If you’re a Controller in Calgary, you already know the drill. The summer holidays are behind us, the kids are back in school, and the calendar has flipped to September. That means one thing: Q3 close is officially upon us.
With the quarter ending September 30, finance teams are entering the final stretch before year-end. And if you’re thinking you can coast through Q3 and save your energy for the December crunch, I’ve got some bad news. Year-end success is built in September. The Controllers who enter Q4 with clean books, reconciled accounts, and a clear picture of where they stand are the ones who sail through year-end. The ones who don’t? They’re playing catch-up when the real pressure hits.
So, before the Q3 frenzy fully takes hold, here’s a practical checklist to ensure a smooth close and set the stage for a stress-free year-end.
1. Review Accruals and Prepaids (Early September)
Accruals are one of the most common sources of year-end adjustment entries—and the best time to catch them is now. Review all recurring accruals for accuracy and completeness. Are there any one‑time expenses that need to be captured? Have any prepaids been fully amortized? As one industry observer put it, the goal is to enter year‑end with “zero adjusting entries” because a smooth year‑end starts with a clean Q3.
Action item: Schedule a mid-September review of all accrual accounts. Flag anything that looks off and investigate before the close window tightens.
2. Reconcile Bank and Credit Card Accounts
Reconciliation should never be a year-end scramble. September is the perfect time to ensure all bank and credit card accounts are fully reconciled for the quarter. That means not just matching transactions, but investigating any uncleared items that have been sitting unresolved.
Action item: Run a full reconciliation for all accounts by mid-September. Address any outstanding reconciling items immediately.
3. Analyze Variances—Don’t Just Report Them
The best Controllers don’t just report variances—they understand them. As you prepare your Q3 management reporting, take time to investigate the “why” behind the numbers. Are there cost overruns that need to be addressed? Revenue shortfalls that signal a larger trend? According to ATB Financial’s June 2026 economic outlook, Alberta’s real GDP is projected to grow by 2.6% in 2026, well above the 2.1% projected in December. But trade uncertainty and ongoing cost of living pressures are keeping the province from hitting top gear. That means your variance analysis needs to be sharp.
Action item: Prepare a variance analysis for Q3 that goes beyond numbers. Include commentary on the drivers behind the variances and recommendations for Q4.
4. Review Internal Controls Before the Year-End Crunch
September is an ideal time to assess whether internal controls are still effective. Have there been changes to processes, systems, or personnel that have created control gaps? The Controllers who proactively review controls in Q3 are the ones who avoid surprises during the year‑end audit.
Action item: Conduct a mid-year control review. Walk through key processes—purchasing, payroll, revenue, inventory—and document any gaps that need to be addressed before year‑end.
5. Start Year-End Planning Now
This might sound premature, but the best Controllers start year-end planning in September—not December. Review the prior year’s audit findings. Identify any recurring issues that need to be addressed. Begin communicating with external auditors about timelines and expectations.
Action item: Schedule a year-end planning meeting with your team and external auditors before the end of September.
The September Advantage
With Alberta’s economy projected to grow by 2.6% in 2026, leading the country in job gains while trade uncertainty and cost of living pressures create headwinds, the finance leaders who enter Q4 with clarity and control will be the ones who finish the year strong. The Controllers who use September as their strategic runway—not just another month-end—will set themselves and their organizations up for a smooth year-end close, fewer surprises, and a confident start to 2027.
About BullsEye Recruitment Inc.
BullsEye Recruitment Inc. is a Calgary-based boutique recruitment firm specializing in placing experienced accounting and finance professionals at senior levels. We understand the Alberta economy, the challenges Controllers face, and what it takes to find the right people the first time.
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