Review standard
Each workpaper should identify the period, source records, calculation, preparer, reviewer and unresolved differences. Completion requires support and review, not a checked box alone.
← Reporting portfolio
Margin Max / Financial & operating control
Month-end close calendar
A close with named preparers, reviewers and a defined exception path.
Worked example · A proposed structure for close preparation, review and exception follow-up. Relative due dates and roles are illustrative; this is not a claim of a completed client close.
Close responsibilities
| Due | Task | Preparer | Reviewer | Supporting record | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D−3 | AP cutoff & department reminders | AP / department owners | Controller | Invoice log; cutoff exceptions | Planned |
| D−1 | Bank feeds & source completeness | Staff accountant | Chief accountant | Bank and subledger extracts | Planned |
| D+1 | Cash & bank reconciliations | Staff accountant | Chief accountant | Statements; bank-to-GL bridge | Planned |
| D+2 | AR / AP aging tie-outs | AR / AP leads | Chief accountant | Aging tied to GL; exception list | Planned |
| D+3 | Prepaids, fixed assets & accruals | Staff accountant | Controller | Rollforwards; entries; support | Planned |
| D+3 | Job costs & WIP review | Project accounting | Controller / operations | Cost forecasts; approved changes | Planned |
| D+4 | Intercompany & consolidation | Chief accountant | Controller | Counterparty tie-out; eliminations | Planned |
| D+4 | Revenue & cutoff review | Chief accountant | Controller | Billing and revenue support | Planned |
| D+5 | Financial statements & variance review | Controller | Ownership / finance lead | P&L; balance sheet; commentary | Planned |
| D+5 | Open-item decisions & sign-off | Controller | Ownership / finance lead | Owner; due date; approval trail | Planned |
| D+6 | Final reporting & period lock | Controller | Authorized finance lead | Final package; lock confirmation | Planned |
Exception path
Record the issue, amount, financial-statement impact, proposed treatment, owner and due date. Escalate unresolved material items before reporting and retain the final approval trail.