End of Year Prep Starts Now: 3 Simple Habits to Stay Ahead Before the New Year
- johnry8
- Nov 12
- 2 min read
As the year wraps up, it is easy to get caught up in the festive season and forget about your business goals. Before you switch into holiday mode, it's worth taking a moment to reflect on how your business is currently performing and what you can do to start the New Year off strong.
A quick end of year check in can help you understand how your business is going and if you’re on track to be hitting your targets that were set at the start of 2025/26.
1. Book a Business Advisory Meeting
Before heading off for your well deserved break, book in a meeting with your accountant for a business advisory review. A year end review is not just about looking at the numbers. It is about understanding what has worked over the last few months, what needs improving and how you can stay on track in the New Year.
During your business advisory session, talk about:
How your business is performing compared to your goals and targets you set
Areas where you can improve or streamline
Tax planning opportunities before the New Year
Strategies to grow and strengthen your business in 2026
At Rise Accountants, we often see that clients who take this time to review and plan before Christmas find it easier to hit the ground running in January.
2. Review Your Cash Flow and Holiday Spending
The holiday season can be one of the busiest and most expensive times of the year for many businesses. Between staff bonuses, time off and reduced trading days, cash flow can easily become tight if you are not prepared.
Now is a good time to look at your numbers and make sure you have enough to get through the break.
A few quick checks can make a big difference:
Look at your cash flow forecast up to January
Keep a small reserve for wages, super and supplier payments
Pay all invoices before the office closes
With a bit of planning, you can enjoy your holidays knowing your business is in a strong financial position.
3. Set Your Strategy for the First Half of 2026
Once you have reviewed your numbers and cash flow, it is time to plan ahead and set goals and targets for your business.
Start simple:
Identify your main goals for growth and efficiency
Review your marketing and investment plans
Revisit your staffing and training needs
Put timelines around key priorities
When you plan early, you start the year with a clear direction instead of scrambling to catch up after the holidays.
The end of the year is the best time to pause, reflect and prepare for the future. By checking in with your accountant before Christmas, you can manage your cash flow and plan the next steps for your business.
Are you ready to start the New Year with a plan?