FAQs
We know you have questions – we have answers. And when we don't, we find someone who does.
Business & Personal
Do you help small businesses with their accounting?
Yes. Knowing and understanding your company's financial information is critical to your success. We can make sure it's accurate and timely. As a general rule of thumb, the books should be closed and financial statements ready for your review no later than two weeks after the end of the month.
Can you help us with our inventory?
If you're a manufacturer with work in process inventory, it can be a big black hole. Your accounting system should be set up to track and value inventory every step of the way, from raw materials to finished goods
Can you show us how to do a better job with cash flow?
Cash flow is critical to running your business. The three other components of Working Capital - Receivables, Payables and Inventory - are the drivers of cash flow. You should know at all times what your aged receivables look like, and have an effective process for collecting them once they're outside your terms. The key is shortening the cycle time from inventory procurement to sales to cash in the bank.
Should I pay my employees based on tenure or performance?
Long-term employees tend to move up the pay scale every year as you give raises. Eventually they may be earning more than a reasonable salary for their skill level. Using performance-based compensation may keep this from happening.
Can you help me decide what fringe benefits to offer?
Competitive fringe benefits can be the key to hiring and retaining good employees, but you have to be smart about the cost. Before you agree to offer healthcare insurance for example, you must set some boundaries around what you will pay and what the employee will pay. Once you've given something away it's very difficult to take it back.
Do I need a CFO?
The size of your company determines the level of sophistication you require from your employees. As a small business you probably can't afford - and don't need - a full-time Controller or a CFO, but you do need access to someone who has those skills. We can serve as a virtual CFO, managing your accounting staff and keeping your systems and processes efficient and effective.
Personal & Business
Do you work with individuals as well as businesses?
Our tax preparation and financial planning services are available to both businesses and individuals. In both cases we are looking for long-term relationships and the ability to help our clients throughout the year, not just at tax time.
When you say you offer personal financial planning, what exactly does that mean?
Let's start with what it doesn't mean. We don't sell stocks, or any other financial products such as insurance and annuities. We don't manage your investment portfolio. We can't draft wills or trusts, or legal contracts.
What it does include is an overview of your financial situation, and strategic recommendations for filling in the gaps. Once we have a plan of action, we collaborate with investment advisers, attorneys and other financial service professionals to put the plan into action.
Can you help me with retirement planning?
Planning for retirement starts many years ahead of time. What's most important is planning for sufficient after-tax cash flow to cover your needs and provide the lifestyle you want after the paychecks stop coming in. We use a number of tools to model your finances in retirement under multiple scenarios. We can help you with Roth IRA conversions, 401(k) rollovers, understanding Social Security and Medicare, choosing pension plan benefit options, and other decisions.
Do I need a trust?
You may not need a trust, but you do need a will. Trusts are used largely to avoid the probate process, which entails accounting to the local Probate Court, and those accounts may become public information. A will sets forth your wishes regarding distribution of your estate's assets. It also directs what will become of your minor children in the absence of both parents.
What kind of insurance do I need?
First and foremost, you and your family need health insurance. If you are the primary breadwinner you may need life insurance, which comes in a variety of types from term to permanent. You are more likely to become disabled than die, so disability insurance is a must. Long-term care insurance will cover the cost of your care in a nursing facility or at home when you can no longer take care of yourself.
What are powers of attorney?
Should you become incapacitated, a health care power of attorney designates an individual who can make critical healthcare decisions on your behalf. A durable power of attorney names someone to handle your financial affairs when you're not able to, due to diminishing health or incapacity.
Want to get started?
We are available and will get back to you quickly, unlike some of the "other guys".