What Happens During a Bookkeeping Clean-Up?

If your books are messy, behind, or just not adding up, you’re not alone. A lot of solo business owners start off doing their own bookkeeping, but over time it gets pushed aside or becomes hard to manage. That’s where a bookkeeping clean-up comes in.

A clean-up is all about getting your financial records accurate, up to date, and ready to use — whether that’s for tax season or just peace of mind.

Here’s what you can expect when you hire someone to clean up your books.

1. Review and assess your current records

The first step is to take a close look at your bookkeeping so far. I’ll check your current setup, look for missing transactions, uncategorized expenses, and see how far back we need to go.

You don’t need to have things perfectly organized before we start. That’s the whole point of the clean-up.

2. Catch up on missing months

If there are months you didn’t track or reconcile, I’ll go back and fill in those gaps. This includes entering and categorizing all your transactions and making sure nothing is missing.

Whether it’s a few months or over a year, we’ll get your records up to date.

3. Reconcile your accounts

Once everything is entered and categorized, I’ll reconcile your bank and credit card accounts. This step ensures that your records match your actual statements and that everything is accurate.

Reconciliation helps catch duplicates, missing items, or errors that might otherwise go unnoticed.

4. Fix errors and organize your records

I’ll look for any inconsistencies or issues, like incorrect categories, personal expenses mixed in, or income that wasn’t recorded properly. Then I’ll clean it all up and make sure everything is recorded the right way.

This step helps create a clear, reliable picture of your finances.

5. Provide updated financial reports

Once the clean-up is complete, you’ll receive updated reports like your Profit & Loss statement so you can see exactly how your business is doing. These reports are also important if you're working with a tax professional.

When should you get a clean-up?

You might need a clean-up if:

• You’re months behind on your bookkeeping

• You’re not confident your records are accurate

• You’re switching from DIY to professional support

• You’re preparing for tax season and want clean numbers

Final thoughts

A bookkeeping clean-up isn’t about being perfect. It’s about getting back on track so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

If your books are behind or just feel like a mess, I’m here to help. Clean-up services are one-time projects that give you a fresh start and take the weight off your shoulders.