Do you prepare/file income tax returns?
While I have some knowledge of preparing income tax returns, I usually do not prepare them. But I am available to review and correct your accounting records before you present them to your tax preparer.
Do you go to your client’s offices?
While I work with most of my clients remotely, I do visit some of my clients on a regular or as needed basis. (With Covid-19 I am limiting office visits.)
How do you charge, by the project or by the hour?
I have an hourly rate range but prefer to charge a value price. This could be for a project or regular monthly services.
What geographical areas do you serve?
With QuickBooks Online and Zoom I can help business owners anywhere in the United States. If office visits are needed, let's discuss this.
What do I need to have prepared before meeting with you?
• Decide what it is you wish to accomplish or what pain point you wish to relieve.
• If you’re replacing an existing accountant/bookkeeper, we want to know everything that person is doing, plus any additional tasks needed, and why you want to make the change.
• If someone has a shoebox, or bank statements, items would have to be somewhat categorized so there would be few questions needed.
• For a new business, have everything about the new business available.
What does it look like to work with you?
• Consultation – First we discuss your business, what it looks like now from a financial viewpoint and what do you want it to look like. What are your pain points? What are your dreams and goals? What you want to do and what do you want to outsource?
• Proposal – Once we reach an agreement, I find your best QB option or look at what you are using and prepare a proposal. This outlines what you have decided to outsource. In most cases a regular monthly fee would be quoted, with additional fees for QB and company set up or prior period entry and/or corrections. With QBO I can offer software with a cost that’s included in the monthly fee.
• Engagement Letter – The engagement letter spells out the outsourced tasks, along with language about what we will and will not do, what we need from you, the terms of the engagement, and the fees outlined in the proposal. There is a retainer required with the signed engagement letter.
• Next step would include set up and/or review of accounting records with consultation to make sure everything is as you expected.
If this is a one-time project, it would be finished in a timely manner
If this is an ongoing engagement, periodic review would occur as well as training where needed.
Is it possible to convert to QuickBooks Online from software other than QuickBooks Desktop?
QuickBooks Desktop converts directly to QuickBooks Online, but there are applications available to convert any software where the information can be exported to excel.
Why are financial statements important?
• Financial statements, as a concise picture of the financial condition of a company, help business owners make business decisions. Accurate financial statements make this possible.
• They are used by bankers and suppliers to determine advisability of extending credit.
• They are used by potential investors and government agencies (IRS, etc).
What is the difference between a bookkeeper, accountant and CPA/EA?
A bookkeeper is responsible for recording daily financial transactions, including purchases, receipts, sales and payments.
An accountant is responsible for interpreting, classifying, analyzing, reporting and summarizing financial data and has more education and experience than a bookkeeper.
A CPA – Certified Public Accountants are licensed by their home state (with education and testing requirements), usually prepare tax returns and handle complex accounting issues.
EA – Enrolled Agents have passed an IRS test to submit tax returns and can represent their clients in dealings with the IRS.
I have a bookkeeper and CPA, why would I need your services?
Bookkeepers are primarily data entry clerks. CPAs are licensed by their state and charge more. In between are accountants, with more education and experience than a bookkeeper, but lower fees than a CPA. Having an accountant review what your bookkeeper has done, suggest ways to improve your systems, and show you how to read your financial statements can be a good investment.
Do you process payroll?
While I do process payroll for a few clients whose books I also manage, that is not a primary service I provide. I do, however, have a great relationship with a payroll processor in my networking group.
Can you help develop policies and procedures to keep us in compliance with accounting and tax standards?
Yes, I have prepared Policies and Procedures to comply with accounting standards, tax laws, and protect the company assets.
Do you support accounting software other than QuickBooks Online?
I support QuickBooks Online and can support QuickBooks Desktop where QuickBooks Online is not appropriate.
What sets you apart from other accountants?
My ability to see the entire picture quickly and think outside the box set me apart from other accountants. Also, I:
• Have the ability to quickly see how everything fits together
• Have education and experience to provide excellent service
• Am not afraid to say I don’t know everything, but can find answers where needed
• Am creative and love to solve puzzles
• Have an organized and analytical mind
• And listen to my clients
