Start with the last reconciled month
A connected bank feed is a source of transactions, not proof that the books are complete. Start by identifying the last month each bank and credit-card account was reconciled to a statement. Different accounts may be current through different dates.
Check the accounts before chasing categories
Make a list of business bank accounts, credit cards, loans and payment processors. Confirm that the accounts in QuickBooks match the accounts the business actually uses. An old account, duplicate feed or personal transaction can create confusion that categorization alone will not solve.
Look for the common gaps
Review opening balances, duplicate transactions, transfers recorded as income, payments that have not been matched, and uncategorized items. Keep questions in a short list rather than forcing an answer without evidence. A transaction’s memo alone may not tell you its business purpose.
Gather the right records
Collect monthly bank and card statements for the affected period, relevant processor reports, and explanations for unusual transfers. Use an agreed secure sharing method. Do not send passwords, Social Security numbers, or complete financial records through a public contact form.
Separate the backlog from the ongoing work
Cleanup is a project with a defined period and a starting condition. Monthly bookkeeping is a recurring process. Scope them separately so the number of accounts, months behind, volume and unresolved questions are clear before work begins.
Know what a useful handoff looks like
The goal is reconciled accounts, documented questions, and reports that reflect the completed work. Some issues may require your tax professional or another adviser. A cleanup does not replace tax advice, audit work, or decisions that need the owner’s judgment.
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General bookkeeping information. Your business’s accounting and tax treatment may require advice from your own professional.