As a leader, there’s no better feeling than discovering a project you requested has already been completed. Having a team that anticipates your needs is every leader’s dream. While we know this level of foresight is unrealistic, in financial management, you can achieve similar outcomes without any supernatural abilities. Due to the repetitive nature of bookkeeping tasks, a well-structured calendar can work wonders that seem almost magical.

To harness this power, you need to invest some extra time and effort upfront. The effectiveness of a calendar depends on how detailed and comprehensive it is. Therefore, take the time to carefully plan and be thorough in your approach.

Start by organizing a meeting with your bookkeeper and other relevant staff to thoroughly assess your organization’s bookkeeping requirements. To maintain order, divide recurring tasks into weekly, monthly, and annual cycles. Depending on your organization’s needs, including a list of essential daily tasks can also be beneficial.

For example, if your organization has a board meeting on the 10th of every month, ensure all necessary financial information is scheduled to be ready in your shared monthly calendar by the 9th. Similarly, payroll, disbursements, and bill payments should be scheduled in your monthly calendar. Quarterly financial reports, tax compliance, and budgeting matters can be easily scheduled on an annual basis. Meanwhile, updating expense reports and filing receipts can be included in your list of essential daily tasks.

By setting up these clear and comprehensive financial timelines, your bookkeeper will be able to anticipate your organization’s needs rather than merely react to them. Enabling your bookkeeper to be proactive will also make them more efficient in handling unexpected requests. A detailed calendar will ensure that your financial data remains accurate and up-to-date, allowing your bookkeeper to generate unique reports more quickly.

Bookkeeping can be complex, but a financial calendar is an excellent tool to simplify and streamline the process. Empower your bookkeeper to assist you better — commit to a calendar today!

Lazar & Company offers options for organizations seeking bookkeeping, content marketing, and administrative support. Learn more about our virtual bookkeepers today.