How can I find someone cheap and reliable to help me set up my accounting properly?
We are in full start up mode and the receipts and expenses are starting to pile up. I keep saying I will get to it this weekend, but it is becoming obvious that it isn't happening. I need help, but I don't have the time to find it. What have you done?
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Feb 5, 2014
Hi Matt,
Identifying your companies financial needs would be the first step. When shopping for an accountant be "honest" about your financial situation. When we meet with potential clients we like to know what you can afford and your companies true financial position. We can better serve you when all the cards on the table.
Finally, a boutique firm may be the answer. We are a small firm that focuses on individuals needs not the bottom line. By working with a smaller firm you receive personalized service, affordability, and a chance to get organized with your companies finances.
If you need assistance contact us for a free consultation.
Feb 12, 2013
I hear this question all the time. My answer is the same. Pay once to have it done right. Only pay for the time you need someone. Don't pay for water cooler talk or office space if you don't have to. Parse the work to experts. Small companies need experts that are good at what they do - but only for a short period. Experts know how to integrate your accounting / banking / taxes / processes / payroll etc. to minimize expenses and keep your books as real time as possible. They will give you a quick read on your financials monthly and ensure that your financials drop into your tax returns saving you money at year end. Keep your company objective in mind as it relates to managing your financials (growing = need funding, selling = due dilligence and processes, etc.). Good for you to be at this stage. Congrats!
Jan 5, 2013
When it come to accounting, it would be best to invest in it by hiring someone than delegate the task away as cost effective. If saving cost is the way to go then you can outsource or offer out contractual agreements by using numerous freelance sites via Google search or event on Mosaic you will be able to find numerous professionals willing to take the offer to assist in your needs.
Dec 25, 2012
This first six words of your question are the best predictor that your business is on the road to disaster. Rethink your value proposition. You should be looking for someone who provides quality at a reasonable price.
Dec 20, 2012
If you try to go too cheap on bookkeeping, you will find problems arise later when you need to do your Tax Return (and VAT Returns, if you are registered). Better to spend a sensible amount of money on someone to take this job off your hands. Money spent wisely releases your time to make more money,
Dec 20, 2012
Cheap and reliable do not go together. Additionally, not using a CPA (and one who understands your industry) can lead to more work later for small savings in the short-term. Do not use a data entry person, intern, inexperienced bookkeeper, etc. Do not go by hourly rates, as you are looking for efficiency and effectiveness, not someone who will take up your valuable time.
Do not use a system that is not integrated and comprehensive. QuickBooks Online, Wave and Xero are great places to start (likely in that order). QuickBooks is still the gold standard and is the most comprehensive.
For those who suggest using an excel sheet or software that is not a true accounting package, I would say beware. This will cost you time, and money in the long run. As far as terms, as I tell my clients, you are in business and you need to have a working knowledge. You can check out our blog post on the Wave Accounting blog, specifically item #5 https://www.waveapps.com/blog/5-ways-accounting-helps-your-small-business-generate-profit/.
You say that you are in full startup mode. If you are truly a startup, there are a number of important considerations which you cannot decide on after the fact.
Our firm, Azran Financial, www.AzranFinancial.com, are experts in working with entrepreneurs and startups. We work with companies from inception to exit, and add value throughout the process through our extensive resource networks. We can work with you through the initial setup, and we provide outsourced accounting services to startups and middle market businesses. Therefore the work gets done once, and it gets done right. Contact us if you have any questions, as our initial consultations are free.
Dec 20, 2012
Get training on quickbooks and hire an accounting intern from the local college to enter the data .Then hire a CPA firm to review .Our firm does accounting remotely thru quick books from anywhere Catalano,Caboor & co. 630-261-0550
Dec 20, 2012
I am a CPA who has been working with a variety of start-up companies in northern California for over 12 years. I can meet with you for a free consultation to help you determine your needs. I can also do the setup and high-level accounting and tax work and refer you to a bookkeeper for posting your sales and expenses. This is the best way to get the bookkeeping and accounting done and keeps the costs to a minimum. Please let me know if I can be of assistance.
Dec 19, 2012
Depending on where you are the best way to find a bookkeeper is to post your requirements on mineeds.com. They will post your requirements to accountants and bookkeepers in you immediate area at no cost to you and you will have a chance to review several responding bookkeeping and accounting firms responses. We offer accounting and bookkeeping services using either Xero or an Excel spreadsheet program we've developed that i can share with you that many new businesses find much easier to work with. bob@sonorancorp.com
Dec 18, 2012
Matt,
The good news is that QuickBooks is ubiquitous and designed to be non-accountant friendly. The bad news is that almost every client of mine has come to me with a QuickBooks account that they set up and threw stuff into but never reconciled or looked at once they made entries. The result is useless information.
I'd suggest spending $100/month on a bookkeeper's service. That will get you 4 hrs @ $25/hr, which should be more than enough to enter everything into QuickBooks, create expense reports if you have expenses that need to be reimbursed, etc.
Dec 17, 2012
We can do it for you.
Rakesh Sud
Coordinator- UNCTAD- Empretec Programme for India
Chartered and Cost Accountant, Passed CISA, CISSP, DISA
BA Eco Hons (Stephens, Delhi Univ), Doing Phd in Management at AMU (AIMA)
Director-Acharya Center For Management Consultancy(ACMC).
dir.acmc@acharyaims.ac.in
sud.rakesh@gmail.com
Mobile 91 9535159757.
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Bangalore - Karnataka- India
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Dec 16, 2012
Is QuickBooks driving you nuts ? Are you behind on your bookkeeping ? Is your CPA/Accountant refusing to work on your tax returns, until you straighten out your books ?
Do not worry, we are helping clients remotely to resolve such type of problems. We can help you if you have a Desktop or Online Version of QuickBooks.. It does not matter where you are. Actually, if you do not have
QuickBooks, you do not have to buy it. We can set up your QuickBooks company file on our computer system and send you reports and the electronic file to your CPA/Accountant.
Dec 15, 2012
use google to find someone very local who does book keeping services,they can visit you, do the work, you can pay them by the hour, a bit like having an employee but without the hassle
Dec 15, 2012
Try www.waveaccounting.com. Its amazingly simple and free for a startup. It's amazing and very easy to use.
Dec 15, 2012
I don't know if cheap is reasonable as it is one step above free.
I would gather my receipts, set up a spreadsheet of your expenses and income. Organize your documents as clearly as you can, aligned with your spreadsheet, then research CPAs, Tax specialists and ask the question about setting up your system.
If you demonstrate yourself as an organized business owner, you stand a very good chance of acquiring the resource your need at a price you can afford.
Set aside a budget for the service to illustrate that you are in earnest. If you want good work, you cannot devalue the provider by thinking 'cheap'.
In my experience, following the same advice I share with you today, Matt, my tax accountant recommended Quickbooks and Sage accounting software. As a result, although I set up my own system, my accountant charges my business a reasonable fee on my taxes.
Another business owner I know said, learning the mechanics of specific tasks contributes to you becoming a much better business owner because you appreciate the amount of time, skills and materials required. It also helps you budget your resources to attract the systems and talent you need to help you.
So that pile that growing...make the commitment to address it. It's your business and if you cannot do the small stuff, you will never be adept at handling the big projects and experienced business owners will see that and not be inclined to work with you or your company.
Hope this helps.
Dec 14, 2012
Hi Matt. It's quite sensible to find an accountant if you think your accounts are a mess.
But that would be expensive. If you are alright with it, please go ahead.
But in the long run, if you think you are upto managing your bookkeeping and invoicing yourself, or a member of your startup, you can check out this software. www.handdy.com
1. It is designed to help non-accountant business people manage their bookkeeping and invoicing themselves
2. Major benefit is that it does not have a lot of accounting terms. Eg. instead of accounts receivable and payable, it uses terms like "money in", "money out". Instead of debtor. creditor, it uses paid to, and received from. and so on. So, as much as possible, complex accounting terms have been avoided
3. The apps are available for free. No credit card details required to register.
4. Hosted on Google cloud. So no need to worry about security.
Check this out when you have the time. Other software might be too expensive or just too complex. This one is an easier way to manage your bookkeeping and invoicing without having to spend a fortune. It's free anyway so you can test it before using it for real. All the best!
Excellent recommendation, Sarah.