Month-End Close Pipeline Template
Run every close step in one board
Transform the most stressful week of the month into a calm, visible flow. This template keeps pre-close pulls, reconciliations, manual journals, variance dives, and executive approvals in one shared Instaboard canvas with color-coded labels that make blockers obvious. Duplicate the micro-templates, assign owners, add due dates, and attach your support so the entire finance team, FP&A partners, and leadership see the exact status without ping-ponging through spreadsheets or chat threads.
- Expose every close task in one board so controllers spot blockers without status emails
- Keep audit-ready cards consistent with duplicate templates, owners, due dates, and attachments
- Flag blockers and approvals with labels so leaders know where to jump in
- Keep reporting packages and audit artifacts attached to the exact card you finalized
Kick off Pre-Close Prep
Start in the Get Started section: duplicate the Account reconciliation template for every balance you own, assign yourself, set the close due date, and drag it into Pre-Close Prep. Tag Needs backup or High-risk balance and attach the initial export before you leave the card.
Pro tip: Need input from sales or RevOps? Duplicate the Department data request card (the template stays locked) and tag Waiting on dept so everyone sees the blocker.
Tie out every subledger
Move cards into Subsidiary & GL Recons once the source files land. As you reconcile, add checklists for steps performed, attach PDFs or spreadsheets, and flip the label to Audit support when evidence is ready. Drag balanced cards right into Accruals & Adjustments to cue journal work, and leave unresolved ones in place until the variance hits zero.
Draft journals and approvals faster
Duplicate the Adjusting entry draft template whenever you log a manual journal. Include account numbers, reference the support location, and tag Manual journal so controllers can filter. Once reviewers approve, drag the card into Approvals & Sign-off, assign the controller or CFO, and attach the signed PDF so auditors open the card and see final approval without asking.
Explain variances before exec review
Use the Variance deep dive log to capture hypotheses and next steps as soon as an unfavorable delta appears. Keep those cards in Variance Review while you attach freight invoices, CRM exports, or KPI screenshots, then update the summary text before dragging it into Approvals & Sign-off for controller review.
Publish the reporting package
Once approvals clear, move the remaining cards into Reporting & Package. Attach the combined flux deck, KPI dashboards, and covenant calcs to the card so execs and auditors open one link, mark Audit support so it’s searchable later, and duplicate Archive artifacts to push signed checklists into your vault.
What’s inside
Pre-close prep lane
Lock the close calendar, chase department uploads, and keep cut-off reminders visible with Waiting on dept tags.
Subsidiary + GL reconciliations
Stage-by-stage lists keep every account tie-out, cash sweep, and subledger check visible with the right risk labels and assignees.
Manual journal workspace
Duplicate the Adjusting entry draft card, tag Manual journal, attach support, and route straight to controller review.
Variance investigation hub
Track hypotheses, files, and data pulls with Variance deep dive templates before they advance to Variance Review.
Approvals + reporting
Controller and CFO sign-offs sit beside the reporting pack so you can drop hero files in once and archive from the same lane.
Why this works
- Surface blockers early so cross-functional inputs arrive on time
- Keep reconciliations, journals, and approvals on one canvas instead of scattered sheets
- Attach every supporting file where auditors expect it
- Move cards left to right to mirror the actual close cadence
- Tag risk levels so controllers know what to sample first
FAQ
Can we adjust the stage names or colors?
Yes. Rename any list, duplicate it to create extra phases, and swap colors to mirror your internal close schedule without breaking the 300 px grid.
How do we handle recurring tasks like bank recs?
Duplicate the Account reconciliation template each month, attach the new bank statement, and use Instaboard’s duplicate-lock cards so formatting stays intact.
Where should we store signed approvals?
Attach PDFs or vault links directly to the Approvals & Sign-off cards, then copy the Archive artifacts card to push finalized files into your audit repository.
What if we need to show progress to executives?
Filter by labels like Audit support or Waiting on dept and share the board link during close standups so leaders see blockers without extra slides.