Checklist for finalising an annual report

Producing an annual report is a huge job – there are so many details to co-ordinate. Before signing off a final draft, I always get the following items checked at least once, often using different people for specific list items so they can focus and are more likely to spot any errors.

Annual report checklist

• company data
  • ABN and similar numbers
  • phone number
  • address
  • online addresses
• logo is present and used according to the style guide
• contents page numbers
• spelling (especially company, people and product names)
• technical details (eg is it $36 per 100g or 100kg?)
• figures and data (eg financial tables, returns data)
• people in photos are named correctly
• labels on images are correct and with the appropriate image
• mandatory details are included (various industries have specific items that must be included)
• images and graphics are appropriate for the brand and ok to use (copyright, model permissions, etc)

THEN

• report flows from cover to cover (ie read every word in order)
• check everything fits correctly (eg remove orphans and align page breaks)

If all the above have been checked thoroughly, your annual report is correct and can be signed off ready for publication.

It’s easy to rush through this section because time is running out nad everyone’s a bit over the whole project by the end. However, it is such an important part of the process and needs to be carried out diligently (such as having multiple people involved).

When planning the annual report process, I always allow a week and preferably two weeks for the review. Not only does this reduce the rush, it gives me spare time if changes are required and a second review becomes necessary.

Do you have a checklist for finalising an annual report or similar large project? Do you involve multiple people in the review process?