Q4 Is Coming — How to Prepare Your Finances Before the Year-End Rush

The last quarter of the year can make or break your business goals. With the holidays, year-end expenses, and tax deadlines approaching, September is the perfect time to get your financial house in order. Waiting until December often means missed opportunities and rushed (or costly) decisions.

Here’s how to prepare now so you finish the year strong.

1. Review Year-to-Date Performance

Before you plan for Q4, look back. Compare your current revenue, expenses, and profit to your projections.

• Which products or services performed best?

• Where did expenses creep up unexpectedly?

A clear snapshot of the first three quarters will guide smart decisions for the last one.

2. Update Your Q4 Budget

The final quarter brings seasonal changes — holiday promotions, increased customer demand, or slower sales depending on your industry. Adjust your budget to account for:

• Marketing campaigns

• Seasonal inventory

• Year-end bonuses

• Additional staff or overtime

3. Get Ahead on Tax Planning

Many small business owners wait until tax season to think about deductions — by then, it’s often too late to maximize them. In September, work with your accountant to:

• Identify deductions you can still claim this year

• Decide if large purchases should be made before December 31

• Ensure estimated tax payments are on track

4. Organize Your Records

Messy books slow everything down during year-end close. Make sure:

• All transactions are categorized

• Receipts are stored and easy to access

• Bank accounts and credit cards are reconciled

5. Consider Outside Support for Year-End Close

If your team is already stretched thin, bringing in bookkeeping or accounting help can:

• Close books faster

• Avoid compliance mistakes

• Free up your time for sales and customer engagement during the busy holiday season

Q4 is your chance to finish the year strong  and set the tone for the new year. The earlier you prepare, the smoother the process — and the better your results.

Ready to tackle Q4 with confidence? Schedule a free year-end readiness call with our accounting team today!