Bookkeeping Cleanup Checklist: What to Do Before We Start

At Raíces Bookkeeping, we use AI-powered tools to support efficiency in our writing processes. Every piece of content is always reviewed by a human for accuracy, clarity, and cultural relevance before it reaches you.

Messy books? No pasa nada. At Raíces Bookkeeping, we know that receipts pile up, statements get buried in emails, and QuickBooks sometimes feels like una novela llena de drama. If you’ve decided it’s time to finally clean up your books, first of all — congrats. You’ve already taken the hardest step: reaching out for help.

But you may be wondering: “What happens next? What do I need to do before you take over?”

The good news is that bookkeeping cleanup doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. We’ve broken it down into three simple steps you’ll take before we roll up our sleeves and get to work.

1️⃣ Hop on a Call to Help Us Understand Your Business

Before diving into your books, we want to get to know you and your negocio. Every business is different, and understanding your operations is key to getting your books cleaned up the right way.

On our call, we’ll talk about:

• What your business does (roofing, landscaping, online sales, food services — todo cuenta).

• How you’ve been handling your bookkeeping so far.

• What your main pain points are — tax stress, cash flow confusion, missing receipts, or maybe you just want clarity.

  
  

👉 This step ensures we understand your goals. Are you trying to get caught up for tax season? Preparing for a business loan? Or just want peace of mind knowing your books are finally in order? Once we know your “why,” we can tailor the cleanup process to fit your needs.

2️⃣ Provide Us with Your Bank Statements and Documentation

Next, we’ll gather the receipts and records that tell the story of your business. Don’t worry if you don’t have every little thing organized — that’s exactly why you called us.

What we’ll usually need:

• Bank statements for your business accounts (checking, savings, credit cards).

• Any receipts or invoices you’ve saved (digital or paper).

• Payroll reports (if you have employees).

• Loan or financing documents (if applicable).

  
  

Think of this step like giving us the puzzle pieces. Once we have them, we can start putting the big picture together.

💡 Pro Tip: Even if you’ve mixed personal and business expenses (it happens more often than you think), don’t stress. We’ll help you separate and categorize everything properly so your books reflect the real story of your negocio.

3️⃣ Set Us Up with Accountant’s Access in Your Bookkeeping Software

If you already use bookkeeping software like QuickBooks Online, Xero, or Wave, this step makes the process even smoother. By granting us Accountant’s Access, we can dive in and start untangling your books without interrupting your daily operations.

Don’t have software yet? No problem. We’ll set you up with a system that fits your needs (bonus: if you choose Xero, we cover your subscription as part of your plan).

Why Accountant’s Access matters:

• It allows us to see the details without disrupting your logins.

• We can reconcile accounts faster.

• You maintain full control — we just get the tools we need to help.

  
  

And That’s It! Sit Back, Relax, and Let Us Handle the Cleanup

Once we’ve had our call, gathered your statements, and set up software access, your job is basically done. From here, we’ll:

• Reconcile past months (or years) of transactions.

• Clean up duplicate or miscategorized expenses.

• Generate accurate Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet reports.

• Give you a clear picture of where your business stands financially.

  
  

The best part? You don’t have to stress about the mess anymore. No shame, no judgment, just clarity, cultura, and confianza.

Why Cleaning Up Your Books Matters

Still wondering if bookkeeping cleanup is worth it? Aquí está the truth:

• Tax season becomes simpler — no more scrambling for receipts.

• You save money — by catching deductions you might have missed.

• Cash flow makes sense — you’ll know exactly what’s coming in and going out.

• Peace of mind — finally knowing your numbers are right.

  
  

Whether you’re months behind or years behind, remember: you’re not “late.” You’re just ready now.

Ready to Get Started?

Cleaning up your books doesn’t have to feel like a novela. With Raíces Bookkeeping, you’ll finally have financial raíces strong enough to grow your business and your legacy.

👉 Here’s the quick recap of what you need to do:

1. Hop on a call with us.

2. Send over your bank statements and documentation.

3. Set us up with Accountant’s Access.

   
   

After that? Sit back, relax, and let us handle the rest.

📅 Schedule Your Free Call Today Because your business deserves clarity. Your family deserves peace of mind. And your legacy deserves strong raíces.