BPCS/LX Tip of the Week: Financial Year End – Have you done all you need to do?

Came across an article online from Lauber CFO’s, and thought I would share. Here is a checklist for things to consider in order to finish out the year and help you plan for 2016:

• Are your accounting records up to date so that you can make a projection of how the current year will turn out?
• Are all account reconciliations currently up to date to facilitate the closing of the books after year end?
• Are there accounts receivable that should be reserved for or written off prior to the end of the year?
• If your business carries inventory, do you need to plan a physical count as of the end of the year?
• Has depreciation on your fixed assets been recorded during the year? Have you considered depreciation on current year additions?
• Have all new asset purchases and bank loans been recorded on your books?
• Are there any liabilities, for example, pending legal actions or warranty issues, which will need to be recorded prior to year end? 
• Do you have a plan in place to properly “cut-off” revenue at year end to properly match revenue and expense?
• Will there be bonuses, profit sharing contributions or discretionary retirement plan contributions paid prior to the end of the year? How will these payments affect cash flow?
• Will you be in compliance with your bank covenants at year end?
• Do you need to make arrangements to receive statements as of the end of the year for cash value of life insurance, loan balances, etc.?

Anthony EtzelAnthony Etzel

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