Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does a bookkeeper do?

A bookkeeper organizes and compiles your financial data, making sure everything is accurate and up to date. Beyond just data entry, a good bookkeeper helps you understand the numbers — from identifying cost-saving opportunities to reviewing reports that show how profitable your business really is. Many also handle compliance tasks like sales tax calculations and submissions, giving you peace of mind and more time to focus on running your business.

How is bookkeeping different from accounting or tax preparation?

Bookkeeping is the foundation — it’s the daily, weekly, and monthly tracking of your income, expenses, and financial transactions. Accountants and tax preparers rely on accurate books to file returns and give tax advice. Think of bookkeeping as the maintenance your business needs to stay financially healthy. Without it, tax prep becomes guesswork. We don’t offer tax services, but we work closely with your CPA or tax professional to make sure they get clean, complete financials.

Do you offer tax services?

No — we don’t file taxes or offer tax advice. But we do make tax time easier by keeping your books accurate and organized all year long. When it’s time to file, your CPA will have everything they need without chasing down missing info or fixing errors. We’re happy to work directly with them so you don’t have to play middleman.

What bookkeeping software do you use? Can I keep my current setup?

We work with both QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online. If you’re using QuickBooks Desktop, we offer secure remote hosting so we can continue supporting you from anywhere. If you’re already set up in either version, there’s no need to change — we’ll meet you where you are, with the exception of QBD requiring remote access.

Can you help me clean up past bookkeeping that hasn’t been done correctly?

Absolutely — we love a good cleanup! Whether things have fallen behind or just don’t look quite right, we dig in, sort it out, and get your books back on track. Clean, accurate books make everything else — from decision-making to tax filing — so much easier.

Do I still need a bookkeeper if I use QuickBooks Online?

Yes — QuickBooks is a great tool, but it’s just that: a tool. It still takes a human eye to review and interpret the data, catch errors, and make sure things are categorized properly. The automated suggestions can be helpful, but they’re not always accurate. We make sure your financials actually reflect what’s going on in your business.

How often will my books be updated?

That depends on your package. We offer weekly, monthly, or quarterly services depending on your business needs. We’ll work with you to find the right rhythm so your books stay up to date and useful year-round.

What types of businesses do you specialize in?

We specialize in working with small business owners — especially real estate professionals, real estate investors, trades businesses, and restaurants. Each of these industries has unique needs, and we understand the day-to-day realities that impact your finances. We tailor our approach to make sure your books reflect how your business actually runs.

How do you price your services?

Our pricing is based on the level of support your business needs. Factors like transaction volume, number of accounts, and the complexity of your operations all play a part. We offer flat-rate monthly packages, so you’ll always know what to expect — no hourly billing surprises.

Is there a minimum monthly fee or contract commitment?

Yes, we have a minimum monthly fee based on your selected package. We don’t lock you into long-term contracts, but we do ask for 30 days’ notice if you ever need to make changes. We aim to build long-term partnerships, not just complete tasks — and that starts with clear expectations.

What information do you need from me to get started?

To get started, we’ll need a few key documents: your formation paperwork, EIN letter, operating agreement (if applicable), last year’s tax return, bank and credit card statements, and access to any accounting or POS systems you use. Don’t worry — we’ll send a checklist to guide you through it.

How do we communicate and share documents?

We keep it simple and secure. We use platforms like Content Snare for document collection and clear communication. You’ll always know what we need, and you’ll have a place to send things safely. For regular updates or questions, we’re available via email, and we schedule calls when needed.

Will I still have access to my QuickBooks account?

Yes, 100%. You’ll always have full access to your QuickBooks account. It’s your data — we’re just here to help you manage it and make it useful.

Can you help me understand my financial reports?

Yes — and we believe that’s one of the most important parts of what we do. We can walk you through the reports so you understand what the numbers actually mean. Our goal is to help you feel confident using your financials to make decisions, not overwhelmed by them.

Do you offer any training or support if I want to do some of the bookkeeping myself?

We do! If you’re interested in learning how to handle parts of your bookkeeping in-house, we can provide guidance, training, or help you build a system that makes sense for your workflow.

Do you have experience with real estate agents or investors?

Yes — we’ve worked with both agents and investors and understand the unique nature of commission income, property tracking, and how to organize finances for real estate. Whether you’re managing listings, rental income, flips, or referral commissions, we’ll help you keep it all clean and compliant.

How do you handle job costing for trades businesses?

We can track job costs in a way that gives you a clear picture of how profitable each job really is. From materials and subcontractors to labor and equipment, we help you capture the full picture.

Do you understand commission-based income and expense tracking for real estate?

Yes — we know how important it is for agents to track income accurately, especially when commissions vary month to month. We also help categorize expenses correctly, so you’re ready for tax time and can understand your real net income, not just what hit your account.

How long does onboarding take?

Onboarding typically takes about 2 to 3 weeks, depending on how quickly we receive your documents and account access. We’ll guide you through every step to keep it simple, and once we’re set up, we can dive right into cleaning up or maintaining your books.

Can you work with my previous bookkeeper or accountant?

Yes — we’re happy to coordinate with your previous bookkeeper or accountant to make the transition smooth. Whether it’s handing off reports, clarifying past entries, or reviewing previous work, we’ll make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

What if my books are a mess — is it too late to fix them?

It’s never too late. We’ve seen just about everything — missing entries, uncategorized expenses, years without reconciliation — and we’re not here to judge. We’ll assess the situation, make a plan, and get your books back in shape so you can move forward with clarity.

Do you help with past years’ catch-up work?

Yes, we do. Catch-up work is often the first step before we move into ongoing support. Whether you’re behind a few months or a few years, we’ll roll up our sleeves and get things current. Once you’re caught up, we’ll keep you from falling behind again.