Frequently Asked Questions

Bookkeeping FAQs and info you should know as a client.

Communicaiton and education are important in ensuring we work together in your best interest to avoid costly mistakes.

 General Questions

  • Every small business does, especially if you don’t like doing it. It will save you time and money. But don’t take my word for it:

    “If bookkeeping is not your thing I highly, highly recommend getting a bookkeeper. As an accountant I have worked with small businesses getting ready for an audit. You will spend half as much for a regular bookkeeper than you will for someone to come in and straighten things out pre or post audit. You are not saving money by doing it yourself and avoiding it because you hate the process.”

    ~ Brandy Renee, Owner, Aloha Business Management Solutions

  • Hiring a virtual bookkeeper is more cost effective than hiring an in-house employee. By saving you time and money, virtual bookkeepers give you a way to reinvest in your business. The less time you spend doing your books, the more time you can spend with your clients and family.

  • No worries! I can help you with that. I provide catch-up bookkeeping during the onboarding process. I will give you an estimated cost and schedule a date for completion. The rate for catchup bookkeeping is reasonable for recurring clients.

  • I am a Quickbooks Certified Pro Advisor and use Quickbooks Online to complete monthly and quarterly bookkeeping services. I work with Quickbooks Simple Start, Essentials, Plus, and Advanced. If you have a current subscription, no need to get another subscription. If you do not currently have a subscription, I will help you get that set up and get you a discount on your subscription.

  • I am not a CPA — I am a bookkeeper who organizes your small business finances for you each month at a lower cost than most CPAs charge.

  • I do not provide any tax services. I prepare your financials so they’re organized and ready to give to your tax preparer when it’s time and I will work with them if they have any questions or need anything modified with your books.

 Bookkeeping Questions

  • Your business is unique and so are your bookkeeping needs. I will create a custom, fixed rate price for you so you’re not paying for services you don’t need.

  • Ideally, I will need access to your business' bank and credit card accounts to efficiently complete your monthly or quarterly bookkeeping. Many banks allow read-only access to bank accounts. This access helps to keep fees affordable and efficiency high. Bonus, I don’t have to bother you each month for statements.

  • If I don’t have access to your bank statements, I’ll need you to send those to me each month.

    When I have questions about your transactions, I’ll send you an email as early in the month as possible. Your timely response allows me to complete your books by the 15th of the month. Delayed responses lead to delayed reports.

  • Let me know if you:

    • Open a new bank account or credit card

    • Change banks

    • Get a new business, auto, or equipment loan

    • Accidentally pay a personal expense from your business account

    • Pay for a business expense with personal funds

  • My rates are based on the time it takes to complete your books and your QuickBooks subscription (if applicable). If your business or expenses increase, rates may increase. Your QuickBooks subscription price increasing can also trigger a rate increase.

    You will receive written (email) notice of any rate increase and the date it goes into effect. The rate will not increase without your permission.