Law Firm Bookkeeping Clean Up (in Just One Day)
- TLTurner Group
- Oct 14
- 2 min read
Messy books don’t mean failure. They’re usually a sign your firm has grown faster than your systems.
The good news?
You don’t need weeks to get back on track. With one focused cleanup day, you can restore clarity, rebuild confidence, and give your firm the fresh start it needs before year-end.
Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Reconcile the Last 90 Days
Start by matching every bank and credit card transaction.
Think of this as reconnecting the dots between what’s in your bank account and what’s in your accounting software. When every number aligns, you’ll immediately spot missed payments, duplicate entries, or forgotten expenses that distort your true financial picture.
Step 2: Fix Errors and Duplicates
Most “messy books” problems come from small mistakes, like uncategorized transactions or repeated entries.
Go through your records line by line, focusing on the last three months. Correcting these small errors will instantly make your reports more reliable (and your future accountant very happy).
Step 3: Review Trust Accounts Separately
If you manage client trust or IOLTA accounts, review them independently from your operating funds.
Even one small misclassification can cause compliance headaches down the road. Keep detailed records, ensure client funds are fully traceable, and double-check that every trust account balance matches your ledger.
Step 4: Create a “Pending” Folder
Not every transaction will be clear on your first pass, and that’s okay.
Create a “Pending” or “Unclear” folder in your accounting software or spreadsheet. Flag any item you need to review later with supporting documents or client communication. This keeps your cleanup efficient without slowing you down.
Step 5: Run a Clean Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet
Once everything is reconciled, run your Profit & Loss (P&L) and Balance Sheet reports.
If your ending balances match your bank and credit card totals, congratulations, you’ve restored visibility and control over your finances. You’re no longer operating in the dark.
Why This Matters
Clean books aren’t just about compliance, they’re about confidence.
When your numbers are accurate, every decision becomes easier: pricing, hiring, budgeting, and planning. It’s the difference between guessing and growing.
At TLTurner Group, we often remind law firm owners: “Clean data equals clean decisions.” Without that foundation, even the best strategy can fall apart.
Take It Further
Once your books are clean, the next step is optimization. That’s where you turn accuracy into opportunity.
This quick 15-minute tool helps you uncover hidden costs, identify low-value spending, and redirect savings toward growth.
Need help interpreting results?
Book a Discovery Call with TLTurner Group’s Law Firm CFO team.
We’ll help you spot inefficiencies, improve reporting, and strengthen your financial systems for the year ahead.
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About TLTurner Group
TLTurner Group helps law firms simplify finances, improve profitability, and scale sustainably. From bookkeeping to CFO strategy, our team empowers law firm owners to make smarter business decisions with clarity and confidence.
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