• BOOKKEEPER: A bookkeeper understands key accounting principles and entity accounting methods to properly categorize, reconcile, create manual vouchers as necessary and create internal financial statements. They understand the math and principles behind accounting software.
• ACCOUNTANT: An accountant provides services beyond bookkeeping including analysis of ratios, trends, payroll, depreciation calculations, inventory calculations, accounts receivable management, accounts payable management, and preparation of tax returns. The complexity of the tax returns depend on the experience of the accountant. Accountants typically hold a Bachelor Degree in Accounting.
• CPA: CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT (CPA). A CPA is an accountant certified by the state board. A CPA can do everything an accountant can. The primary difference is a CPA is certified by the state board and audits financial statements. A CPA can also represent clients in the event of a tax audit. Audited financials are required for publicly held companies that report to the Security Exchange Commission. CPA’s typically charge at a billable hourly rate similar to an attorney. CPA’s typically outsource bookkeepers or have a bookkeeper on their team.
• TAX PROFESSIONAL: A tax professional prepares tax returns for individuals and businesses. The complexity of the tax returns depend on the experience of the tax professional. Paid tax professionals must have a paid tax preparer number (PTPN) issued from the Internal Revenue Service. Tax professionals are not bookkeepers. They expect clients that file business tax returns to have their bookkeeping ready prior to preparing the tax return.
• ENROLLED AGENT: An enrolled agent is a tax professional authorized to represent taxpayers. They are also authorized to prepare tax returns for 50 states in the US. Certain states require a CPA or an enrolled agent to prepare the state income tax return. The enrolled agent must pass an examination whereas a tax professional does not require an exam to prepare taxes.

BFS is a home-based business that offers virtual and face-to-face meetings. Meetings are typically held at the client’s place of business in an office setting or an agreed upon meeting location that is convenient to the client.

In-person services are available for certain services such as physical inventory counts and fixed assets reviews and valuations. In-person sessions are also available for select services that require “wet signatures” , such as S-Corp Elections, tax returns in arrears, and select state paperwork. Meet and greet sessions and quarterly reviews are available for “white-glove” clients where monthly services are $1,000 or more per month. These services often involve high touch points where in-person can be more valuable. In-person sessions can be held at the client’s place of business, the BFS home office, the BFS remote office or a local Starbucks.

BFS will utilize mailing systems with detailed instructions and virtual meetings to walk through the signatures required for services related to “wet signatures”.  BFS will also include a pre-labeled envelope to ensure the documents are mailed to the correct place.  BFS is available for travel for additional services.  However, the client will be responsible for all travel fees.  

BFS uses a ‘build-up’ pricing model. Packages are based on the needs and size of the business. Bookkeeping services start at $200 per month. Accounting services include payroll services, preparation of sales tax returns, and ala carte services ranging from $400- $1,800 per month. Pricing is contingent upon the number of transactions, number of employees, number of bank accounts, and complexity.

Preparation of business tax returns range from $540-$1,080. Pricing for the preparation of business income tax is based on entity type and number of schedules. BFS strongly encourages potential clients to utilize the FREE one hour virtual consultation by completing the ‘contact us’ form where pricing can be fine tuned and customized to fit specific needs.

BFS utilizes a billing software that accepts most credit cards. BFS does not accept cash. Checks are accepted via mail.

BFS offers 20 years of industry experience in the field of accounting. As the CEO of your business, BFS will allow you to focus on operations, marketing, and customer service while you leave the financial analysis up to us! BFS will look at your financial data with an objective eye and aid you in the achieving higher profits, while zoning in on non profitable services while maximizing profits.

BFS requires a non confidently agreement prior to starting work. BFS is contractually bound not to share the clients financial information. All files are protected through firewall software and password encrypted.

BFS recommends most services to occur on a quarterly basis. A quarterly cadence provides sufficient time to establish trends and see changes between recommendations from analysis.

Receipts are supporting documents and should not be thought of as the source document for bookkeeping. All transactions paid with debit or credit cards should link back to a monthly statement. The monthly statement serves as the source document to ensure the financials are complete. Receipts can be easily misplaced and leaves room for error to misrepresent the entire financial picture. BFS does not offer receipt management services. This is due to the retention period associated with the IRS where it is suggested to maintain records up to seven years. However, BFS will attach receipts for supporting documents when cash is used for a purchase or the purchase is outside of the business bank account.

BFS will be happy to schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more about your needs! Please refer to the contact page for ways to book a session.

Yes, BFS is available for speaking engagements! Please complete the ‘Contact Me’ form and provide details of the name of the event/engagement and date. Note the following: For speaking engagements, BFS is in no way obligated to sell tickets. BFS must have a minimum of two complimentary tickets for staff assistance and support during the event. BFS must be informed of arrival time and duration of the speaking engagement at least one month prior to the event. BFS must be informed of any attire requirements at least one month before the event. BFS requires a speaking platform that includes working equipment (projector and microphone); BFS must have access to convenient parking and access to enter the premises.