As 2025 comes to a close, it’s the ideal moment for small businesses to apply a few straightforward bookkeeping tips to set themselves up for a smooth, stress-free start to 2026. Spending a little time on your bookkeeping in the final weeks of the year can save you valuable time, reduce stress, and protect your finances when January arrives.
Here are five practical bookkeeping tips on how to prepare bookkeeping for year-end, help you wrap up 2025 with confidence, and enter 2026 ready to grow:
1. Reconcile All Accounts: A Bookkeeping Must-Do for Small Businesses
Make sure your bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and other financial accounts are fully reconciled. Matching your transactions with bank statements helps you catch any discrepancies early, before they become bigger issues. Starting the year with accurate, up-to-date records gives you a clearer picture of your business’s financial health, making it easier to plan ahead, and prepare for tax time. Want to stay ahead while also enjoying some well-earned downtime? Check out our blog on Tips for Business Owners to Prepare for the Holiday Season for practical ways to manage year-end tasks without sacrificing work-life balance.
2. Review and Follow Up on Unpaid Invoices
Outstanding invoices can quietly undermine your cash flow. Before the holiday period kicks in, review your accounts receivable and follow up with any customers who still owe you. Consider offering early payment incentives or setting up automated reminders to encourage prompt payment. Having those funds in your account, rather than on someone else’s books, gives you a stronger financial position heading into January.
3. Back Up Your Files (and Move to the Cloud if You Haven’t Already)
Your financial data is one of your most valuable business assets, let’s make sure it’s safe. Back up all your bookkeeping files and records, ideally in more than one location. If you’re not already using cloud-based accounting software like Xero or QuickBooks Online, now is a great time to explore your options. Cloud systems offer better security, automatic backups, and the flexibility to manage your finances from anywhere.
4. Review Payroll & Superannuation Contributions
Before the Christmas break, employers should take the time to review their payroll systems to ensure everything is in order. This includes checking that all pay runs have been processed correctly, confirming that Single Touch Payroll (STP) reports have been lodged, and reviewing employee leave balances in preparation for upcoming holidays. By tackling these tasks now, rather than leaving them until the last minute, employers can stay organised, avoid last-minute stress, and ensure their employees’ pay and leave records are accurate over the festive season.
5. Set Financial Goals for Q1 2026
Once your books are in order, take a step back and think strategically. What financial targets do you want to hit in the first quarter of 2026? Whether it’s increasing revenue, improving profit margins, reducing costs, or expanding your team, clear goals give you something to aim for and make it easier to track progress. You might also want to review your budget and cash flow forecast to ensure you’re aligned with those goals from day one.
These bookkeeping tips for small businesses are easy to action before January 1st. A little preparation now can go a long way, not just for compliance, but for peace of mind, smart decision-making, and business success in the year ahead.
Need help wrapping up your books before the new year?
Contact us today to make sure you’re starting 2026 on the right foot, organised, compliant, and financially confident.