1) Should our company purchase individualized QuickBooks training or an online class?
At EBS, we conduct a short interview to determine the best approach for training one employee or an entire staff. We base the decision on the level of accounting knowledge, the industry, time and complexity of the work, and cost considerations. We make sure the training fits the needs of your company and offer both one-on-one training and a classroom option. Often, we combine classroom and individualized training and follow-up with on-the-job support.
2) My business could use training, payroll, and marketing. How does EBS prioritize and organize integrated support?
Again, we conduct a short interview and often visit your workplace to better understand company needs and the level of employee/staff knowledge and involvement as it relates to the tasks and services needed. Then, with management feedback, we formulate a step-by-step plan to implement the most important support first. Once payroll and other accounting tasks are working properly, we will help your company budget for training and marketing. Once the budget is set, we introduce a comprehensive training and marketing plan to achieve the desired results.
3) How will EBS help my company choose the right QuickBooks application for our needs?
Accurate accounting makes it possible to measure results, meet outside reporting requirements, and budget for growth. So, we start by gathering feedback from management about reporting, company goals, size and complexity, and the level of staff support. Using this information and our knowledge of your particular industry, we make a recommendation about the correct QuickBooks application for your business.
4) Does EBS bill on an hourly or project basis?
We bill by the hour for most work. However, in some cases, for long-term projects, we may bill by the project using progress billing. Our rates are competitive for all services and in many instances, less than our competitors. We offer a discount to clients who refer other clients or engage EBS for multiple services. For example, clients for whom we complete bookkeeping throughout the year or complete quarterly reviews receive a substantial discount on tax return preparation.
5) Why should I choose EBS over a CPA firm?
You should choose the company that offers the services and expertise your business needs for the most affordable price. We offer an integrated approach to business support while most CPA firms specialized in tax return preparation and accounting as it relates to reporting, advice or reviews. At EBS, we are focused on professional business support and offer our services at about half the price of the average CPA firm. Our professionals have both the experience and certifications to complete any project, and we bring real-world management experience to every job unlike most CPA firms.
6) My company needs to transition to QuickBooks. What is the process?
First, we determine the correct application for your company (see question #3). Next, we build a QuickBooks file for your business based on a short interview and your feedback. After building the file, we restore it to your computer (or server) and begin training. After the staff function well with the new file, we provide follow-up support and advanced training as needed. We have great success with this implementation strategy and have set-up, installed, and trained countless companies to use QuickBooks software.
7) My company is growing quickly and needs several bookkeepers and payroll specialists. Does EBS help with training a bookkeeping staff?
Some companies are too large and complex to contract out their bookkeeping/accounting functions. For companies that must hire and train an accounting staff, we are available to train in all areas of bookkeeping and accounting. We train payroll specialists, accounts payable and receivable staff, and controllers. We often train using your data and real-time transactions so that the staff complete the work while in training and with supervision. This way we limit the disruption to workflow and keep the company accounting up-to-date.
8) Hiring a marketing firm can be expensive. How is EBS different from other marketing firms?
At EBS, we understand that not all companies can afford or need a full-service marketing firm. After we complete a discovery consult, Janis, our marketing director, determines the most cost-effective way to market your company. We tailor your marketing plan to your budget, goals, and industry. Unlike many marketing firms, we do not require complicated contracts with high prices for services. Instead, we provide realistic ways to reach your target market and improve your message. Like most marketing firms, we care about the return on the investment your company makes in marketing. We can work with your marketing staff or simply provide the staff you need for the goals and budget you set.
9) Our company is adding a new service, seeking a government contract and/or buying out a competitor. Does EBS offer consulting for these types of changes?
Yes. We often work with companies in transition. We offer accounting, marketing, and general business support throughout the change. Our service and support can range from consulting to rebuilding accounting systems for proper reporting to writing business plans for the acquisition of capital and/or investors. In 2011, we helped businesses downsize and contract out positions, put into place DCAA compliant accounting for government contracts, implement "cloud" technology for integrating geographically separated sites, and merge with or acquire competitors. We assisted companies in bringing payroll in-house, upgrading their websites and customer service strategies, and adding services and sales in other states. Change is something we understand.
10) As a manager/business owner, I'm overwhelmed with tasks. I don't have time to review the accounting department's work or have the funds to hire a controller. Does EBS help with monthly or quarterly reviews?
We offer periodic reviews as a way to place needed controls on your system and correct problems before they compromise the credibility of reporting both to management and outside sources. If, during a review, we determine there is deficiency or error, we will not only correct the problem, but also train the staff to follow the proper procedures. Implementing periodic reviews is a more cost-effective strategy than correcting a year's worth of errors.
11) Our company has been using the same tax preparer for years. Will EBS work with our CPA at year-end to complete our business returns?
Once we close your books for the year, we will send a back-up of your company data to your tax preparer for use in completing your returns. We follow-up with the tax preparer to acquire any adjustments he or she made so that your books are reconciled to the return. We also prepare business returns for many of our clients. Our clients find this to be a simple, cost-effective way to close the year. Since we complete either regular reviews or bookkeeping for them, preparing the return is simply the final step in the accounting process. Our clients receive a discount on tax preparation since they have engaged EBS for multiple services. Denise is an Enrolled Agent, certified by the IRS, to prepare all types of business returns.
12) Frankly, my company accounting is a mess, and I can never seem to plan for the future. I don't know how to clean up and get my company on solid footing. Can EBS help a company like mine?
Here's the good news: we have a lot of experience cleaning up! At EBS, we can compile data over several years, correct your accounting system, and produce the reports you need to plan. If you add in a few coaching hours, we can teach you to change your company from a frustrating, never-ending job to a thriving asset. We help you establish the mindset, plans, budget, and goals to not only recover your sanity, but also build the company you envision.