missing, review the reports and lock the period.

**How long should it take?**

It depends on the size of the business and how current the books are. Keeping up during the month shortens it a great deal.

**Does it work with QuickBooks and Xero?**

Yes. The steps are the same in any accounting software. Use it alongside your own reports.

**Can I use it in Google Sheets?**

Yes. Upload the file to Google Sheets and check the dropdowns and the progress cell.

Want a fuller version with worked examples? See [SOP Library](/toolkits/sop-library) in the store. This free template stays free either way.

Want more than a template? See [Month-End Close Workbook](/toolkits/month-end-close-workbook).

Want every toolkit? The [toolkit membership](/membership) includes all of them, with a lower rate if you pay yearly.

Related: [Year-end cleanup checklist](/bookkeeping/year-end-cleanup), [Are my books ready for taxes?](/bookkeeping/is-my-quickbooks-ready-for-taxes), [Monthly reporting](/bookkeeping/monthly-reporting), [Bookkeeping guides](/bookkeeping/guides), or [all free templates](/bookkeeping/templates).

These templates track your own numbers. They are not tax, legal or accounting advice, and MCC Solutions is not a CPA firm. Ask your CPA how rules apply to you.

Tallyfinch

### Books you keep on your own computer

Tallyfinch does invoices, bills, bank import, reconciliation and the main reports, in a file you own. $99 once, then $5 a month for updates; the app keeps working if you stop the plan. It does not do payroll or sales tax filing. The free download records up to 60 entries.

[See Tallyfinch](/bookkeeping/mcc-books-downloadable-bookkeeping-software) [Download it free](/tools/pro/trial/mccBooks) [Compare the three apps](/software)

## Want the books handled for you?

[See bookkeeping](/bookkeeping/)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)