1. Why should I outsource my in-house bookkeeping functions?
There are three ways
a business owner gets something done: does it herself, hires an employee, or outsources
it. An effective business owner reserves specific tasks that only he can do and
delegates the rest to employees or outsourced professionals. Finding an experienced
knowledgeable bookkeeper can be a challenge – that's where we can help.
2. What services do you provide?
We talk about this under the "What we do" tab but in summary, we provide
premier "old-school" bookkeeping services to businesses who prefer to outsource
the bookkeeping function, businesses who have a hard time staffing their bookkeeping
department with adequately trained staff (i.e.: construction and manufacturing companies)
and high wealth individuals. We also provide full "write-up" services for CPA offices.
3. Are you licensed by any professional organizations?
We are certified
by the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) and the American
Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). Our staff also includes QuickBooks
ProAdvisors and Certified QB Users. Each of those organizations requires continuing
professional education and established ethical and professional behavior standards.
4. What kind of QuickBooks consulting do you provide?
We have been QuickBooks
ProAdvisors since 2002 and have worked with clients in every industry. Working one-on-one
with our clients allows us to provide customized and immediate feedback. Each client
has specific needs and goals and we can quickly and efficiently show them ways to
make the software work perfectly for them.
5. Who is doing the work?
A handful of accountants, bankers and bookkeepers,
all with years of business experience, are devoted to providing the tools our clients
need to manage their businesses effectively. We live all across the United States
and thanks to technology, that works perfectly for us. All employees go through
extensive bookkeeping, software, and customer service training. All client emails
are copied to the managing partner to make sure clients are receiving clear and
accurate information. Accounting records are reviewed at the partner level
each processing period. Our relationship with our clients is our most important
asset and our sincere goal is to provide our clients the information they need to
succeed.
6. Do you replace my CPA?
NO WAY!
We work with our clients' CPAs to make their jobs easier. CPAs specialize in strategic
planning and other valuable services. Unfortunately, many CPAs (and EAs and other
tax preparers) are forced to spend budgeted tax preparation dollars doing remedial
bookkeeping to get the records in shape to prepare a tax return. It's not good math
- they are expensive bookkeepers – and it doesn't provide their clients maximum
value. Our clients report substantially reduced tax preparation bills and feel that
they get more value from their tax preparers when they meet because they have reliable
and timely financial data.
7. What software do you use?
We use QuickBooks for all of our clients. Some
clients maintain their own QB file, sending us an Accountant's Review each month.
Some clients using a QB hosting service; some clients are content to let us maintain
the file. Some clients use QB Online and we support clients who use QB for Mac via remote access. We work to find the most effective solution
for each client.
8. What does it cost?
We work with our clients to find a mutually agreeable
flat fee for our services, readdressed every three months, and paid in advance.
Flat fees allow us the freedom to provide premium service without the yoke of an
hourly billing rate and they allow our clients to anticipate and control their costs.
Working on retainer means we can concentrate on providing value to our clients and
not worry about collections.
9. Are you bonded and insured?
Of course. We take our responsibility to you very seriously.
10. How is your service cheaper than what I have now?
Because we specialize, we've developed systems that create maximum efficiency. Additionally, because your records will now be digitized, you'll save money in storage and retrieval costs.
11. I am a super small business and I don't need monthly financial reports – can you
help me on a quarterly or even semi-annual basis?
You bet! Many clients
do not need monthly reports but prefer to have quarterly reports, in large part
to determine estimated tax payment requirements. We are a service firm and provide
the services our clients need. If you have a special request, just ask!
12. How do I get the work you've done back?
For clients who maintain their own QuickBooks file, we export
changes to their file via an Accountant’s Review or dial into their systems to
make any adjustments. Some clients host their files with a third party, which allows
authorized users to access the file from any internet connection, and we can post
the adjustments into the live file. For everyone else, we maintain a secure QuickBooks
file in-house and provide digital copies of all the data at the end of the month.
Each client has different needs and requirements and our goal is to provide precisely
what they need with unsurpassed expertise and professionalism, enthusiasm and innovation.
13. I understand the appeal of going paperless and avoiding the document storage
problem but what if I'm audited?
Digital records are perfectly acceptable
in an audit. The files we return to you are bookmarked in a logical, easy to follow
system so you can quickly find the documents you need. In fact, having everything
in one easily searchable location is probably MORE effective in an audit than stacks
of moldy paper in a warehouse.
14. What does “Paperless Bookkeeping” mean?
We convert all of the bookkeeping
data to digital files so now one month's worth of invoices, bills, checks, payroll
returns, sales tax returns, fixed asset purchases, and financial reports fits on
one CD rather than in boxes in storage.Clients email/fax/overnight their documents to us so we can organize everything in one simple to use location.Ask about our special archive rates to convert
your prior data to digital format.
15. When can I access my information?
Your secure portal is available 24/7,365 days a year. We establish an expected turnaround for processing with each client
depending on the number of transactions and other specifics to the engagement so
you will know exactly when to expect each month's data.
16. How secure is my data?
Data is stored on remotely in a secure facility with redundant power, HVAC, fire suppression,
network connectivity and security. We also use 256-bit SSL (secure socket layer) encryption,
which is the same encryption and validation technology used by banks. A complete set of
backup documents is provided to clients each month for download to a secure location at
their site so a complete set of records is available for reference.
17. Do you prepare Forms 1099 for my subcontractors at year end?
Yes we do!
18. Do you offer payroll services?
Yes we do! in partnership with PayCycle,
the number one rated payroll service in the world.
19. I have a question that isn't answered here
Call or email us! We're happy to answer any questions you have.