This manual clarifies for the accountant the intricate series of activities needed to correctly close the books at year-end. Following the guidance in this manual reduces the risks of having closing errors and issuing incorrect financial statements. It itemizes closing activities for the fiscal year, as well as other activities required at the end of the calendar year. There is a particular emphasis on such major areas of accounting as receivables, inventory, fixed assets, payables, and payroll. Additional tasks required for the year-end close of a publicly held company are also described.