MATTLY FINANCE / CATCH-UP RECORDS
Catch-up records
Establish the last reliable position, identify what is missing and define a practical scope for overdue bookkeeping work.
WHEN IT HELPS
When records have fallen behind.
- Several periods still need to be recorded or reconciled.
- Documents are spread across different sources.
- Opening balances or the last completed reporting period are uncertain.
What the work covers
Select the tasks that address your priority. The engagement sets out which accounts, periods and outputs are included.
- Identify the periods, accounts and last reliable balances involved.
- Assess the available documents and raise gaps before work proceeds.
- Agree the sequence and scope of the catch-up work.
- Work through the agreed periods, with unresolved matters kept visible.
A manageable sequence
Start with the last position that can be supported, then work through the selected periods in order. This avoids carrying an unexplained opening balance into each subsequent month.
When records are incomplete
Separate documents still obtainable from items requiring your explanation. Identify what can be completed and what remains limited by missing information. The result may include outstanding queries rather than a blanket statement that every period is complete.
Preventing the backlog from rebuilding
At handover, identify a document checklist and recurring routine suited to your business. Ongoing support is a separate scope; it is not automatically included in a catch-up assignment.
What you receive
- An agreed catch-up scope and document checklist.
- Updated records and reconciliations for the work completed.
- A list of gaps, unresolved balances and matters requiring further decisions.
Why it matters
A defined starting point prevents guesswork. Catch-up work can establish a more usable position, but missing source documents or unclear opening balances may limit what can be concluded.
Confirm the output format and reporting cycle at the start.
What you provide
The exact checklist depends on your systems and the agreed work. It may include:
- Statements and source documents for all periods in scope.
- The latest available accounting records, reconciliations and reports.
- A description of known gaps, prior corrections and any approaching deadlines.
Do not send these records through the public enquiry form. Agree a suitable sharing channel and authorised access first.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE / NOT A CLIENT CASE STUDY
What this looks like in practice
Three months are outstanding, but the opening bank balance has not been reconciled. The starting balance and available statements need to be established before later movements can be treated as a reliable sequence.
| Stage | Work | Review point |
|---|---|---|
| Establish | Confirm the last completed period and opening balances. | Record any starting-balance uncertainty. |
| Collect | List the statements, invoices and explanations still needed. | Identify gaps by account and period. |
| Work through | Record supported items and reconcile each selected period. | Carry unresolved queries forward visibly. |
| Handover | Summarise work completed, remaining gaps and next steps. | Agree the ongoing document routine. |
Responsibilities & scope
You provide complete records, respond to queries and approve business decisions. MATTLY works within the agreed scope, raises unresolved information and communicates the position reached.
Completion dates depend on the volume, complexity and availability of records. Historical corrections, opening-balance work and statutory matters require an agreed approach. Unresolved records are flagged; they are not silently treated as complete.
For fees, timing, changes and handover, see the working arrangements below.
Read the working arrangements ↗LET’S AGREE THE RIGHT SUPPORT
Start with what needs attention.
Tell Edward about your priority, the periods involved and your current records. Keep confidential documents out of the initial enquiry.