Frequently Asked Questions
Why hire an outside bookkeeping firm? –
I prefer to meet, screen, hire and train my bookkeeper myself.
When you hire Karve Solutions, you hire our team. We are accredited, insured and already certified on the number one online small business accounting software program in Canada. While you will have a primary bookkeeper on your file, our team is available to you in the event that your primary bookkeeper is unavailable due to illness, injury, vacation etc. Work does not accumulate during their absence and your company information remains up-to-date.
We do not have to wait for our schedules to align for a face-to-face meeting. Most of our interactions with you can happen over email and our secure applications, freeing you to run your business and take care of your customers when you need to.
Online bookkeeping can enhance productivity, improve efficiency and even put you in greater control of your business. Your time is valuable, and we recognize the need for you to focus on what you do best.
What about the cloud? Is online bookkeeping secure?
If you have shopped online, you have put sensitive financial information in the cloud. We use QuickBooks Online software, which uses SSL encryption to protect your data, and Dext to digitally store your receipts and statements in the Cloud for easy access and long-term storage. No need to keep paper copies of those receipts anymore.
Will I lose control of my business if I outsource my bookkeeping?
Fear of loss of control is usually why businesses start off preferring to have their own in-house bookkeeper. With online access, you can have all of your vital business metrics at your fingertips: Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Income Statements and Balance Sheets. You have everything you need to monitor the financial health of your business while you focus on the day to day operations.
How will I manage my virtual accounting team if they are not in my office where I can see them?
You’re right; you will not be able to walk by a desk and make sure “things are getting done”. That is the point. You are only billed for the bookkeeping services your company needs. We are bound by contract to provide the virtual accounting services you need, on time, every time. The cost of an in-house bookkeeper is more than just their wage. Don’t forget about employer payroll taxes (CPP & EI), WCB, vacation and sick days (and the accompanying loss of productivity), any employee benefit plans and training costs.
Even though we may be able to swing a hammer, turn a wrench or cook a meal, it doesn’t mean we should build a house, add a sink to a bathroom or open a restaurant. Bookkeeping is what we do; let us partner with you to help you grow your business.
Why is there such a big range in bookkeeping costs?
Complexity – Certain things about your business can impact the price that you are quoted: size (employees and/or average annual revenue), corporate structure, number of bank accounts (including credit cards, lines of credit and other loans), multiple locations/jurisdictions and industry are examples of these attributes. As the complexity of your business situation increases, you can expect the price to increase also.
Level of service – transaction coding and data entry are fairly basic services (though necessary) whereas payroll, government reporting, analysis and assistance with financial targets are higher end services.
Technology – what, if any, software solutions are included? Is there training or a help manual provided?
Qualifications, certifications, experience and protection – is your potential bookkeeper certified, do they have to rectify or demonstrate a level of continuous training, how much experience do they have and do they carry the appropriate amount of liability insurance?
Hourly Billing vs Flat Rate – Are you comfortable not knowing what the bookkeeping fees might be each month?
When evaluating bookkeeping prices, it’s essential to consider the value offered. Lower-cost options may lack the expertise or reliability required, while higher-end services often provide added accuracy, insights, and peace of mind.
Get in touch today!
For your virtual one-stop bookkeeping and tax professionals.