In order to help out my small business prospects and readers, I am publishing this typical YEAR END CLOSING CALENDAR:

12/31/10 Prepare Prepaid and Accrual Entries (insurance, rent, utilities, services etc.)
12/31/10 Prepare Fixed Asset and Depreciation entries
12/31/10 Prepare Amortization entries
12/31/10 Accrue Payroll Taxes/Burden
12/31/10 Accrue Vacation (if applicable)
01/03/10 HOLIDAY for NEW YEARS DAY
01/04/11 Review Accounts Receivable for accuracy
01/04/11 Record Allowance for Bad Debt
01/04/11 Reconcile Bank Accounts
01/04/11 Accrue unpaid Payroll performance/commission 01/05/11 Accrue Property Taxes
01/05/11 Accrue Sales/Use and other non-income taxes
01/10/11 Review Accounts Payable for accuracy
01/11/11 Prepare Accruals for Accounts Payable invoices expected, but not received
01/12/10 Prepare Revenue Recognition/Work in Process Schedule (if applicable)*
01/12/10 Record Adjustments for Over/Under billing (if applicable)*
01/13/10 Record Accrued Profit Sharing/401k etc.
01/13/10 Record your income tax provision
01/13/10 Prepare Financials and Footnotes
01/14/10 Review Financials/Footnotes for Audit/Review
01/17/10 Scheduled Audit/Review begins

This schedule may need to be modified slightly depending on the size of the company, accuracy of interim financials, and adherance to good internal controls and procedures.

*If your company does not rely on a Work In Process Statement for Revenue Recognition, this schedule can be shortened.