7 Smart (and Surprisingly Doable) Things Businesses Should Think About Before Year-End 

As the year winds down, most business owners are juggling holiday rushes, staffing schedules, and an inbox full of “quick questions.” But year-end is also one of the best opportunities to set your business up for a stronger, smoother, more profitable year ahead. 

Here’s a simple, owner-friendly checklist—minus the jargon—where your partners at Ascend Bank can help lighten the load. 

1. Cash Flow & Working Capital: Your Business’s Oxygen Tank

Year-end is the moment when your cash position can either sharpen next year’s runway… or shorten it. 

What to think about: 

• Should you make any tax-advantaged purchases before 12/31? 

• Time to clean up receivables (yes, even that client). 

• Prioritize vendor payments and renegotiate for 2026. 

• Spot cash-flow gaps coming in Q1–Q2. 

• Put idle cash somewhere it actually earns something. 

How we help: working-capital lines, sweeps, cash-flow tools, and AP/AR automation that gives you back hours of your life.

2. Year-End Tax Positioning: No More “Surprise” Seasons

Plenty of businesses approach taxes like a horror movie—hands over eyes, hoping for the best. A little planning now can save a lot later. 

Consider: 

• Retirement plan contributions 

• Bonus depreciation planning 

• Inventory adjustments 

• Contractor vs. employee classifications 

Where your banker fits in: equipment financing, business-owner retirement planning, and connecting you with the right CPA partners. 

3. Strategic Planning for 2026: Zoom Out Before You Dive Back In

This is your once-a-year excuse to step out of the weeds and ask the big questions. 

Key questions: 

• What 2–3 priorities will actually move the needle next year? 

• What capital do you need to support them? 

• Any risks to prepare for? 

• Is this the year for expansion—or a thoughtful reset? 

How we help: strategic check-ins, term financing*, and modern merchant-services options. 

* All loans and lines require full review and credit approval 

 4. Financial Reporting & Budgeting: Your Future Self Will Thank You

If your books are “mostly done” each month, it’s time for an upgrade. 

Checklist: 

• Clean the books before tax season gets loud. 

• Create or refresh your 12-month rolling forecast. 

• Revisit pricing and margins. 

• Audit subscriptions and expenses. 

• Confirm payroll and benefits accuracy. 

We add: budgeting tools, treasury automation, and merchant-fee reviews that often uncover real savings. 

 5. Risk Management & Insurance: Because “I Think We’re Covered” Isn’t a Strategy

Year-end is the perfect time to make sure you’re actually protected. 

Review: 

• Liability, cyber, property, E&O 

• Business interruption insurance 

• Workers’ comp renewal 

• Key-person policies 

• Fraud and payment-security gaps 

Your bank’s role: fraud-prevention education, strong permission controls, cash management solutions including positive pay, ACH monitors, and secure online-banking and mobile financial management tools.

6. Technology & Data Readiness: Keep It Simple, Not Sci-Fi

You don’t need flying robots—just clean data and secure systems. 

Consider: 

• Updated data backups and cybersecurity hygiene 

• Cloud migrations or software updates 

• AI tools for admin, marketing, or support 

• Reviewing vendor contracts and subscriptions 

• Modernizing payments 

We support: Easy-to-understand dashboards and financial solutions to track and manage your business.

7. Talent, Compensation & HR: Your Team Is a 2026 Superpower

Year-end is the best time to invest in the people who keep your business moving. 

Think about: 

• Performance reviews and compensation adjustments 

• Hiring needs for next year 

• Training and leadership development 

• Retention risks 

• Benefits renewal 

How we help: Visa Debit cards with FREE Rewards on every purchase when you enroll, plus spending controls, and expert advice when it comes to planning ahead for your business.  

Let’s Make Next Year Your Best Year Yet 

Whether you’re planning upgrades, tackling taxes*, modernizing payments, or finally organizing your books, your Ascend Bank relationship team is here to make year-end smoother—and next year stronger. 

*Ascend Bank does not provide tax advice. Please consult a tax professional for tax-related questions. 

Want to talk through your year-end checklist? We’re one call, chat, virtual or branch visit away! Let’s talk! Contact us.