Planning Ahead: 5 Tips to Prepare for Your Nonprofit’s Fiscal Year-End Close

Proactive planning can help your nonprofit avoid year-end closing challenges

The fiscal year-end for many nonprofit organizations is June 30, 2025, initiating the commencement of the 2024–2025 year-end closing process. This annual milestone provides a valuable opportunity to assess financial performance, reflect on mission-driven outcomes, and establish benchmarks for the year ahead. However, the year-end close can also present operational challenges—often leading to delayed financial reporting, increased stress, and more complex audits.

The good news is that with proactive planning, your organization can navigate the year-end close more efficiently and with greater confidence. While not exhaustive, the following tips from our nonprofit advisory team are designed to help streamline your close process, improve accuracy, and prepare your organization for a successful audit.

1. Communicate with leadership
   

   Maintaining regular communication with the Board of Directors and executive leadership regarding the timeline and expectations for the fiscal year-end close is a key strategy for reducing stress and ensuring alignment. Proactively sharing this information enables the organization to establish clear internal deadlines that support external reporting requirements and help prevent last-minute challenges or delays.

2. Develop a year-end checklist
   

   Creating a step-by-step plan for the fiscal year-end close is much like drafting a blueprint before beginning construction—an essential foundation for success. Developing a written checklist not only enhances the accuracy of the close process but also helps clarify team roles, reinforce accountability, and highlight opportunities for process improvement. Together, these benefits can drive long-term efficiencies, strengthen collaboration, and support more timely and transparent financial reporting across the organization.

3. Review and reconcile certain financial records
   

   In the months leading up to June 30, nonprofit organizations can proactively review and reconcile several key accounts in advance of the year-end close. For instance, organizations can begin finalizing property and equipment activity—such as acquisitions, disposals, and depreciation—for the period spanning July 1, 2024, to the current date. Additionally, this is a good time to follow up on outstanding receivables, clear old payables, resolve stale checks, and review prepaid asset balances. Addressing these areas early can significantly lighten the workload and streamline the close process when fiscal year-end arrives.

4. Document and organize supporting materials
   

   One of the most common challenges during the year-end close process is locating and organizing the supporting documentation needed to reconcile accounts, track donor-restricted contributions, and prepare accurate financial schedules. To mitigate this risk, nonprofit organizations should ensure that all journal entries are well-documented, with a clearly stated business purpose and readily accessible support. While maintaining proper documentation is a best practice throughout the year, now is an ideal time to begin reviewing the general ledger to confirm that necessary records are in place for a smooth and accurate year-end close.

5. Reach out to your Keiter Opportunity Advisor

   Unusual transactions, new agreements, and complex accounting standards can all create challenges during the fiscal year-end close for nonprofit organizations. When these situations arise, consulting with your professional advisors early in the process can help ensure proper accounting treatment and avoid delays. In addition, Keiter offers an annual not-for-profit seminar designed to keep organizations informed on the latest industry developments, emerging accounting issues, and best practices for navigating complex financial reporting matters.

Conclusion

Preparing for your fiscal year-end close doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With thoughtful planning, clear timelines, and consistent communication, your organization can navigate the close efficiently—minimizing last-minute stress and maximizing accuracy. A proactive approach not only supports strong financial reporting but also reinforces accountability and readiness for audits, funders, and board oversight.

As your year-end approaches, consider using this season as an opportunity to strengthen internal processes, invest in team training, and reflect on financial performance. By setting the foundation now, you’ll be better positioned for a smooth transition into the next fiscal year—and ready to keep advancing your mission with confidence.

Questions on year-end closing specific to your nonprofit? Contact your Keiter Opportunity Advisor.