Fall Into Financial Focus: 5 Must-Do Tasks for Q4 Success
Monday, October 06, 2025
Autumn isn’t just about pumpkins, football, and cozy sweaters; it’s also crunch time for business owners. With the end of the year fast approaching, Q4 is your last chance to tighten up your books, maximize tax opportunities, and position your business for a strong start in 2026.
Here’s your checklist for finishing the year with clarity and confidence:
1. Reconcile Your Accounts
Before you dive into holiday sales or the year-end rush, make sure your books match reality. Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, and loans so every transaction is accounted for. This gives you an accurate snapshot of where you stand, and saves headaches when it’s time to close the books in January.
Pro tip: Don’t wait until December 31st to catch up, monthly reconciliation is your friend. Better yet, our J&S monthly bookkeeping packages take care of this for you, so you’ll always have accurate, up-to-date books without the last-minute scramble.
2. Review Budget vs. Actuals
Pull out your 2025 budget and compare it with actual numbers. Where did you overspend? Where did you undershoot revenue? These insights aren’t just history; they help you make smarter decisions for the rest of Q4 and set more realistic goals for 2026.
Ask yourself: Should you adjust spending now to meet year-end goals, or reallocate funds to better-performing areas?
3. Prep for Tax Savings
Q4 is prime time for strategic tax moves. Consider:
- Investing in equipment before year-end to take advantage of deductions
- Reviewing payroll for potential year-end bonuses
- Making retirement contributions or charitable donations
A little planning now can reduce your 2025 tax bill in a big way.
Best practice: Schedule a quick tax planning check-in with your tax-preparer before the holidays.
4. Evaluate Outstanding Invoices & Payables
Cash flow can get tight at the end of the year. Review unpaid invoices and follow up with clients before the holiday slowdown. Likewise, check your payables and plan out when bills will hit so you don’t run into surprises.
Pro tip: Get ahead of your AR collections issues. Now is the time to send gentle reminders; collections get tougher once businesses shut down for the holidays..
5. Set Your Sights on 2026
Don’t just close the books; use Q4 as a springboard. Draft a financial game plan for Q1 of 2026. Update sales forecasts, revisit pricing strategies, and set new savings goals. You’ll hit January running while competitors are still recovering from the holiday haze.
The Bottom Line
Q4 doesn’t have to be a scramble. By tackling these five financial tasks now, you’ll finish strong, maximize opportunities, and head into 2026 with confidence.
At J&S Accounting, we help small businesses stay focused, organized, and profitable all year long. If you’d like help preparing your books for year-end, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
About J&S Accounting
At J&S Accounting, we provide expert bookkeeping services tailored to the unique needs of small businesses and nonprofits. We recognize the challenges that come with maintaining accurate financial records and how vital this is for the smooth operation and growth of your business. As a woman and minority-owned firm, we’re proud to offer our expertise to businesses in Savannah, GA, and across the nation, helping them navigate financial complexities and achieve better financial management.
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Disclaimer:This content is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting, or tax advice, or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business from a professional accountant. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. J&S Accounting does not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. J&S Accounting does not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate, nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers and viewers should verify statements before relying on them.
© 2023 J&S Accounting. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer
This content is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting, or tax advice, or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business from a professional accountant. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. J&S Accounting does not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. J&S Accounting does not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate, nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers and viewers should verify statements before relying on them.