In August, my lawn dries up, and the landscaper’s visits slow down. It’s a natural pause before the fall rush. I’ve noticed the same thing happens for many creative professionals and even for accountants. Out in the fields, farmers are busy baling hay to prepare for winter, taking care of the work that keeps things running smoothly when the winter season hits. Bookkeeping is no different.
But here’s what I also know: Everybody waits until December or January to find a bookkeeper for cleanup. And of course, they all want it done before April 15. Doesn’t matter how many months or years they are behind. That’s exactly when bookkeepers are at their busiest, and projects pile up fast. If you want the best chance at real progress and less stress, you follow the farmers and start now, while there’s room to get the work done right.
August is the perfect window to tackle bookkeeping cleanup. The year is far enough along that you can see where your business stands, but there is still time to make meaningful changes before year-end. Starting now means you can clean up the backlog, spot issues early, and head into the final quarter with a clear picture of your finances. No last-minute scramble. Picture what it would feel like to have your books ready for your tax preparer by February 15. Wouldn’t that be sheer bliss? Total triumph?
ProTip: If you think you’ll need help, start reaching out to bookkeepers now. Their schedules fill up quickly toward the end of the year. Waiting until December means competing with everyone else who’s in panic mode.
Why Most Business Owners Wait Too Long
If your books are behind, you probably know why. Because it’s not fun! It’s not creative. It’s drudgery, right?. And it feels easier to simply push financial record cleanup to “later” when you have client work to do, deadlines to meet, and life in general pulling you in every direction.
But “later” turns into December or January when everyone suddenly wants a bookkeeper to work miracles before tax season. Starting now changes everything. You are not competing for time with dozens of other panicked business owners, and your chances of actually finishing the work go way up.
ProTip: Invest a little time researching bookkeepers. It’s important to know whether they work in the software you use, their level of knowledge, and their time frame. Bookkeepers can take on time-intensive major projects, but typically have an end date. That’s when their schedule opens up to taking on another clean-up job. But equally important: are they a good fit for YOU? You’re going to be spending a lot of time with this person, and hopefully developing a strong, lasting working relationship. Make sure it’s someone you can get along with. Check out my video Bookkeepers Are Like Boots for more tips.
Why Bookkeeping Cleanup Matters Now
Getting caught up on your books isn’t just about feeling organized…or relieved for that matter. It’s about giving yourself the information you need to run your business well. Here’s what starting early does for you:
Avoid tax-season panic. No more late nights in March trying to dig up receipts and figure out what happened in June of last year.
Spot problems early. Cleanup now can reveal cash flow issues, missing invoices, or overspending while there’s still time to fix them. This can also save you from missing out on tax deductions.
Make smarter decisions. Clear, current books let you plan for year-end, set goals for next year, and feel confident about your numbers.
ProTip: Think beyond just getting your books “done.” Clean, accurate financials help you plan for growth, make better pricing decisions, and approach tax season with confidence instead of dread. If you’re not sure whether to keep doing it yourself or hand it off, check out my post on The Pros and Cons of Hiring a Professional Bookkeeper.
What Does Bookkeeping Cleanup Actually Involve?
Bookkeeping cleanup (sometimes referred to as accounting cleanup) isn’t just catching up on transactions. It’s about creating a clear, accurate picture of your business finances. That means:
– Reconciling bank accounts, credit cards, and payment processors
– Categorizing income and expenses correctly
– Catching missing invoices, checks, or unpaid bills
– Removing duplicates or fixing incorrect entries
– Making sure receipts and documentation are in order
– Ensuring that Balance Sheet accounts don’t have ‘unusual’ balances
– In FreshBooks, making sure Petty Cash is zeroed out each month.
– In QuickBooks Online, checking that Undeposited Funds is cleared out.
– And a whole lot more.
It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes work that gives you clean, trustworthy numbers. In other words, its the foundation for everything else in your business.
ProTip: Don’t worry about how messy your books are. A good bookkeeper has seen it all. There’s no shame, no blame, and you’re certainly not expected to know how to do your books. After all, that’s not your job! What matters is finding someone who will work with you, work with you collaboratively, and help you reach your goals. You deserve good, solid financial information to move forward with confidence into a great new year.
Ready to Get Ahead of the Rush?
Getting ahead of bookkeeping catch-up now means no last-minute panic when tax season hits. You’ll enter Quarter 4 with clarity, confidence, and an organized financial system that makes life easier.
Just like farmers bale hay in August to prepare for the months ahead, this is your moment to set yourself up for a smoother, stress-free tax season.
Book your complimentary 20‑minute “Let’s Get Acquainted” call. Let’s get your financial house in order before the winter rush begins.
