Bookkeeping
Books that are current, reconciled, and good enough to borrow against. We take on monthly bookkeeping, clean up files that have fallen behind, set up new systems, and train the person who will be doing the entering. The point is that the numbers are ready when you need to make a decision, not three weeks after.
What a month looks like
Bookkeeping is the work nobody notices until it has not been done. Our aim is that you stop thinking about it, and that the numbers are there whenever you, your banker or your tax preparer need them.
Each month we:
- categorize every transaction
- reconcile the bank and credit card accounts to the statements
- record loan payments, payroll and the other entries the bank feed does not get right on its own
- close the month
You get a profit and loss statement and a balance sheet on a date you can plan around, and a short note on anything that looks out of line. If something needs a decision from you, we ask while it is still easy to answer, not at year end.
We work in whatever system you already use, so there is no need to switch software to work with us. Where a change would save you real time, we will say so and help you make it.
When the file has fallen behind
Most catch-up work starts the same way: a business that got busy, a bookkeeper who left, or a year of bank feeds nobody reviewed. It is common and it can be fixed.
We start by telling you how far behind the file is and what bringing it current will involve, before we begin. Then we work forward month by month, reconciling as we go, so that each month is right before the next one is built on top of it. If a tax return or a loan application is waiting on the books, we tell you which months matter first and do those first.
Setting up, and training whoever does the entering
For a new business, or one changing systems, we set up the chart of accounts, opening balances, bank feeds and payroll items, and close the first month properly so the months after it have something to match.
Some owners prefer to keep the day-to-day entering in house. In that case we can train the person doing it, review their work on a schedule, and handle the month-end entries and reconciliations ourselves. It is another way to get books you can rely on.
Why it pays for itself
Clean books show up in places you might not expect:
- Borrowing. Lenders ask for financial statements that tie to your tax returns. Books that already agree make a loan application faster and the conversation with the banker easier.
- Your tax return. A return prepared from reconciled books takes less time and is far less likely to draw questions.
- Selling or bringing in a partner. A buyer's first request is usually three years of financials. Books that hold up raise the price, and books that do not lower it.
- Sales tax. State sales tax returns have to agree with what your books say you sold. Reconciling the two each month avoids a painful correction later.
Our view is that a business which closes its books every month makes better decisions than one that closes them once a year, even if the year-end numbers are perfect. A correct number in March is not much use for a decision you had to make in July.
Questions about bookkeeping
How do I know if I need a bookkeeper? If you are behind on reconciling your accounts, if you are not sure whether the business made money last month, or if tax season starts with a search through receipts, it is time. So is any month where the books take you away from the work that brings in revenue.
Can you catch up books that are months or years behind? Yes. We tell you at the start how far behind the file is and what it will take, then work forward month by month until it is current.
Do I have to change accounting software? No. We work in the system you already use. If a change would save you time or money, we will explain why and help with the move.
What is the difference between bookkeeping and accounting? Bookkeeping records and reconciles the transactions. Accounting turns them into statements, tax returns and advice. We do both, which means the people keeping your books are the same people who will use them.
Wondering if professional bookkeeping is worth it? We’ll help you assess your needs and show you how accurate, timely records can save you time, reduce stress, and improve your decision-making.
Starting fresh or changing systems? We handle setting up the chart of accounts, matching opening balances, bank feeds, payroll items, and the first month closed properly so the months after it have something to match. We’ll ensure the bookkeeping processes are ready to support your goals from day one.
Small mistakes can lead to big problems. We design and implement internal controls that safeguard your assets, prevent errors, and keep your financial operations running with confidence.
Software and systems only work if your team knows how to use them. We can provide hands-on training and ongoing maintenance to keep your financial tools running smoothly and your staff confident in using them.
Guides and calculators for bookkeeping clients
Are you ready to build your legacy?
Whether it’s tax planning, bookkeeping, or business strategy, we’re here to help.