7 ways to close faster without cutting corners

Most of the time in a slow close isn't spent working — it's spent waiting: for statements, for answers, for reviewers. These seven changes target the waiting.

1. Reconcile continuously

Don't wait for the statement. Match transactions weekly or daily so month-end is a review.

2. Standardize with a checklist

One template, every month, every entity. Variation is where things get missed.

3. Set a materiality threshold

Decide in advance which differences need investigation and which can be noted and moved on.

4. Ask clients and colleagues earlier

Send questions about unknown transactions as soon as they appear, not on day five.

5. Separate preparation and review

Clear roles prevent both duplicated work and things falling through the cracks.

6. Lock closed periods

Prevent late edits from quietly reopening a month you already reported.

7. Measure the close

Track how long each step takes every month. You can't shorten what you don't measure.