The October Financial Checkpoint: What Your Q3 Numbers Reveal About the Rest of Your Year

October isn’t just pumpkin spice season—it’s your financial checkpoint. For hospitality business owners, this month sits at the crossroads between the busy summer season and the holiday rush. It’s a natural pause—a moment to look back on what your numbers are telling you and plan your final financial push before year-end.

Whether you’re running a restaurant, café, food truck, or small retail shop, your Q3 financials reveal patterns that can make or break your final quarter. At Barmann Bookkeeping, we help Colorado and nationwide clients turn those numbers into strategy.

Here’s how to use October to your advantage.

1. Review Q3 Revenue vs. Expenses

The first step is simple: look at how your summer actually performed. Did your sales growth keep pace with your increased costs? Hospitality businesses often see higher revenues in Q3—but also higher food costs, utility bills, and overtime payroll.

Question: What if my revenue grew but profits didn’t?Answer: That’s your cue to dig deeper. Our Monthly Bookkeeping Services help identify which expense categories are eating into your margins and how to streamline them before the holiday season hits.

Pro Tip: Compare each quarter’s profit margin to last year’s. If your top-line revenue increased but profit margins stayed flat, you’re likely facing inefficiencies in labor or vendor pricing.

2. Evaluate Your Labor and Payroll Trends

Staffing levels fluctuate with the seasons, and October is your best opportunity to review payroll accuracy, overtime costs, and tip reporting.

Our Payroll Services are designed for hospitality businesses that handle complex wage structures, tipped employees, and seasonal staff. We ensure your data stays compliant and accurate before year-end reporting.

FAQ: Should I adjust staffing levels based on my Q3 data?Yes—if your labor costs exceeded 35–40% of revenue in Q3, it may be time to reforecast your holiday staffing plan.

3. Forecast Cash Flow for Q4

A strong holiday season doesn’t always mean strong cash flow. October is the perfect time to forecast your upcoming expenses and income to avoid surprises later.

In an Accounting Strategy Session, we can project your Q4 cash flow based on prior quarters, planned promotions, and inventory needs—so you know what’s coming before it happens.

External Tip: The Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center offers great local resources for financial planning and workshops for small business owners preparing for growth.

4. Check In on Outstanding Invoices and Vendor Payments

Before the year winds down, clear out any unpaid invoices and overdue vendor bills. These small cleanups make your Q4 reporting and tax filing infinitely smoother.

Our Catch-Up & Clean-Up Services can help you close the loop on outstanding accounts, reconcile discrepancies, and ensure every transaction is in place before December.

Question: Should I remind clients about unpaid invoices now or wait until November?Answer: Send reminders now. October is a less hectic month for most businesses, which means clients are more responsive—and your cash flow benefits sooner.

5. Turn Insights into Action

October isn’t just a month to reflect—it’s the time to act. Once your Q3 data is organized and accurate, you can make informed decisions like:

• Adjusting pricing or menu items based on cost trends

• Reforecasting payroll budgets

• Setting year-end tax preparation goals

• Planning for 2026 growth

A professional bookkeeper doesn’t just keep your books tidy—they turn your data into direction.

Your Q3 financials tell a story. October is when you read it.

By analyzing your summer results, tightening your operations, and preparing for the holiday season now, you can finish the year with clarity and confidence.

Don’t wait until tax season to find out what went wrong—or what went right. Schedule your free consultation with Barmann Bookkeeping today, and let Averil help you translate your numbers into next steps.