---
title: "Month-end close: Meaning for Small Business Owners"
description: "Month-end close is the monthly process of finishing, reviewing and locking the previous month's books so reports can be trusted."
url: https://peachtreeva.multisites.ai/glossary/month-end-close
publisher: Peachtree VA
book: https://peachtreeva.multisites.ai/contact
---

Bookkeeping

# Month-end close

Month-end close is the monthly process of finishing, reviewing and locking the previous month's books so reports can be trusted.

A month-end close is a checklist that happens after the month ends. The bookkeeper enters final transactions, [reconciles](https://peachtreeva.multisites.ai/glossary/bank-reconciliation) accounts, reviews categories, checks open invoices and bills, and then produces reports. Many teams lock the month so old numbers cannot change by accident.

A steady close gives you timely numbers for decisions. Late closes mean you steer with old information. Locking the period also protects your tax records. Our [month-end close checklist](https://peachtreeva.multisites.ai/guides/month-end-close-checklist) lists each step.

Peachtree VA aims to close out the prior month's books and provide financial statements by the fifth business day of the new month. See our [bookkeeping services](https://peachtreeva.multisites.ai/bookkeeping), and read about the [profit and loss statement](https://peachtreeva.multisites.ai/glossary/profit-and-loss-statement) you receive. A repeatable schedule means you always know when to expect your numbers.

## Related terms

-   [Bank reconciliation](https://peachtreeva.multisites.ai/glossary/bank-reconciliation)
-   [Profit and loss statement](https://peachtreeva.multisites.ai/glossary/profit-and-loss-statement)
-   [Balance sheet](https://peachtreeva.multisites.ai/glossary/balance-sheet)
-   [Bookkeeping](https://peachtreeva.multisites.ai/glossary/bookkeeping)

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