A monthly bookkeeping document checklist
Start with the month's complete bank statements, receipts and invoices, then check dates, duplicates, missing documents and statement balances. Keep each record connected to its original and write down unresolved questions before handing over the folder. FigureLane's local MVP supports this review workflow; its hosted workspaces are currently prelaunch.
Set the scope before collecting files
Choose one business and one month. List the bank accounts being prepared, the currency of the records and the person reviewing them. Keep another business's paperwork in a separate folder, even when the same person manages both.
Agree the expected documents with your bookkeeper. A checklist works best when it describes what should arrive, rather than simply counting whatever has already been uploaded.
What belongs in the monthly folder?
- Complete statements for each relevant account, including every page and the opening and closing balances where available.
- Receipts and purchase invoices supporting payments. Keep the original file or a clear photo, rather than only a typed total.
- Sales invoices supporting incoming payments. Record questions about unpaid or partly paid invoices for your bookkeeper to resolve.
- Any available bank CSV exports. Preserve the downloaded copy before changing column names, dates or amount signs.
- A short list of missing files, unclear transfers and other transactions that need an explanation from the business owner.
Check the folder before reviewing the figures
Look for repeated uploads, paperwork belonging to another month and missing statement pages. Similar filenames do not prove that two files are duplicates; compare their contents before removing either copy.
Check the statement's opening balance plus credits minus debits against its closing balance. A difference is a reason to investigate missing rows, signs or source details. An agreeing balance does not prove that every description or supporting document is correct.
A receipt or sales invoice can support a bank transaction without becoming a second transaction. Keep document evidence separate from the decision about how an item should be recorded.
Finish with a reviewable handover
- Compare extracted dates, descriptions and amounts with the originals, and correct uncertain figures before approving the records.
- Make unresolved questions visible, with enough detail for someone else to find the relevant document.
- Identify unfinished exports as drafts. Confirm the receiving software's import format with your bookkeeper before importing a CSV.
- Keep a copy of the handover and its originals. Ask your bookkeeper which records your business needs to retain.
How FigureLane fits this checklist
The local MVP groups paperwork into monthly workfiles, flags document and balance checks, requires review decisions and exports Excel with source links or a generic bank CSV. Opening the originals requires access to the owning workspace.
The public website currently offers product information and planned pricing. Hosted signup, uploads, workspaces and subscriptions remain unavailable. FigureLane prepares records; it does not provide full accounts or tax filing.
Download the monthly document checklist to use with your own folder.
Common questions
Do I need receipts as well as a bank statement?
A statement records money movement. Receipts and invoices provide supporting detail. Agree the required paperwork with your bookkeeper.
What should I do when a document is missing?
Record what is missing, which transaction it concerns and who can supply it. Keep the question visible in the handover.
Can I start a hosted FigureLane workspace now?
Hosted workspaces are currently prelaunch. The public website describes the locally implemented workflow and planned pricing.
Sources
Product details were checked on 4 October 2026. Check the provider’s website before choosing a service.