> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.encoreos.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Financial Close Setup Wizard - User Guide

> The Financial Close Setup Wizard guides you through setting up a financial close period with checklist templates and task assignments. This wizard streamlines…

## Overview

The Financial Close Setup Wizard guides you through setting up a financial close period with checklist templates and task assignments. This wizard streamlines the month-end, quarter-end, or year-end close process by automating task creation and assignment.

## Prerequisites

Before using the wizard, ensure you have:

* **Permission**: `fa.close.create` - Required to access the wizard
* **Checklist Template**: At least one checklist template must be configured (contact your admin if none exist)
* **Staff Members**: Users who will be assigned tasks must have accounts in your organization

## Accessing the Wizard

1. Navigate to **Finance & Accounting** → **Close Management**
2. Click **New Close Period** or navigate directly to `/fa/close/setup`

## Step-by-Step Workflow

### Step 1: Select Close Period

Configure the basic details of your close period:

| Field           | Description                                   | Required |
| --------------- | --------------------------------------------- | -------- |
| **Period Type** | Monthly, Quarterly, or Annual                 | Yes      |
| **Start Date**  | First day of the close period                 | Yes      |
| **End Date**    | Last day of the close period                  | Yes      |
| **Period Name** | Descriptive name (e.g., "January 2026 Close") | Yes      |

**Tips:**

* For monthly closes, use the first and last day of the month
* For quarterly closes, use the first day of Q1/Q2/Q3/Q4 and the last day
* Period names should be descriptive for easy identification later

### Step 2: Select Checklist Template

Choose a pre-configured checklist template that contains the standard tasks for your close process:

* Templates are created by administrators and contain predefined tasks
* Each template is tailored for a specific type of close (monthly vs. annual)
* Contact your admin if you don't see an appropriate template

### Step 3: Review Tasks

Review all tasks that will be created from the template:

* **Task Summary**: Shows total task count and breakdown by category
* **Task Categories**: Reconciliation, Reporting, Review, Approval
* **Add Custom Tasks**: Click "Add Custom Task" to add organization-specific tasks not in the template
* **Remove Custom Tasks**: You can remove any custom tasks you've added (template tasks cannot be removed)

**Custom Task Fields:**

* Task Name (required)
* Description (optional)
* Category (Reconciliation, Reporting, Review, Approval)

### Step 4: Assign Tasks

Assign each task to a staff member:

| Field           | Description                           | Required |
| --------------- | ------------------------------------- | -------- |
| **Assigned To** | Staff member responsible for the task | Yes      |
| **Due Date**    | Target completion date                | No       |
| **Notes**       | Additional instructions or context    | No       |

**Important:** All tasks must be assigned before you can proceed. A warning will appear if any tasks are unassigned.

### Step 5: Configure Dependencies (Optional)

Set up task dependencies to ensure tasks are completed in the proper order:

* Select which task each task depends on
* A task cannot start until its dependency is complete
* The system validates for circular dependencies (A → B → A)
* This step is optional and can be skipped

**Common Dependency Patterns:**

* Bank reconciliation → Cash position review
* AR/AP close → Trial balance review
* Journal entry review → Financial statement preparation

### Step 6: Confirm & Start

Review your complete setup before starting:

* **Period Summary**: Period type, dates, and name
* **Task Summary**: Total tasks, assigned count, dependency count
* **Validation Status**: Warnings if any issues detected
* **Ready to Start**: Green indicator when all requirements are met

Click **Start Close Period** to create the close period and all tasks.

## After Wizard Completion

Once the wizard completes:

1. You'll be redirected to the Close Period detail page
2. All tasks are created with status "Pending"
3. Assigned users receive notifications (if enabled)
4. The close period status is set to "Open"

## Saving Drafts

The wizard automatically saves your progress:

* Click **Save and Exit** at any time to save your draft
* Return to `/fa/close/setup` to resume your draft
* Drafts are saved for 30 days

## Troubleshooting

### "No checklist templates available"

Contact your administrator to create a checklist template for your organization.

### "User not found" in assignment dropdown

The staff member may not have the required role in your organization. Contact your admin to verify user access.

### Circular dependency detected

Review your dependency configuration. Task A cannot depend on Task B if Task B depends on Task A (directly or indirectly).

### Wizard doesn't load

Verify you have the `fa.close.create` permission. Contact your administrator if needed.

## Related Documentation

* [Financial Close Management Guide](./financial-close-management-guide.md)
* [Financial Close Management Admin Guide](./financial-close-management-admin.md)
* [FA Module Settings](./FA-MODULE-SETTINGS.md)