FAQ
Welcome to the FAQ page of Blackfin Accounting! Here, we aim to address your most common questions about our bookkeeping and business tax services. Whether you're a small business owner or an individual seeking financial clarity, our goal is to provide clear, helpful information to guide you. If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help!
1. What exactly does a bookkeeper do for my business?
Answer:
A bookkeeper manages your day-to-day financial transactions—tracking income and expenses, categorizing transactions, reconciling bank accounts, managing accounts payable/receivable, and preparing financial reports. This ensures your books are accurate, up-to-date, and ready for tax time or strategic decisions.
2. How is bookkeeping different from accounting?
Answer:
Bookkeeping involves recording daily financial transactions and organizing them into a clear financial picture. Accounting uses that data to analyze your finances, file taxes, and offer strategic financial advice. Bookkeepers lay the foundation accountants build on.
3. Why should I have my bookkeeping and tax done by the same firm?
Answer:
When your bookkeeping and tax services are handled under one roof, everything works together seamlessly. Your financial data stays consistent, your tax strategy is aligned with your day-to-day numbers, and you avoid the communication gaps that can happen between separate providers. At Blackfin, we spot tax-saving opportunities throughout the year—not just at tax time—and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. It’s faster, more efficient, and often saves you money. Plus, you only have to explain your business once.
4. How often will you update my books?
Answer:
Your books are typically updated weekly or monthly, depending on your business’s needs and volume of transactions. Timely updates ensure your financial data is current and useful for decision-making.
5. Do I still need a bookkeeper if I use accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero?
Answer:
Yes. While accounting software helps automate some processes, it still requires setup, management, and oversight to ensure everything is categorized correctly. A professional bookkeeper ensures your reports are accurate and compliant.
6. Can you work with my CPA or tax preparer?
Answer:
Absolutely. While many clients choose to handle both bookkeeping and tax with Blackfin for a more streamlined, efficient experience, we’re also happy to collaborate with your existing CPA or tax professional. We ensure your books are clean, organized, and tax-ready—making the filing process faster and more accurate, no matter who prepares your return.
7. How do you price your bookkeeping and tax services?
Answer:
Pricing depends on the size, complexity, and frequency of your bookkeeping needs, as well as the scope of your business tax services. Most clients fall within a flat monthly rate for bookkeeping, which keeps costs predictable with no surprise bills. Tax can be a flat-rate amount or broken up quarterly depending on your goals. After a free consultation, we’ll provide a customized quote based on your business’s unique needs—whether that includes just bookkeeping, just tax, or a combined package.
8. Is my financial data secure?
Answer:
When it comes to data security, we adhere to the highest industry standards. We comply with all relevant regulations and implement strong security measures, including data encryption, secure access controls, and regular compliance checks. Protecting your financial information is our top priority, and we take every step to ensure your data remains safe and confidential.
9. Can you help me catch up if my books are behind?
Answer:
Yes. Whether you're a few months or a few years behind, I offer clean-up and catch-up services to get your books accurate and current. This is often the first step before moving into ongoing bookkeeping.
10. What types of businesses do you work with?
Answer:
I specialize in service-based businesses with $100K to $10M in revenue, such as consultants, agencies, contractors, and professionals—but I also work with product-based and hybrid businesses. If you’re committed to growth and financial clarity, we’re a good fit.
11. What accounting software do you work with?
Answer:
We primarily work with Intuit QuickBooks, but we also support Xero. If you're using a different accounting software, feel free to reach out, and we can discuss how we might assist you.
12. How soon can you start working with me?
Answer:
We pride ourselves on efficiency and organization, allowing us to onboard new clients quickly. Once we have all the necessary information and access, we can typically begin working within a few days to a week.
13. How do you ensure accuracy?
Answer:
We take accuracy and security very seriously. Our firm uses modern bookkeeping and accounting software, allowing us to create structured internal processes and thorough documentation. These technologies enable seamless collaboration among our team members, ensuring that nothing gets overlooked and that our services remain streamlined and efficient.​