The 80/20 of Month-End Reviews

Month-end reviews don’t need to be chaotic. But they usually are.

Last-minute questions, version chaos, missed logic errors. All because teams treat reviews like a sign-off instead of a system.

This edition is about flipping that.

Whether you’re an analyst trying to avoid late-night fixes, or a finance lead looking to sharpen your team’s output, here’s how to apply the 80/20 rule to your month-end close.

For Analysts: Templates & Habits That Speed Up Reviews

1. The 30-Minute Self-Review Checklist

Before your manager even opens the file, do a 5-point sweep:

• Are inputs clearly marked and traceable?
• Are outputs formatted for quick reading?
• Do key numbers tie back to known totals?
• Are there any #REFs or broken links?
• Is there a headline takeaway on the summary tab?

2. Use a QA Buddy

Pair with a peer for 10 minutes. Swap files. Review with fresh eyes.You’ll spot logic gaps and sloppy labels that get missed after hours in the same workbook.

3. Template the Fixes, Not Just the Work

It’s not just templates for reconciliations and reports.Smart analysts also template:

• Email headers for month-end handover
• Summary commentary frameworks
• Common explanation blocks for variances

4. Run a Quick Post-MortemAfter sign-off, take 15 minutes to reflect:

• What slowed you down?
• What mistake crept in?
• What would you do differently next time?

It’s where improvement actually happens.

For Leaders: Run Month-End Retros Like a Product Team

1. Use a Simple Retro Format

Borrow from agile teams. Run a retro (retrospective or “post-mortem”) with your team covering:

• What worked?
• What broke?
• What was manual that shouldn’t be?
• What will we automate, document or delegate before next month?

This shifts the review from rework to improvement.

2. Treat the Review as a Coaching Moment

It’s easy to fix a broken formula yourself. It’s better to walk your analyst through how to spot it next time.

Every error is a training moment in disguise. Use it.

3. Log Repetitive Issues Like Bugs

Keep a running “Model Bug Log”:

• Broken links
• Formula missteps
• Repetitive manual checks

Tag by model, owner, and root cause. Use it to inform training and process improvements.

4. Assign a QA Lead Each Cycle

Give one team member ownership of version control, dummy checks and naming conventions. Rotate it. It builds skill and ownership across the team.

The Review is the Training

Every missed check = training need. Every slow handover = process fix.

Month-end reviews aren’t just about this month. They’re how you make next month easier.

Thanks for reading this edition of Modern Finance Lab.

If it helped, forward it to someone in your team who could benefit too.