What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
The rate in my quote is my Retainer Rate. I typically charge a higher rate for one-off or project-related work and then a lower retainer-based fee when we agree for me to help on a regular, ongoing basis (e.g. weekly, monthly, etc.).
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Setup a personal meeting, whether face-to-face or by phone (or even video chat), which allows us to further explore the potential for working together. If there is a good "fit", then we develop a game plan begin to implement it as soon as the client is ready!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor's Degree from the University of San Diego, which I graduated from in 2001. From 2002-2008, I ran my own small business where I handled all aspects of the financials while running the company. In 2008 I transitioned to helping small businesses with their accounting needs, and I have been enjoying that ever since!
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I started doing this type of work almost straight out of college where I handled the accounting needs of MY small business from 2002-2008. In 2008, I transitioned to helping other small businesses with their accounting needs and, as I mentioned above, I've been enjoying it ever since!
What types of customers have you worked with?
Independent Entrepreneurs/Sales Reps (Real Estate Agents, Financial Brokers, Therapists, Solar Panel Equipment, Masseuses, and more), small Medical and Dental Offices, a large Medical Start Up, Skin Care Products/Services, Manufacturers, an Independent Music Label, Catering companies, Interior Design firms, Online Marketing/SEO firms, Professional Engagement Speaking, Computer IT and Repair, Law Offices, Retail Stores (multiple storefronts), an Auto Repair Shop, and non-profit organizations. These companies or individuals are or have been based in the following areas: Southern California, New Hampshire, Colorado, Florida, Virginia, and Massachusetts.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
I recently helped a small, niche construction company to restructure their accounting setup in QuickBooks Online. They now post their daily transactions - cc charges, estimates, and invoices - directly from their phones and laptops, and the owner has access to real-time financials on a daily basis. They had previously struggled to implement all of this with other outside help for two years, so it's great to see them having such success with this now!
This project took approximately 5 meetings and 15-20 hours of time (not all of it billable).
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
You certainly need a person with integrity as they will (likely) have access to your sensitive banking and customer info. You should find someone who can work both efficiently and accurately, someone who can help you to understand your financials from a business-operator's perspective, and someone who can work well with you and with your team (including for teaching accounting principles and for working within the accounting software, where applicable).
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Aside from core competencies, what are the most important qualities that you would like to see in the person that you're looking to hire?
How involved do you want (or need) the person to be with your day-to-day business operations?
Are you looking for temporary, part-time, or full-time help?
What level of accounting do you need? Is it simple data entry and bank reconciliations, or do you also need cash flow and month-end reporting? Do you need help with sales tax reporting/filing? Do you need help with payroll? Do you need help with setting up or re-constructing your financials? Do you need help with how to use your accounting software? Do you need to setup a budget? Do you need high-level tax planning?
