How to Catch Up on Your Bookkeeping If You’ve Fallen Behind

If bookkeeping has slipped to the bottom of your to-do list this year, you’re not alone. Many small business owners get caught up in the daily demands of running a business and find themselves behind on the books before they know it.

The good news? It’s not too late to catch up—and getting things sorted before fall is a smart way to set yourself up for a smoother year-end. Whether you’re a few weeks or several months behind, here are some simple steps and tools to help get your bookkeeping back on track.

1. Don’t Panic—Start Where You Are

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re staring down a backlog of receipts, invoices, and bank statements. But the best thing you can do is start where you are. Take stock of how far behind you are—are you missing one month of records, or six? Knowing the scope will help you break the work into manageable chunks.

2. Get Your Documents in Order

Gather all your receipts, invoices, bank and credit card statements, and payroll records. Go digital wherever possible—use apps like Hubdoc, Dext, or Scanner Pro to quickly scan paper documents and store them in the cloud. Consistency is key: organize everything by month to make reconciliation easier.

3. Reconcile Bank and Credit Card Accounts

One of the most important steps in catching up is reconciling your bank and credit card accounts. This ensures your records match your actual account activity. Use your accounting software’s reconciliation tools, or a spreadsheet if you’re doing things manually. Make sure every deposit and expense is accounted for.

4. Use Accounting Software to Speed Things Up

If you’re still using spreadsheets or paper ledgers, now’s a great time to consider switching to accounting software like QuickBooks Online, Xero, or Wave. These tools can automatically import bank transactions and help categorize expenses, saving you time and reducing errors.

5. Track Down Missing Transactions

If you notice gaps in your records—like missing receipts or unrecorded income—do your best to retrieve them. Check email receipts, payment platforms, and even your calendar for reminders of business expenses you may have forgotten to record.

6. Ask for Help if You Need It

If you’re months behind or unsure whether your records are accurate, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. An experienced bookkeeper or accountant can help you catch up quickly, identify errors, and make sure everything is CRA-compliant.

Why Catching Up Now Matters

Cleaning up your books before fall means you’ll be ready for year-end reporting, tax season, and better decision-making. It also gives you a clearer picture of your business’s financial health so you can plan confidently for the rest of the year.

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We help small business owners get their books in order—whether you're one month or one year behind. Reach out today and let’s get your finances back on track before fall hits!