Small Business Accounting Handoff Checklist

Make the state of your books easy to explain.

A useful accounting handoff starts with a clear inventory. Identify the systems you use, the accounts involved and the periods completed. Avoid sending passwords or raw account records in an initial inquiry.

Account inventory

List bank, credit-card and payment-processing accounts by descriptive name. Note which are active and which closed during the year. Do not put full account numbers into the contact form.

Reconciliation status

For each account, identify the most recent reconciled month and any gaps. Describe unavailable statements, unmatched deposits or duplicate entries. A current balance does not explain whether the underlying records have been reviewed.

Reporting goals

Decide which questions the reports need to help answer and how frequently you want to discuss them. Confirm who will supply records, classify unclear activity and approve corrections.

Connect the handoff to filing

Explain the tax years and prior returns involved. ASI can discuss the accounting cleanup and preparation scopes separately so responsibilities and timing are clear. Explore accounting services and the preparation organizer.

What happens next

Tell ASI what you need help with and which years are involved. The team will confirm the services, fees and records needed for your engagement.