Startup Finance Calendar: Key Deadlines
Written by Aparna Devalla, CPA
Curated by Rubric Financial
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Monthly Obligations
- Close your books within 10-15 business days of month-end (best-in-class teams close by day 5-7), reconciling all bank accounts, credit cards, and loan balances to zero variance.
- Deposit federal payroll taxes (FICA, federal income tax withholding) semi-weekly or monthly depending on your deposit schedule as determined by Form 941 lookback rules.
- Review accounts receivable aging and follow up on invoices over 30 days. Cash collection is just as important as revenue recognition.
- Reconcile your cap table to your general ledger equity accounts to catch any discrepancies from new grants, exercises, or terminations.
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