FAQ
Questions owners ask most
Straight answers from John. More detail on a free consultation.
My books are a mess — can you still help?
Absolutely. A lot of clients come to me when things have fallen behind or gotten messy. I’ll review where you are, spot the issues, and map a clean path back to clear, reliable books.
How is a bookkeeper different from an accountant / CPA?
I keep your day-to-day records organized — transactions, reconciliations, and monthly reports. Your CPA or accountant typically uses that foundation for tax returns, tax planning, and specialized advice. Clean books make their job faster and your life easier.
Will you talk to my CPA or tax preparer?
Yes. I’m happy to work directly with your CPA or tax preparer and get them the accurate reports they need — that usually streamlines tax season and saves you time.
How quickly can you get me caught up?
It depends on how complex the books are and how far behind you are. Many cleanups land within a few weeks. After a quick review, I’ll give you a realistic timeline for your situation.
Do I need to buy software, or do you provide it?
If you already have accounting software, I can often work with what you’ve got. I primarily use QuickBooks Online, and I can help you migrate if needed. If you don’t have software yet, I’ll help you choose the right fit — software fees are typically separate from bookkeeping.
Is my financial information secure / confidential?
Yes. Protecting your information is a top priority. I use secure systems and strict confidentiality practices. Your numbers are never shared without your authorization except when required by law.
Can you help me understand my numbers so I can make better decisions?
Yes. Accurate books are the starting point — understanding them is the goal. Clear reports and plain-language insights help you track profitability, manage cash flow, spot trends, and decide with confidence.
What if I only need help a few months of the year?
That’s fine. Support can flex with your season — busy months, quarterly reviews, year-end prep, or a one-time cleanup. We’ll build a plan that fits how you actually operate.
Do you speak Spanish?
Yes. I work with clients in English and Spanish. This whole site is available in both languages — use the toggle in the menu.
What happens in the free consultation?
It’s a free 15-minute Zoom call. Bring a general idea of monthly revenue, bank accounts, your current bookkeeping process, and employee count. We’ll review where you are and what to do next — no obligation.
How do we get started after the consult?
I’ll send a proposal. If you approve it, I’ll follow up to get access to your books and get started. Cleanup projects require 50% down before starting; monthly services require the first payment before starting. Documents are usually shared by email or Google Drive.
Who do you typically work with?
Small businesses — generally under $1,000,000 in revenue and under 10 employees. Fully remote bookkeeping on QuickBooks Online.
How do you price?
Custom quote based on your situation — no long-term minimum commitment. A typical monthly package includes categorizing income and expenses, reconciling banks and credit cards, maintaining the chart of accounts, and monthly P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow summaries.
Do you handle payroll or prepare taxes?
Not right now. I stay focused on bookkeeping and support tax prep by delivering clean reports to your CPA. I don’t offer sales tax filing or 1099 preparation at this time.
Can you migrate me from another system into QuickBooks Online?
Yes. If you’re on another platform (or a messy spreadsheet setup), I can help move you into QuickBooks Online and get things running cleanly.