Hayes Accounting Solutions

Serves Cupertino, CA

35244

Hired 52 times

2 employees

16 years in business

Not yet available

4.9

This pro accepts payments via Check and Credit card.

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Credentials

Background Check

Daniel Hayes
Completed on 6/16/2021

Introduction

Please note that I am located in Cincinnati, Ohio. This isn't an issue on my end as I am accustomed to working remotely. I put a lot of thought into making the system easy to administer and the information easy to understand. It is almost always worthwhile to invest the time in making the system and processes work for everybody - and that is a big part of why I sometimes don't charge extra for system maintenance activities. (In short, both you and I benefit from the cost savings that come from better administrative efficiency.) We definitely want to use the financial reports to identify areas of concern, but good decision making comes from reading those reports in the context of your business operations. I've found this is something many bookkeepers and business owners alike often have difficulty doing. There have been many times in my career where I have had an opportunity to create order out of chaos. This is oftentimes a Godsend to clients who have become frustrated with bad information or cumbersome administrative processes. This may be a guilty pleasure of mine, but I really like being the hero!

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

It's not really that complicated, but it's a departure from the hourly rate model that is common in my profession. My pricing is largely activity based. I have a price list for various services and activities - and I use this price list in my work order system much like a plumber or electrician would do. It seems complex at times because prospective clients often want to know what it's going to cost as soon as possible. I need to know about their needs in some detail before I can give a reasonable estimate.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

I will have a discussion regarding their needs and situation and determine a course of action that makes sense.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

All of us CPA's are required by law to have at least 80 hours of continuing education every two years. I take the education part seriously, so I don't attempt to skate by with easy courses. Nearly all of my courses are self study because I get the most from that format. Anybody can sit in a seminar and pretend to listen to the speaker while doing crossword puzzles. To me, that isn't learning - that's doing time.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I have a natural aptitude for numbers and accounting systems. I've known I wanted to be a CPA since I was in high school. I saw it as the best use of my natural talents at the time and I still do today. (I became a CPA in 2003.)

What types of customers have you worked with?

We do full-charge bookkeeping and accounting on a recurring basis. Sometimes we will take on a project to overhaul an accounting system that is not working or is cumbersome to administer. We will set up QuickBooks files for first-time users. This is helpful because it allows you to realize some administrative cost savings very quickly. We also prepare many business and personal income tax returns.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

I recently overhauled the cost accounting system for a manufacturer that has not had reliable financial reporting in several years. I presented the financial statements to them and discussed the details of where they are at, where the problem areas are, etc. It's always a good feeling to restore that kind of peace of mind to business managers that haven't had it in a long time.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

A good CPA or bookkeeper will ask and answer a lot of questions about your business operations, how your administrative procedures work, etc. So please be prepared for that. This is part of the process of understanding what your needs are and how you can benefit. You should have some questions in mind too, and not just those that are price related. Some prospective clients want to know what it's going to cost as soon as possible - and I totally understand that feeling. However, this inquiry process is essential in understanding how best to structure the service agreement and fee arrangement.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

I believe many clients that have a CPA aren't utilizing that expertise the way they should. Yes, a good CPA will keep you out of trouble with the IRS and other taxing authorities. But we CPA's are good for a lot more than that. If you have a CPA and only see him (or her) once a year for tax time, then you're really missing out on some opportunities to do what you do and do it better. Is your cost structure appropriate for your business? Are you likely to be short on cash three months from now? Is your current course a sustainable one? These are the kind of questions that a good accountant can help you find the answers to.