FAQ’s
What kind of clients do you work with?
If this describes you, we’d probably work well together:
- You have a creative business and/or creative approach to business.
- You don’t have an in-house controller but you could benefit from a big picture view.
- Your annual revenue is less than 3 Million.
- You are really good at what you do but you are less comfortable with the financial aspect of your business.
- You and your team probably work on Macs and maybe you have an iphone.
- You love making a whopping profit but that’s not the only reason you are in business.
- You care about the experience of your employees and give them something to brag about when they talk to their friends.
- You want to be known for top notch business practices and excellent customer service.
- You want to give back to your community and know that your business is contributing to the greater good.
- Your business is growing and you want to make sure it stays on track without losing traction on the creative side of things.
- You are a visual learner and sometimes get a bit overwhelmed or even bored by number crunching.
- You want an advisor who can translate your business data in a way that makes sense and is useful.
How are you different from a CPA?
CPA’s focus on keeping you square with the IRS (i.e. keeping the “tax man” off your back!). The IRS primarily cares about one number at the end of your fiscal year. But as a business owner, there is so much more insight to glean from your accounting information than a single number!
I maintain a bird’s eye view of your accounting (and other aspects of your business) to help you manage your money and make better decisions. By taking a more holistic approach to viewing your financial statement, I can help you see patterns in your business and guide you in how to improve on those patterns. For instance, I’ll notice how your business fluctuates throughout the year and I’ll be able to tell you when it’s the best time to hire more help based on a 360 degree view of your business.
How are you different from a bookkeeper?
Bookkeepers typically focus on reconciling your bank account and make sure the information is available to send to your CPA. Bookkeepers are usually focused on the day-to-day of entering and organizing data. What I do is, make sure the data entered is accurate and recorded in the proper time period. I use the accurate information to provide clean financials for you, your banker, your CPA, and anyone else who needs them. I also see a lot more of the range of issues facing your business than your bookkeeper who is soley focused on number crunching. I work with you independently of the numbers to understand who you are and the values of your business and company culture. Then I use that to inform the way I look at your numbers.
How are you different from a business consultant?
A lot of business consultants focus on three things: your bottom line, your competition and their own formula for success.
When you work with me, I keep your bottom line and your competitors in mind, but I am also concerned with your goals as a business owner, what you personally value, and the culture of your business. I do not have a pre-existing plan that I implement with every client, instead I listen to you and find out where you want to take your business and support your goals.
Do you do taxes?
No, I’m not licensed to prepare taxes. I have a reasonable understanding of taxes, but I prefer to lean on CPA’s who keep up with the everchanging landscape. I focus on how to use your financials to run your business well; Uncle Sam’s rules have little to do with that!
Do you provide bookkeeping services?
I do bookkeeping for some of my clients, please see the “Additional Options” on my Services page. A lot of my clients have an administrative employee or contractor who enters the daily transactions into their accounting system. I review the work and provide correcting entries while mentoring the admin to help them expand their skillset.
Do you come to our office?
Yes, I’ll happily go to your Portland area office. Seeing your space, meeting your people, and feeling your culture enable me to do my job better. How often I’ll visit your office depends on the package and options you choose. I visit local clients at least once a quarter to review their financials, visual dashboard, goals, etc. Of course, if you prefer to meet via phone, web, or at the local coffee shop, that’s okay too.
Do you work with clients outside of the Portland Metro area?
Yes, I work with clients around the country. I do like to meet in person, if possible, but today’s technology will allow us to work via the internet and by phone easily and seamlessly. If you live outside of my local area, let’s talk by phone and see how we might collaborate on your business.
If we hire you can we fire our CPA and bookkeeper?
You *can* if you want to, but keep in mind I don’t do taxes and you’ll still need a CPA. I’m happy to work with your current bookkeeper or I can provide those services; the choice is yours. The bottom line: if you’re not happy with your current situation, I can help you figure out how to fix it.
What software do you use and do we need to purchase it too?
Most of my clients use QuickBooks, but I use PeachTree, MYOB, and Workamajig (formerly Creative Manager) too. I support these software packages, but don’t worry if you’re using something else. I haven’t met an accounting software I couldn’t learn.
I recommend you purchase at least one copy, so you always have a copy of your books on hand. I
provide my own tools, so you don’t need to worry about supplying anything for me.
I also recommend using www.myrealdata.com to host your accounting software, so we can all access and work on the files from anywhere (and it doesn’t matter that you’re on a mac!).
Do you work on a mac?
I do have a mac mini to support my clients with mac based accounting software and I own QuickBooks for Mac. I do most of my crunching on a pc in Microsoft Excel.
How much does it cost to work with you?
I offer several packages ranging from a diagnostic package to a full year of business guidance and accounting support as well as some hourly services. Go to my Services page to see the package details. I can also customize packages to meet your needs. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, give me a call (503-805-5645) or send me an Email. To receive a price list via email, complete the following form:
How can we get started?
When you are ready to get started you can contact me by phone (503-805-5645) or Email.