Frequently Asked Questions
What’s included in monthly bookkeeping?
I help keep your financial records organized and up to date. Depending on your service package, this may include categorizing transactions, reconciling bank and credit card accounts, and preparing monthly financial reports. Before we begin, I’ll confirm the scope with you so you know exactly what’s included.
How does project accounting differ from monthly bookkeeping?
Monthly bookkeeping gives you a picture of your business’s overall finances. With project accounting, I track income and costs for individual jobs, clients, or engagements. This helps you understand which projects are profitable, compare actual spending with your budget, and make more informed pricing decisions.
Can you handle retainer-based creative work?
I can help you determine the right bookkeeping approach for your retainer-based creative work. I’ll review how you bill recurring fees, handle additional project work, and track related expenses so your records reflect how your business operates.
Can I use both monthly bookkeeping and project accounting?
Yes, the two can work together. I use monthly bookkeeping to give you an overall financial picture and project accounting to help you understand individual engagements. Together, we’ll determine how much detail you need.
Who do you work with?
I’ll discuss your business, the way you work, and the financial support you need to determine whether my services are a good fit. If you manage creative projects or ongoing client retainers, we can also explore how project accounting could support you.
How much do your services cost?
Pricing depends on the scope of work and the complexity of your bookkeeping. I’ll review your needs and confirm the fee and included services before we begin.
Can you help if my books are behind?
If your books are behind, I’ll review their current condition and discuss the catch-up or cleanup work needed. I’ll confirm whether I can help, along with the scope and cost, before moving forward.
What accounting software do you work with?
I work exclusively with QuickBooks Online. During our initial conversation, I’ll review your current setup and discuss what you need to get started if you aren’t already using it.
How will we communicate, and what will you need from me each month?
Before we begin, I’ll explain how we’ll communicate and agree on a process for sharing documents and answering questions. Your monthly involvement may include providing records, clarifying transactions, and reviewing your reports.
Can you work with my accountant or tax preparer?
I can discuss coordinating with your accountant or tax preparer so they have the bookkeeping information they need. With your authorization, we’ll agree on what records to share and how to handle requests.
How do you track profitability for projects and retainers?
I track the income and costs assigned to each project or retainer so you can better understand its financial performance. The level of detail depends on your records and may include contractor costs, project expenses, and time data when available.
How do you protect my financial information?
Before you share financial records, I’ll explain the access and document-sharing practices I use. We’ll confirm what access I need and how you should provide information.
What do you need from me to get started?
I’ll review your current bookkeeping process, accounting software, financial accounts, and reporting needs. If you work on projects or retainers, I’ll also ask how you bill clients and track costs. From there, I’ll outline the scope and next steps.