Do You Have a Plan for the Last Quarter of the Year?
- Amber Van Der Linde
- Oct 9
- 4 min read
As the year winds down, many business owners start to reflect. It’s natural to look back and ask: How did this year really go?
Maybe it felt like you were busy non-stop, but you’re not seeing the results you hoped for. Maybe revenue looked strong on paper, but the cash balance doesn’t reflect it. Or maybe tax season is looming and you’re not sure what surprise bill might be waiting.
If any of this feels familiar, you’re not alone. These are questions many business owners face, especially in the final stretch of the year. The important thing is not whether everything went perfectly, but whether you take this time to pause, get clear, and decide how you want to finish.
Why the Last Quarter Matters
Q4 has a unique energy. It’s both the finish line and the springboard. Decisions you make now shape how you close this year and how strong your start will be in the next one.
The reality is: many business owners let the last quarter happen to them instead of taking control of it. They avoid their financials, assume taxes will sort themselves out, and hope the “busyness” of the season means profitability.
Hope is not a cash flow strategy.
The Role of Cash
One of the simplest but most overlooked questions you can ask yourself is:
What’s my goal for my cash balance by year-end?
Not just “I’d like more cash”, but a clear, measurable target.
Do you want:
Enough reserves to cover two months of operating expenses?
Extra margin to absorb a tax bill?
A buffer that allows you to take time off without stress?
Without a defined goal, cash becomes reactive. It flows in and out without direction, leaving you wondering why you worked so hard but feel no more secure.
The Cash Flow Drivers
If you’re serious about finishing the year with strength, it comes down to understanding and managing your cash flow drivers. Here are some to consider:
Revenue - Are there ways to bump up sales or accelerate billing before year-end?
Collections - How quickly are customers paying you, and what can be done to speed this up?
Expenses - Are there costs that can be reduced or delayed without harming growth? Look for those set-and-forget type of expenses.
Taxes - Do you know how much cash should be set aside now, instead of being blindsided later?
When you see these drivers clearly, decisions stop being reactive. You can intentionally increase cash in the short term, while laying a healthier foundation for the next year.
Moving From Reflection to Action
Reflection is valuable. Action is what creates change. As you enter the last quarter, carve out time to:
Review the year so far - What went well? Where did the money actually go?
Set a cash balance goal - Be specific. Decide what you want in the bank by December 31.
Adjust the levers - Identify which cash flow drivers you can impact in the next 90 days.
Make a plan - Don’t wait until tax season or year-end reports. Create a roadmap now.
Closing the Year With Intention
Every business owner wants to end the year feeling accomplished, not stuck wondering where the money went. If this year feels like it’s been all hustle with little to show for it, you’re not alone and it doesn’t mean you’ve failed.
The truth is, many businesses reach the end of the year feeling drained, but clarity can change everything. Setting a goal for your cash, reviewing what’s working, and taking a few intentional steps now can turn uncertainty into confidence.
Remember: the numbers are just information. They don’t define your worth as a leader, and they don’t erase the progress you’ve made. What matters is how you use them to make the next right move.
You don’t have to finish this year perfectly. You just have to finish it with purpose and that will set you up for an even stronger, more confident start in the new year. People often enter into business because they are good at what they do, but face challenges as their business grows. At BasePoint CPA, we serve as your experienced financial guides, so you can have confidence with regular financial insights and the ability to make informed strategic decisions.
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The information above is intended to be of a general nature, and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity, and is not able to capture changes that may be enacted that would impact the information above following the date of publication. As such, there is no guarantee that the information above is accurate as of any given date following publication, and so no one should act on or make specific decisions based on the information above without first receiving professional advice that can take into consideration specific circumstances for each person. Should you wish to discuss your specific situation, you can contact us here.
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