A better close calendar
The close becomes easier to manage when tasks follow their real dependencies.
Work backwards
Start with the date on which a reviewed reporting package is needed. Identify the schedules that depend on other schedules and assign each an owner. A calendar that lists everything on the final day is a deadline, not a plan.
Define ready for review
A completed schedule should reconcile to the ledger, include support for significant items and explain unresolved differences. Agree this definition before the reporting cycle. Otherwise a review meeting becomes a document collection exercise.
Learn from the cycle
After reporting, record which tasks caused rework and why. Missing information, unclear ownership and inconsistent templates require different fixes. Improve the next cycle by changing the process that produced the delay.