Year-end accounts are far easier when the information arrives organised. Most of the delay in a year-end process is not the accounting itself — it is chasing records, clarifying transactions and waiting for explanations. A little preparation before the first conversation can save weeks.
1. Bank and card statements for the full year
Gather statements for every business bank account, credit card and payment platform (for example PayPal, Stripe or SumUp) covering the whole accounting period. Missing months are one of the most common reasons a year end stalls.
2. Sales and income records
- Sales invoices issued during the year
- A list of customers who still owed you money at the year end
- Any income received outside the main bank account
3. Purchases and expenses
- Supplier invoices and receipts
- A list of bills you owed at the year end
- Details of any large or unusual costs
4. Payroll, VAT and loans
Bring payroll summaries, VAT returns and workings, and statements for any loans, leases or finance agreements. If assets were bought or sold, keep the invoices together.
5. The explanations only you can give
Numbers rarely tell the full story. Write down short notes about:
- Unusual or one-off transactions
- Money paid in or taken out by directors or owners
- Anything significant that happened after the year end
Why this helps
With these items ready, the review can focus on what the numbers mean for the business rather than on finding missing paperwork. You can download our year-end preparation checklist to work through the list.
