Accountant Handoff Checklist

Use the boxes while preparing your records, or print a copy. Selections are not saved after you leave or reload this page. Your accountant may request additional records for your business.

Agree on the scope

Confirm the business, reporting period, accounting basis, and deadline with your accountant.
List the accounts, entities, and reporting obligations covered by this handoff.
Agree on a secure way to share documents and who should receive access.

Gather the source records

Collect bank and credit card statements covering the complete period, including closing balances.
Gather sales invoices, bills, receipts, processor statements, and supporting contracts.
Include payroll reports from your payroll provider, loan statements, asset purchases, and owner transactions where relevant.
Keep the original exports and note where each file came from.

Review the books

Check for missing date ranges, duplicate imports, transfers treated as income or expense, and uncategorized activity.
Reconcile each bank and credit card account against its statement and record unresolved differences.
Review unpaid invoices and bills, credits, deposits, and opening balances.
List uncertain accounting treatments as questions instead of silently guessing.

Prepare the reports

Run profit and loss, balance sheet, and trial balance for the agreed dates and accounting basis.
Include the general ledger and relevant receivables, payables, tax, and detail reports requested by the accountant.
Check that report balances agree with the reconciled records or explain each difference.
Name files with the business, report, period, and accounting basis so the recipient can identify them.

Send a useful handoff

Write a short cover note with the period, completed checks, known gaps, and questions needing a decision.
Share only the access and documents the recipient needs, using the agreed secure channel.
Confirm receipt and agree on responsibility for adjustments and filing.
Keep a dated copy of the submitted records and track the changes your accountant requests.

Using BooksGPT for the handoff

Start with the financial reports guide and the report pack instructions. A completed checklist supports a review; it does not certify the records or replace your accountant's judgment.