Bookkeeping Cleanup & Catch-Up in Northern Virginia & DC
Your books are a mess. Transactions are miscategorized, accounts don't reconcile, and tax time feels like a nightmare. That's exactly what we fix.
Our catch-up bookkeeping service reconciles your accounts, corrects errors, and standardizes your records—so you have clean, tax-ready books you can trust.
Book a Free CPA CallWhat "Bookkeeping Cleanup" Really Means
Cleanup isn't just about entering transactions. It's about reconciling, correcting, and standardizing your books so they're accurate and useful. Here's what we do:
Once cleanup is complete, most clients transition to monthly bookkeeping to keep their books current going forward.
Signs You Need Catch-Up Bookkeeping
If any of these sound familiar, you're not alone—and we can help.
What You Get at the End (Deliverables)
When we're done, you'll have everything you need for taxes, financing, or simply understanding your business:
Our Cleanup Process (3 Simple Steps)
We keep it straightforward. Here's how we get your books from messy to tax-ready:
Assessment
We review your current books, bank statements, and existing records to identify what needs fixing and provide a clear scope and timeline.
Cleanup & Reconciliation
We reconcile all accounts, fix errors, recategorize transactions, and organize your books according to accounting best practices.
Delivery & Handoff
You receive clean, tax-ready books with documentation. We can then transition you to monthly bookkeeping to stay current.
Ready to get your books cleaned up and tax-ready?
Book a Free CPA CallQuickBooks Cleanup (If Needed)
Many cleanup projects involve QuickBooks files that were set up incorrectly or have accumulated errors over time. We specialize in QuickBooks cleanup, including:
- Fixing duplicate or miscategorized transactions
- Reconciling accounts that don't match bank statements
- Restructuring your chart of accounts for clarity
- Optimizing settings and preferences
Cleanup Is Often the First Step Before Tax Filing
If your books aren't accurate, your tax return won't be either. That's why we often work with clients on cleanup first, then move to tax preparation once their books are in order.
Clean books mean your CPA (or our tax team) can file accurate returns without guessing or making costly assumptions. It also ensures you're not overpaying—or underreporting—income and expenses.
Learn about our tax return preparation serviceHow Cleanup Connects to Cash Flow and Planning
Once your books are clean, you can actually see how your business is performing. That opens the door to smarter planning:
- Accurate cash flow visibility for better decision-making
- Reliable data for quarterly estimated tax calculations
- Clear financials for year-end tax planning strategies
After Cleanup — How to Stay Current
A cleanup is a reset. To avoid falling behind again, most clients move into our monthly bookkeeping service, which keeps your books reconciled and tax-ready year-round.
What Monthly Bookkeeping Provides After Cleanup:
- Ongoing transaction categorization and reconciliation
- Monthly P&L and Balance Sheet delivery
- Tax-ready books every month—no scramble at year-end
- Regular insights into your financial performance
FAQs About Bookkeeping Cleanup & Catch-Up
How far behind can my books be for catch-up bookkeeping?
We've cleaned up books that are months or even years behind. Whether you're 3 months or 3 years behind, we'll assess the scope during our initial review and provide a realistic timeline and quote.
How long does bookkeeping cleanup take?
It depends on the complexity. Simple catch-ups (a few months behind) typically take 2-4 weeks. Multi-year cleanups with messy records may take 6-8 weeks. We'll give you a clear timeline after reviewing your situation.
What records do I need to provide for cleanup?
We'll need access to bank statements, credit card statements, and any existing bookkeeping files (QuickBooks, spreadsheets, etc.) for the period being cleaned up. Most banks provide statements online going back several years.
What if I'm missing receipts or invoices?
We work with what you have. The goal is to get your books as accurate and complete as possible using available records. Bank and credit card statements often provide enough detail to properly categorize transactions.
Can you fix books that my previous bookkeeper messed up?
Yes, this is one of the most common reasons clients come to us. We regularly clean up books that were miscategorized, incomplete, or set up incorrectly by previous providers or DIY attempts.
Do I have to sign up for monthly bookkeeping after cleanup?
No, but most clients do. A cleanup puts you in a great position to maintain accurate books going forward, and monthly bookkeeping prevents you from falling behind again.
Is bookkeeping cleanup the same as an audit?
No. A cleanup is about getting your books accurate, reconciled, and organized. An audit is a formal third-party review of your financial statements—completely different purposes.
Related Bookkeeping Services
Monthly Bookkeeping & Reconciliations
Stay current after cleanup with ongoing monthly service
Financial Statement Preparation
Professional P&L and Balance Sheet preparation
Financial Analysis & Reporting
Insights and KPIs from your clean financials
QuickBooks Online Setup & Support
Get QBO configured correctly after cleanup
QuickBooks Consulting & Setup
Advanced QuickBooks optimization
Budgeting, Forecasting & Cash Flow
Plan ahead with accurate historical data
Payroll Setup & Processing
Add payroll after your books are clean
New Business Setup & Accounting
Start fresh with proper accounting setup
Let's Get Your Books Fixed
Book a free call and we'll assess what needs to be done. No pressure—just a clear understanding of your situation and how we can help.
Book a Free CPA Call