Signs your file needs attention
A bank balance that never agrees with the statement, repeat transactions, unexplained opening balances, and large uncategorized totals are reasons to review the file. Start with the underlying records rather than deleting entries until the report looks right.
What the review can cover
We can assess the agreed accounts, reconciliation history, categorization, duplicates, and missing information. The review identifies questions and a proposed cleanup scope. Changes affecting prior filed years should be coordinated with the tax preparer.
Keep your records intact
Before cleanup, preserve the existing reports and identify any closed or previously filed periods. Bring the bank and credit card statements that correspond to the file. If the business uses another invoicing or payment tool, mention it so those records are included in the assessment.
A useful handoff
Agree on which periods will be reviewed, what reports you need, and which questions still require your answer. Cleanup can lead into monthly bookkeeping or tax preparation, but each part should be explicit in the service agreement.