Month-end close

The close is a dependency graph. Subledgers such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, and payroll close first. Bank and intercompany accounts are reconciled. Accruals, prepaids, and depreciation are recorded. The general ledger is reviewed, adjusting entries are posted, and each step is signed off by a preparer and a reviewer. Consolidated organizations repeat this per entity, then eliminate intercompany balances and consolidate.

Close length is measured in business days after period end. A 10-day close is common in mid-sized companies; 5 days or fewer is considered fast. Most delay comes from waiting: a downstream task cannot start until an upstream one finishes, and the owner often does not know it has.

Meridian's Close Agent sequences the graph, prepares mechanical reconciliations and recurring accruals, chases late tasks, and records sign-offs. It never posts an entry.