New Year, New Books: 3 Ways to Start Strong

The new year is the perfect time to give your bookkeeping records a fresh start. Whether your QuickBooks Online account feels neat and tidy, or has a “holiday hangover”, these simple steps can help you set the tone for a more organized, stress-free year. 

1. Revisit Opening Balances on Your Balance Sheet 

January is your reset button. Confirm your bank and credit card accounts match your December ending balances. If there’s a mismatch, this is the moment to fix it (before the year gets rolling).  

Pro Tip: Don’t guess. Pull your December statements and compare them directly to QBO. 

2. Clean Up Your Chart of Accounts 

A cluttered chart of accounts can make your reports harder to read, and harder to use for decision-making. Trim unused accounts, combine duplicates, and simplify where possible.  

Pro Tip: You don’t need an account for every minor expense. Grouping is your friend. 

3. Set Up Your 2026 Financial Goals in QBO 

Your bookkeeping shouldn’t just track the past; it should help shape the future. Use QBO’s budgeting tools or custom reports to set monthly or quarterly targets that align with your business goals.  

Pro Tip: Choose one or two KPIs (like profit margin or revenue per program) to watch closely this year. 

Next Steps: Want to start the year with a clean slate? 

We help early childhood education businesses organize their QBO systems, simplify their charts, and set up goals that make sense. Reach out to us, we're here to help.