General Questions
1. What services do you offer?
We offer full service accounting besides tax returns. Payroll, business formations, QuickBooks accounting migrations, audit support, financial reviews, budgets, fractional CFO, forensic accounting, banking relationship, insurance relationships, work comp audits, on-site and/or remote services just to name a few.
2. What is the difference between bookkeeping and accounting?
In our world, accounting is strategic, and bookkeeping is tactical. Bookkeeping is a tool of accounting. You can’t have strong accounting without good bookkeeping, but just having good bookkeeping is only the first step of having strong accounting
3. Why do I need a bookkeeper/accountant?
Usually the answer comes down to time. Good accounting is foundational to a strong business that is positioned for sustainable growth. A function that important doesn’t fit in the “going it alone” category, especially when most business owners are so short of time. You need an accountant to get the job done right so you can focus on the parts of your business that you should be spending that precious time on.
4. What types of businesses do you work with?
We work with businesses that use money. All joking aside, we work with a wide variety of businesses and our team has a wealth of experience across countless industries. Even so, our first step is always to understand your business and what makes it unique and different. Only then are we prepared to move forward.
5. Do you offer services for individuals as well as businesses?
We provide accounting services only to business clients which includes Sole Proprietors, Partnerships, Single-Member LLCs, Multi-Member LLCs, S-Corps and C-Corps. We do not file or produce tax returns
Services and Processes
6. How do you ensure the accuracy of financial records?
We follow best practice and GAAP accounting. (generally accepted accounting practices)
7. What software do you use for bookkeeping/accounting?
We specialize in QuickBooks Pro Online and are a certified QBO provider
8. Can you help with tax preparation and filing?
While we don’t handle tax filing, we do provide thorough tax preparation support to ensure your financial records are accurate, organized, and ready for filing. We work closely with trusted referral partners or can collaborate directly with your existing tax professional, making the process seamless and stress-free.
9. Do you offer payroll services?
We do offer payroll services in the form of QuickBooks Payroll and ADP. We also work with all other platforms including Paychex, Paylocity, Gusto to name just a few.
10. How often will I receive financial reports?
We provide financial reporting typically on a quarterly basis but they are always ready upon request
Pricing and Payment
11. How do you charge for your services (hourly, fixed fee, etc.)?
We provide our services on an hourly basis outlined in our service agreement. We also provide flat rate fees for those that have special projects that are beyond the regular scope of work outlined in our service agreement.
12. What are your payment terms?
Our terms are due upon receipt which is typically within 5 business days.
13. Do you offer any discounts for long-term contracts?
We do not offer any discounts for long-term contracts.
14. What payment methods do you accept?
We accept ACH, check and soon, you can pay by credit card with a fee.
Client Support and Communication
15. How can I contact you if I have questions?
Phone, e-mail, text, pony express or carrier pidgeon. Seriously, we work with you to accommodate your best contact method. We work closely with our clients and your team manager typically responds within 24 hours of your request.
16. How quickly can I expect a response to my inquiries?
We work closely with our clients and your team manager typically responds within 24 hours of your request. In case of emergencies, a team member will respond within 3-4 hours.
17. Do you offer virtual/remote bookkeeping services?
Yes. We offer virtual/remote services that utilizes Teams, Zoom, Google Meet. Any platform you as the client prefer. We have clients in multiple states where it is strictly remote services.
18. Can you provide references from other clients?
Happily. You can also see some of our glowing reviews here.
Onboarding and Transition
19. How do I get started with your services?
We schedule a 1-2 hour discovery meeting. In this meeting, we conduct an open discussion, and ask a lot of questions, on what your current struggles are, what is most painful and stressful for you and what could be taken off your plate in order for you to concentrate on things you do best, which is probably not accounting.
20. What information and documents do you need from me to begin?
To better serve you, we typically ask for your prior year’s tax return and access to your current QBO instance through an “Accountant Firm Invite” through managed users in your QBO settings. We also typically discover important documents in our discovery meeting.
21. Can you help me transition from my current bookkeeper/accountant?
Yes, we work with you directly to ensure a smooth transition. Whether you choose to involve your previous bookkeeper or prefer to handle the process independently, we adapt to your needs and guide you every step of the way to make the transition as seamless as possible.
22. Is there a setup fee for new clients?
There are 2 types of “new clients”. One that is a new business and one that is an established business. Each one has a specific way we onboard. With an established business, we typically have a flat rate “get you caught up” fee and then it transitions to our hourly rate fee. With a brand new business, typically the setup is included with the discovery process and onboarding after which then transitions to our hourly rate once onboarding has been completed.
Compliance and Security
23. How do you handle confidential information?
In our standard engagement letter, we outline that we treat all aspects of our client relationships as confidential and will gladly provide or sign appropriate non-disclosure agreements if desired. We also utilize secure software with Multi-Factor Authentication with all of our clients as a standard practice.
24. What measures do you take to ensure data security?
We utilize secure software with Multi-Factor Authentication with all of our clients as a standard practice.
25. Are you compliant with all relevant tax laws and regulations?
We are registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State and are in good standing. We are compliant with all relevant tax laws and regulations. We are also insured with a Professional Liability policy to $2mm.
Specific Situations
26. Can you help me with IRS audits?
Yes. Our services include supporting the business in the event of any state or federal tax audits that may occur whether that is a Sales/Use tax audit from the state or an Income Tax Audit from the state or feds.
27. Do you offer advice on financial planning and budgeting?
Yes, we will work with you on the strategy of your accounting, not just the “bean counting”
28. Can you assist with business formation and structuring?
Absolutely. In fact, the earlier we are involved the smoother things will be for you as we have helped. setup multiple companies and help avoid the pitfalls that new owners tend to fall into without ever forming a company before
29. What should I do if I receive a notice from the IRS?
We have a secure method to scan and transfer any notification from the IRS you receive, and we should be notified as soon as possible in order to avoid any delays in response times or deadlines.
30. Can you help with sales tax and other state-specific tax requirements?
Yes. We have helped many companies through their Sales Tax requirements and other state-specific taxes.
Additional Services
31. Do you offer training for in-house bookkeeping?
We do offer training to our clients or simple support for your internal staff if you already have someone in-house and our not engaging us in our full services we provide.
32. Can you help with setting up and managing accounting software?
As Certified QuickBooks Pro-Advisors, there is no one better to engage in setting up your QBO account than CNumberz. We do have experience in setting up other accounting software packages as well in which we do that on a case by case basis.
33. Do you provide financial consulting services?
We are not financial advisors; however, we do or will have, an intimate knowledge of our business finances and help consult towards financial goals. We also work closely with your current financial advisor or have many referral partners that we work with to provide a well rounded financial plan.
34. What industries do you specialize in?
Accounting is accounting no matter what industry you are in. It is not 100% industry specific. 90% of all industry books are the same. The other 10% is something we learn as we develop our relationship together and learn about your specific industry if it happens to be one that we are unfamiliar with.
35. Can you help with grant and loan applications?
We do support and complete grant and loan applications. We gain the intimate knowledge of your business and books that help us quickly and efficiently complete such applications.