Free Template

Monthly Close Checklist Template

A structured checklist for the month-end close process. Covers bank reconciliations, accruals, prepayments, revenue recognition, intercompany elimination, and final review. Assign tasks to team members with due dates and track completion.

What's included

Everything in this template

  • Pre-built task list covering the full close process
  • Task owner assignment and due date tracking
  • Status indicators (Not Started, In Progress, Complete)
  • Sub-tasks for complex items (e.g., bank reconciliation)
  • Review and sign-off checkpoints

Template preview

See the structure

fx=COUNTIF(Status, "Complete") / COUNTA(Status)
Task
Owner
Due
Status
Bank Reconciliation
Sarah M.
Day 2
Complete
Accruals & Prepayments
James O.
Day 3
Complete
Revenue Recognition
Sarah M.
Day 3
In Progress
Intercompany Elim.
James O.
Day 4
Not Started
Final Review & Sign-off
FD
Day 5
Not Started

Step by step

How to use this template

1

Customise the task list

Review the pre-built tasks and add, remove, or modify items to match your close process. Most companies have 20-40 close tasks.

2

Assign owners and due dates

Assign each task to a team member and set a due date relative to month-end (Day 1, Day 2, etc.). Front-load independent tasks.

3

Execute and track daily

During the close period, update task status daily. The template shows overall completion percentage and highlights overdue items.

4

Complete review checkpoints

At key milestones (e.g., after all reconciliations), the preparer and reviewer both sign off before proceeding to the next stage.

Watch out

Common mistakes to avoid

Not having a standard close calendar — inconsistent processes lead to delays and errors

Leaving the final review to the last day with no buffer for corrections

Not documenting close procedures, making the process person-dependent

Skipping the bank reconciliation or doing it after the close deadline

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions