Closing books is a term that refers to the process of finalizing a company's financial records before the end of an accounting period. There are several synonyms for this phrase, such as "finalizing accounts," "completing records," "ending financial period," "putting the books to bed," or "closing out the books." Regardless of which term you choose, it is critical for any business owner to take this process very seriously to avoid mistakes on critical financial information. By closing the books, a business can better analyze its income, expenses, and cash flow, which helps business owners make informed decisions about their company's financial health.