September Reset: The Ultimate CFO & Executive Bookkeeping Checklist for Q4 and Beyond
🍁 September isn’t just the start of fall — it’s the start of financial clarity.
While most people think of pumpkin spice and school supply lists, successful executives and founders know that September marks the unofficial start of Year-End Season. The decisions you make in the next 90 days will determine how smoothly you finish 2025 — and how powerfully you enter 2026.
This is the moment to step back and align both your business and personal finances with strategy, discipline, and intention. Think of it as your Q4 launchpad — a time to tighten systems, review your goals, and make sure every number is where it needs to be.
🧭 1. Reconcile, Review, and Rebuild Your Foundation
A successful year-end begins with clean books. September is the month to ensure that:
✅ All accounts are reconciled and aligned with GAAP.
📈 Monthly closes are complete and reviewed for accuracy.
🔄 Any outstanding entries, accruals, or journal adjustments are posted.
This is also the time to assess ERP and QuickBooks Online performance — are your systems serving you well, or do you need an upgrade before year-end reporting ramps up?
🏢 2. Prepare Your Business for Q4 — and Beyond
Your business goals don’t pause for holidays. As Q4 approaches, you should:
📊 Review cash flow and forecast through December to avoid surprises.
🤝 Organize vendor contracts, client billing, and payment terms.
🧾 Plan for year-end tax deductions, bonuses, and charitable contributions.
💼 Begin prepping any data your CPA or auditors will need early.
Even if you’re not preparing for an audit, approaching your books as if you were will make investor reporting, board presentations, and strategic planning far smoother.
🏡 3. Align Personal Finances with Your Business Goals
Executives and founders often have personal financial lives that are just as complex as their businesses. September is the ideal time to:
💸 Review household spending and create a Q4 personal budget.
📅 Plan for major expenses like holiday travel, tuition, or home projects.
🏦 Coordinate with your EA or tax CPA on estimated payments and tax strategies.
🪙 Adjust investment contributions or charitable plans before year-end deadlines.
And if you haven’t already built a 2026 annual family budget, this is the time to start. A clear plan that accounts for travel, kids’ activities, lifestyle goals, and even “treat-yourself” moments ensures your personal life stays aligned with your professional growth.
🎯 4. Use September to Set 2026 in Motion
The most successful leaders don’t wait until January to plan — they start now. With a strong financial foundation in September, you can:
🌱 Launch new initiatives or investment strategies with confidence.
📈 Use quarterly data to guide next year’s budget and hiring decisions.
🧭 Set measurable goals for both business and family finances in 2026.
It’s not just about closing the books — it’s about opening the door to new opportunities.
📌 Important Reminder
Our Annual Personal or Family Budget Service is available exclusively to clients enrolled in Acrux Advisory’s ongoing monthly bookkeeping. It’s part of a long-term partnership designed to bring clarity and strategy to every aspect of your financial life.
✨ Bottom Line: September isn’t the end — it’s the beginning.**
It’s the month where disciplined executives and founders lay the groundwork for a smooth year-end, a stress-free tax season, and a powerful start to 2026. Because when your books, budgets, and goals are aligned, success isn’t just possible — it’s inevitable.