Frequently Asked Questions

Diagnostic Reviews

What is a bookkeeping diagnostic review?

A diagnostic review takes a close look at your books to identify errors, inconsistencies, missing information, and areas that need attention. You’ll get a clear picture of what’s working and what needs to be fixed.

How do I know if I need a diagnostic review?

If your financial reports don’t make sense, accounts aren’t reconciling, or you don’t trust your numbers, a diagnostic review can uncover what’s going on.

What does the review include?

I review key areas of your bookkeeping, including account balances, reconciliations, income and expenses, and other areas that may impact the accuracy of your financial statements.

Will you fix the problems you find?

The diagnostic review identifies the issues and provides a recommended path forward. If cleanup is needed, we can move into a separate cleanup engagement.

What will I receive?

You’ll receive a clear understanding of the condition of your books, the issues that need attention, and recommended next steps.

Diagnostic Reviews

What is bookkeeping cleanup?

Cleanup brings disorganized, inaccurate, or outdated books back into order. I identify and correct errors so your financial statements provide a reliable picture of your business.

How do I know if I need cleanup?

If your books are behind, accounts aren’t reconciled, transactions are miscategorized, or your financial reports don’t make sense, cleanup may be needed.

Can you clean up books another bookkeeper worked on?

Yes. I can review your existing books, identify problems, and make the necessary corrections without judgment.

How long does cleanup take?

Every cleanup is different. The timeline depends on how far behind the books are, the number of accounts and transactions, and the complexity of the corrections needed.

What happens after cleanup?

Once your books are accurate and current, ongoing bookkeeping can help keep them that way and prevent the same issues from building up again.

Regular Bookkeeping

What does regular bookkeeping include?

Regular bookkeeping keeps your financial records accurate and current through transaction categorization, account reconciliation, financial statement review, and other essential bookkeeping tasks.

How often should my books be updated?

Most businesses benefit from monthly bookkeeping. Staying current gives you timely information and helps identify issues before they become bigger problems.

Do you work with real estate investors?

Yes. I understand the unique bookkeeping needs of real estate investors, including property-specific expenses, renovations, loans, purchases, sales, and other real estate transactions.

Do you work with service-based businesses?

Yes. I work with service-based businesses that want accurate books, better financial visibility, and a clearer understanding of their cash flow and profitability.

Will you explain my financial reports?

Absolutely. I don't believe your financial statements should just be reports you receive and file away. I'll help you understand what your numbers are telling you.

Nonprofit Bookkeeping

Why is bookkeeping important for a nonprofit?

Accurate bookkeeping helps nonprofits track funds, maintain financial accountability, and provide clear financial information to boards, donors, and other stakeholders.

Is nonprofit bookkeeping different from business bookkeeping?

Yes. Nonprofits have unique accounting needs, including tracking restricted and unrestricted funds, donations, grants, and program-related expenses.

Can you track restricted and unrestricted funds?

Yes. Proper tracking helps you clearly understand what funds are available and how those funds have been used.

Can you help prepare us for tax filing or an audit?

I can keep your financial records organized and provide accurate reports to make the year-end process smoother. When specialized tax or audit work is required, I can coordinate with your CPA or other professional.

Can you help our board understand the financials?

Yes. I can help turn financial information into clear, understandable reports that give your board the information they need to make informed decisions.

Client Advisor Services

What are Client Advisor Services?

Advisory services go beyond traditional bookkeeping. I help you understand your numbers, identify financial opportunities and challenges, and use your financial information to make better business decisions.

How is advisory different from bookkeeping?

Bookkeeping keeps your financial records accurate. Advisory helps you understand those records and use them to plan, manage cash flow, and make informed decisions.

Can you help improve my cash flow?

Yes. We'll look at how money moves through your business and identify strategies to help you manage your cash more intentionally.

Do you offer Profit First guidance?

Yes. As a Profit First Professional, I can help you implement a cash-flow management system designed to help you prioritize profit and gain greater control over your money.

Do I need to be a large business for advisory services?

No. Advisory services can benefit businesses of many sizes. The focus is on providing the financial insight and guidance that makes sense for your business.