FAQ's

General & Getting Started
What exactly do you mean by "outsourced accounting & bookkeeping?
  • We act as an extension of your team, handling your day-to-day financial tasks remotely. You provide the documents (digitally), and we manage everything from data entry and reconciliations to generating financial reports, all from our offshore location.
How do you ensure the security and confidentiality of our financial data?

We take data security extremely seriously. We use encrypted file-sharing platforms, secure cloud-based accounting software, strict confidentiality agreements with all staff, and robust internal IT security protocols. We are happy to sign your NDAs and can provide a detailed security overview.

What accounting software are you proficient in?

Our team is highly proficient in all major platforms, including QuickBooks Online (QBO)XeroSageNetSuite, and others. We can work with the software you already use or recommend the best one for your business.

How will we communicate and share documents?

We use a combination of secure client portals, email, and scheduled video calls (via Zoom, Teams, etc.). Each client is assigned a dedicated Account Manager as your primary point of contact.

What is your process for onboarding a new client?

Our onboarding process is streamlined. It typically involves an initial discovery call, signing an agreement, granting us secure access to your systems, and a kick-off meeting to transfer knowledge and set expectations.

In which time zones do you operate?

Our teams are strategically aligned to serve clients in the US, UK, and Canadian time zones, ensuring significant overlap for real-time communication and support

Do you offer a free trial or consultation?

Yes, we offer a complimentary, no-obligation consultation to understand your needs and show you how we can add value.

What specific bookkeeping tasks do you handle?

We handle the full cycle: accounts payable/receivable, bank and credit card reconciliations, payroll processing, journal entries, monthly closing procedures, and generating key financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow).

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How often will you update our books?

This is flexible based on your needs. We typically update books weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. We’ll agree on a schedule that keeps your financial data current and actionable.

Who will be working on our account?

You will have a dedicated Account Manager and a backup team member. This ensures continuity, builds a strong relationship, and guarantees that someone always understands your business intimately.

What are the qualifications of your staff?

Our team consists of qualified accountants, CPAs (for US), CPAs/CMAs (for Canada), ACCAs/CA (for UK), and experienced bookkeepers who undergo continuous training on international accounting standards and software.

How do you handle accounts payable and bill payments?

We can manage the entire process—from entering bills to getting them approved by you and processing payments—or simply ensure the data is accurately recorded for you to pay. The level of control remains with you.

What tax services do you provide?
  • Our services include tax preparation and filing for:
    • US:Federal & State Income Tax (1120, 1120S, 1065), Sales & Use Tax, Payroll Tax Returns.
    • UK:Corporation Tax, VAT Returns, PAYE, Self-Assessment.
    • Canada:T2 Corporate Tax, GST/HST/PST Returns, T4/T5 Slips, Payroll Remittances.
How do you stay updated with changing tax laws in the US, UK, and Canada?

Our tax specialists are required to undertake continuous professional education (CPE). We subscribe to international tax update services and have memberships in relevant professional accounting bodies in each region.

Can you help with tax planning, or just tax preparation?

Absolutely. We go beyond compliance. We provide proactive tax planning strategies throughout the year to help you minimize your tax liability and make smarter financial decisions.

What information do you need from us to prepare our taxes?

We will provide a customized checklist for your business and jurisdiction, but it generally includes your finalized year-end financials, supporting documents for income and expenses, last year’s tax return, and details on any major asset purchases or changes.

What is your pricing model?
  • We offer flexible pricing models to suit different needs:
    • Fixed Monthly Retainer:Ideal for ongoing bookkeeping and accounting.
    • Pay-as-you-go / Hourly Rate:Suitable for project-based work or businesses with fluctuating needs.
    • Tiered Packages:Bundles of services at different price points.
      We will recommend the most cost-effective option after assessing your requirements.
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Are there any setup or hidden fees?

We believe in transparent pricing. There may be a one-time onboarding/setup fee to cover the initial configuration, but all ongoing costs will be clearly outlined in our service agreement with no hidden surprises.

What is included in your [e.g., Basic, Premium] package?

(Link to a clear pricing page with a table comparing packages. List the specific services included in each, such as “Monthly Bank Reconciliations,” “Quarterly VAT Filing,” “Annual Tax Return Preparation,” etc.)

What happens if our dedicated account manager is sick or on leave?

We have a team-based approach. A fully-briefed backup manager will always cover to ensure no disruption in service. All your information is also securely stored in our systems for seamless transition.

Can we scale services up or down as our business needs change?

Yes, our services are designed to be scalable. We can easily adjust the scope of work, frequency of reporting, or level of service as your business grows or your needs change.

How will you help us make better business decisions?

We don’t just report history; we help you shape the future. You’ll receive timely, accurate financial reports with key performance indicators (KPIs) and insights. We also offer periodic review calls to discuss your numbers and their strategic implications.

How do you handle the mapping of complex chart of accounts (COA) and ensure consistency across our entities?

 

We begin with a deep dive to understand your business structure and reporting needs. We can clean up, standardize, and map your existing COA across multiple entities, ensuring consolidation is seamless and reporting is consistent. We document the entire framework for your review.

 

What is your process for managing and reconciling inter-company transactions?

We establish a clear protocol for identifying and tagging inter-company transactions. Our process includes ensuring all entries are mirrored correctly, reconciling inter-company accounts periodically, and preparing elimination entries for consolidated financial statements.

How do you account for and manage fixed assets, including calculating depreciation (e.g., under GAAP, IFRS, or specific tax rules)?

We maintain a detailed fixed asset register, capturing cost, date of purchase, and useful life. We calculate depreciation monthly using the appropriate method (Straight-Line, Declining Balance, etc.) as per your book-to-tax requirements and prepare schedules for financial reporting and tax returns.

What is your approach to managing complex payroll scenarios, such as multi-state payroll in the US, benefits-in-kind in the UK, or Quebec-specific payroll deductions in Canada?

Our payroll specialists are trained in the nuances of each jurisdiction. We stay updated on local, state, and provincial regulations to accurately handle tax withholdings, employer contributions, and reporting for complex multi-location employees.

How do you handle accounting for foreign currency transactions and translations?

We apply the relevant accounting standards (e.g., ASC 830, IAS 21). This includes recording transactions at the spot rate, re-measuring monetary assets/liabilities at period-end, and understanding the functional vs. presentation currency for consolidation.

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For US Clients: How do you handle state tax nexus determinations and sales tax compliance for e-commerce businesses?

We monitor evolving nexus rules (economic and physical) and can advise on your registration requirements. We manage sales tax collection, submission of returns, and stay compliant with the varying rules across different states and localities.

For UK Clients: What is your experience with Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT and Income Tax, and how do you ensure software compliance?

We are fully versed in all MTD requirements. We use HMRC-approved software (like Xero, QBO) to maintain digital records, generate VAT returns, and submit them via our API-enabled bridging software, ensuring full compliance with the digital links requirement.

For Canadian Clients: How do you manage the complexities of GST/HST/PST for businesses operating in multiple provinces?

We accurately determine the place of supply rules, apply the correct GST/HST/PST rates, and handle the preparation and filing of returns for each relevant province, including streamlined Quebec (QST) and British Columbia PST requirements.

How do you approach tax provisioning (ASC 740 / IAS 12) for year-end financial reporting?

We can prepare or assist with the calculation of your quarterly and annual income tax provisions, including current/deferred tax expense, analyzing uncertain tax positions (FIN 48/IFRIC 23), and preparing the required financial statement disclosures.

How do you handle accounting for foreign currency transactions and translations?

We apply the relevant accounting standards (e.g., ASC 830, IAS 21). This includes recording transactions at the spot rate, re-measuring monetary assets/liabilities at period-end, and understanding the functional vs. presentation currency for consolidation.

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What is your API and integration capability? Can you connect with our other business systems (e.g., CRM, ERP, Payment Gateways)?

We extensively use and can help you implement middleware tools like ZapierMake.com, or custom APIs to create automated workflows between your accounting software (QBO/Xero) and other systems like Salesforce, Shopify, or Deel, reducing manual entry.

What is your data backup and disaster recovery protocol?

We employ a multi-layered approach. Client data is primarily stored in cloud software with their own robust backups. We additionally perform regular, encrypted backups to secure, geographically redundant servers. Our disaster recovery plan is tested regularly to ensure business continuity.

Do you have experience with SOC 1 or SOC 2 compliance, and can you assist our firm in meeting our own compliance requirements?

We understand the control requirements of SOC reports. While our specific report availability may vary, we operate with the necessary controls and documentation and can provide information packs to support your firm’s external audit and compliance needs.

How do you manage user access and audit trails within our accounting software?

We follow the principle of least privilege, granting access only to what is necessary for our team members to perform their duties. We use unique user logins (never shared) and all our activities are logged in the software’s native audit trail, providing full transparency.

What is your internal quality assurance (QA) process before delivering work to a client?

Every piece of work undergoes a rigorous two-to-three-eye principle. The preparer’s work is reviewed by a senior accountant or manager. We use checklists tailored to each service (e.g., month-end close, tax return) to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with relevant standards.

How do you handle client-specific accounting policies and procedures?

During onboarding, we document your specific policies in a “Client Playbook.” This living document guides our team on your preferred treatments for revenue recognition, expense capitalization, and other unique procedures, ensuring consistency with your internal standards.

What is your turnaround time (TAT) for a month-end close package or a complex tax return?

Our standard TAT for a month-end close is 5-10 business days after receiving all documents. For complex tax returns, it’s typically 2-3 weeks. However, these are customizable, and we can commit to a specific, agreed-upon SLA (Service Level Agreement) in our contract.