When accounts have not been reconciled, balances do not make sense, or the books no longer match the records, we identify what happened and build a supportable path forward.
Review the accounting file, available statements, prior tax returns, access, known deadlines, and the problem as you understand it.
Create a documented list of missing records, unexplained transactions, access barriers, and account discrepancies.
Separate the diagnostic findings from the reconstruction work and establish the records, timeline, assumptions, and price.
Reconcile the available data, correct classifications, record missing assets or liabilities, and rebuild account balances.
Compare the corrected books to the supporting records, document unresolved items, and establish a process that helps prevent the same problems from returning.
Historical investigation is different from maintaining already-stable books. The time required depends on the number of accounts, time period, transaction volume, missing records, prior filings, system access, and the number of issues that must be reconstructed.
Many capable owners fall behind because the business grew faster than the process, records changed hands, software failed, or life interrupted the routine. The goal is not to make the numbers merely look better. The goal is to determine what can be supported, what remains uncertain, and what must be corrected.
A cleanup assessment identifies the condition of the records before reconstruction begins.