Frequently Asked Questions

+ What is a virtual accounting firm?

A virtual firm provides individuals and small businesses with access to valuable expertise and services without hiring an onsite accountant or bookkeeper to do their accounting and taxes. Virtual services are offered remotely, using technology to securely access and review financial information, generate reports, and offer recommendations. This reduces travel time for face-to-face meetings and helps you keep costs down.

Small business owners appreciate the flexibility and cost-efficiency of virtual accounting and bookkeeping. There are several payment options, including monthly or quarterly retainers, project-based fees, and pay-as-you-go services. You also have the option to add or remove services based on current business need to maximize cost-efficiency. If your business grows and it’s time to hire a full-time accountant or CFO, or you’re thinking about selling the company, we can help you navigate these transitions as well.

Keep in mind that virtual services are not intended to replace live communication. We’re always available by phone or email. We believe in ongoing communication with every client, regardless of how services are provided.

There are several ways we can provide virtual accounting and bookkeeping services using QuickBooks Online.

You can securely send or share your financial information, which we can enter into QuickBooks.

You can provide us with login credentials so we can safely access to your bank accounts, credit card accounts, and other financial information.

You can allow us to remotely log onto your computer or network servers so we can securely access your financial information.

We provide virtual tax services using a secure DropBox to share files with our clients. Tax forms are prepared using information submitted by clients and returned electronically to clients for review and electronic signature.

+ What online tools do you use?

We utilize, and are certified in, QuickBooks Online for accounting and bookkeeping services. Other programs used are Tax Dome for secure transfer of documents with clients, and Bill.com for Accounts Payable Management. Taxes are filed online using our professional tax software.

+ Do you have a digital security plan?

We ensure all data on our network is protected, all connections with our clients are secure and encrypted, and all compliance requirements are being satisfied. We use two-factor authentication to minimize the risk of stolen credentials and strongly recommend that all our clients take similar steps to secure their data assets.

+ What is the benefit of outsourcing your accounting?

Simple! You can’t afford not to. It allows you to focus on the parts of your business that bring you money, that you love, and truly lets you be the visionary of your business. We make sure you're up to date on your numbers and give you snapshots, highlights, and insights as to how your business is doing. You will be empowered and excited to get these reports as you strive to beat your own profit goals and continue to improve your business. No more sleepless nights worrying that your books are a mess.

+ Why should I outsource this function to a contractor versus just hiring a full-time employee?

That’s also simple! By hiring an outside contractor your in-house staff needs will be reduced, so you will reduce associated employee costs such as payroll taxes, employee benefits, training time and expense, equipment and software costs, and employee management costs. Our contracted services will cost far less than hiring a full-time staff year-round. Plus our fees are tax deductible! We can walk through the estimated cost savings during your free consultation.

+ What sets your outsourced accounting function apart?

Passion.

I am an online entrepreneur myself. I understand your systems, your struggles, and your drive. I believe in the limitless potential of your business. I'm here to help your business thrive because I believe numbers are your road map to success.

Professionalism.

I am a licensed CPA with years of accounting and financial reporting experience under my belt. I can guide you along the way to make smart financial and tax moves so you’re ready for year-end reporting. Further, since I am a CPA I can also prepare your income taxes.

Got questions on how to register your business, how to do your accounting and bookkeeping, pay estimated tax payments, what you can write off, and what to do when you hire help? I've got the answers.

Productivity.

We are fast and efficient. We are great with systems and can show you your income by revenue stream. You will receive timely reports with useful detail, not just some sloppy data that doesn't make sense to you.

+ Is my business too small for a bookkeeper?

No way! If you're serious about your business, you'll take the numbers seriously. Tracking your sales, costs, and profits is how you make smart business decisions and reach your goals.You may be small today, but with our insight and your ability to focus clearly on the growth of your business, you will grow.

+ My books are a mess, do I need to do any work before becoming a client?

No, you don't. We understand this isn't your forte, and we take it off your hands.

Part of our on-boarding process is to get you set up with clean books from either the first day of business or the first day of the current year, whichever you prefer.

This is a new client incentive and is discounted.

+ Do I need bookkeeping software?

You don't need to have it already. If you do, we will usually work with it to avoid too many changes.

Sometimes it's easier to start with a clean slate, so don't fret if you don't have it yet. We will guide you as to the best fit for your needs and help you get set up.

Our preferred software is QuickBooks Online. However, we can work with other software as well. All our work is performed virtually so if you are using a desktop version and do not wish to change to online, then unfortunately we are not the firm for you.

You can choose to either pay for the software directly, or we will add it to our monthly fee as reimbursement. If added to our monthly fee you will receive a discount from QuickBooks Online.

+ What do I need to provide you with in order to handle my books?

We request online access to banks, credit cards, PayPal (or other similar platforms you use), and your invoicing system (if separate). Almost all of these allow a read-only accountant log in and we will help you figure out how to set one up so your data is secure. This allows us to work efficiently and avoid bothering you for data requests or more information that can be found within these banks/platforms.

+ What can I expect from my monthly bookkeeping services?

Once your books have been set up, we maintain them monthly. After the month ends, we will pull your reports and categorize your transactions. You will receive one e-mail of questions/clarifications where needed and once those questions are answered, depending on the package selected, you'll receive your report with highlights of what the numbers are telling you.

This entire process is usually complete by the second week of the month.

+ What about the cost?

You're likely to save more than our services cost. Your in-house staff needs will be reduced, so you will reduce associated employee costs such as payroll taxes, employee benefits, training time and expense, equipment and software costs, and employee management costs.

Best of all, your bookkeeping and accounting functions will be taken care of, so you can concentrate on running your business. Contact us for an estimate of the cost savings for your business. Our base monthly packages vary based on your complexities and needs.

When we work together to implement good systems that allow us to deliver high quality, accurate data, most of our clients fall into this minimum.

If you need your books caught up, there will be a one-time set up fee.

You are billed on the 1st of the month on an auto-pay subscription and we accept PayPal or ACH.

+ Is there a set number of months I have to commit to for accounting services?

We start with a 3-month contract and then we convert to a month-to-month engagement. You can upgrade or downgrade packages with a 30-day notice. If you need catch-up work or need to clean up your books, we charge a separate upfront fee. Sign up today to set up a no-obligation consultation. We’ll go through your accounts and let you know the final pricing before you commit to anything.