Working together is designed to be clear, organized, and low-maintenance from your perspective. Here’s what you can expect from the very beginning through ongoing support.
Getting Started: Your First 30 Days
The first month focuses on creating clarity, establishing reliable systems, and ensuring a smooth transition into ongoing support.
Days 1–5
Getting Oriented
What happens:
- Welcome email and next steps
- Review of signed engagement letter and agreed-upon scope
- Intake checklist completion
- Secure access setup for accounting software, banks, and payroll systems (as applicable)
What’s helpful from you:
- Completing the intake checklist
- Granting requested access in a timely manner
- Sharing any immediate deadlines or priorities
Days 6–10
Initial Review & Setup
What happens:
- Review of current accounting setup and workflows
- Confirmation of accounting software (QuickBooks Online or Xero)
- Identification of any immediate cleanup needs or gaps
- Establishment of baseline processes and documentation
What’s helpful from you:
- Clarifying current processes or historical challenges
- Confirming preferred communication style and check-in cadence
Days 11–20
Cleanup, Alignment & Process Development
What happens:
- Initial bookkeeping cleanup or adjustments (as applicable)
- Alignment of accounts and categories
- Development of customized processes based on your business needs
- Ongoing communication to clarify questions as they arise
What’s helpful from you:
- Timely responses to clarification questions
- Review of any preliminary feedback or recommendations
Days 21–30
Stabilization & Looking Ahead
What happens:
- Completion of initial setup or cleanup work
- Confirmation that systems are running smoothly
- Delivery or review of initial financial reports (as applicable)
- Discussion of ongoing monthly workflow and expectations
What’s helpful from you:
- Reviewing reports and asking questions
- Confirming priorities for the next phase of work
What Comes Next
After the first 30 days, your accounting support transitions into a steady, ongoing rhythm. At this point, expectations are clear, systems are established, and communication is consistent.
The process is designed to keep your financials accurate and organized without requiring constant oversight from you.
Monthly Accounting Rhythm
Each month generally includes:
- Review and categorization of transactions
- Bank and credit card reconciliations
- Monitoring for inconsistencies or issues
- Preparation of monthly financial reports (as applicable)
This work happens consistently in the background so your records stay current and reliable.
Communication & Check-Ins
If you have a question or a new complication pops up, let me know! Don’t feel like you need to wait until your next scheduled meeting. Emails and texts generally receive faster responses, but if a phone call is easier because a lot of explanation is needed, I can usually fit those in as well.
Many clients benefit from periodic check-ins to review financials, discuss changes, or address questions. The timing and frequency of these conversations are based on your needs and preferences.
Adjustments & Recommendations
As your business evolves, your accounting needs may change.
I monitor for items that may require adjustment or improvement and will make recommendations when appropriate. Any changes to scope, processes, or pricing are discussed in advance so expectations remain clear.
Timing & Responsiveness
Timely responses help keep work moving smoothly. While occasional urgent items may arise, ongoing support is structured to prioritize consistency and planning over reactive work.
What You Can Count On
- Clear communication: You’ll always know what’s happening and what’s needed
- Thoughtful follow-through: Details don’t fall through the cracks
- Professional standards: Your information is handled with discretion and care
- Dependable support: Consistent, reliable work month after month
The goal is for your accounting to feel organized, predictable, and easy to rely on—month after month.
Common Questions About the Process
Will you need a lot of my time at the beginning?
Some initial input is needed to gather information and confirm access, but the goal is to minimize disruption to your day-to-day work. Clear requests and communication help keep this efficient.
What if something urgent comes up?
Occasional urgent issues can happen. If something time-sensitive arises, please reach out so we can address it appropriately.
Will you make recommendations if something isn’t working well?
Yes. Part of my role is to identify gaps or inefficiencies and suggest improvements as needed. Any recommendations will be discussed before changes are made.
What if I have questions about reports or next steps?
Questions are always welcome. The first month often brings out points we may not have discussed, and I’m happy to walk through reports or priorities as they come up.
How often will we communicate?
Communication frequency depends on your needs. Some clients prefer weekly updates during onboarding and then monthly check-ins. Others prefer minimal touchpoints with communication as needed. We’ll establish what works best for you.
What happens if my business changes or grows?
Your accounting support can scale with you. If your needs change—hiring employees, adding locations, increasing transaction volume—we’ll discuss adjustments to ensure your support remains appropriate.
Can I pause or end the engagement if needed?
Yes. Either party can end the engagement with written notice. Fees for services performed up to the termination date remain payable, and I’ll ensure a clean handoff of all records and documentation.
Still Have Questions?
The best way to understand if we’re a good fit is to have a conversation. During our initial consultation, we can discuss your specific situation and how the process would work for your business.
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule a consultation to discuss your business and explore how customized accounting support can help.