GENERAL BOOKKEEPING FAQs

What bookkeeping software do you use?
I work exclusively with QuickBooks Online, which provides secure, cloud-based access and real-time financial reporting.

Do you offer remote bookkeeping services?
Yes. I work with clients nationwide as well as locally in Grand Rapids, MI.

How is your bookkeeping pricing calculated?
Pricing is primarily based on monthly transaction volume and complexity. Flat monthly pricing is also available upon request.

What is considered a “transaction”?
Transactions are counted based on your monthly reconciliation reports, including bank and credit card activity.

Do you handle catch-up or cleanup bookkeeping?
Yes. I specialize in catch-up and cleanup projects, whether you are behind a few months or need more extensive corrections.

How often will my books be updated?
Transactions are categorized weekly, with monthly reconciliations and financial reports provided.

CONSULTATION & ADVISORY FAQs

What is the difference between a free consultation and a paid consultation?
The free consultation is a short discovery call to understand your needs and provide a quote. Paid consultations are hands-on working sessions focused on solving specific issues.

Can I use a paid consultation for general business advice?
Yes. Paid consultations may include business structure guidance (LLC vs. S-Corp), startup planning, and operational advice, in addition to QuickBooks support.

Will you provide advice specific to my business?
Yes. All consultations are one-on-one and tailored to your business, industry, and goals.

Do paid consultations include hands-on changes in QuickBooks?
Hands-on work is included in 2-hour consultations and project-based services. One-hour sessions are primarily advisory unless otherwise agreed.

QUICKBOOKS TRAINING FAQs

Do you offer QuickBooks training for business owners?
Yes. I provide personalized QuickBooks Online training for business owners who want to manage their books correctly.

Is training recorded?
Training sessions can be recorded upon request for future reference.

Can training be combined with consulting?
Yes. Many clients combine training and consulting within the same session.

SETUP & PROJECT FAQs

What is a QuickBooks setup project?
A setup project is a fixed-scope engagement that may include chart of accounts setup, payroll configuration, or full QuickBooks optimization.

How long does a setup project take?
Most projects take 1–3 sessions, depending on scope. Pricing is agreed upon in advance.

Do you provide a quote before starting a project?
Yes. All projects begin with a free 15-minute discovery call to define scope and pricing.

PAYROLL FAQs

Do you process payroll or just set it up?
I provide ongoing payroll processing, not just setup. This includes running payroll on schedule and handling required filings while payroll services are active.

Which payroll software do you use?
Payroll services are provided using QuickBooks Online Payroll. The QuickBooks Payroll subscription is required and billed separately by Intuit.

What payroll filings are included?
Payroll services include preparation and filing of required federal and state forms, including:

  • Quarterly payroll tax filings (Form 941)

  • Annual payroll filings (Forms W-2 and W-3)

  • State withholding and unemployment filings, as applicable

Do you handle direct deposit?
Yes. Direct deposit is included for employees through QuickBooks Online Payroll.

How is payroll pricing calculated?
Payroll pricing is based on the number of employees and pay frequency.
Pricing starts at $5 per employee, per paycheck, with a $20 minimum per pay period (includes up to 4 employees).

Can payroll be added later if I already have bookkeeping?
Yes. Payroll services can be added at any time to an existing bookkeeping plan.

Do you support multi-state payroll?
Yes, subject to state requirements and proper setup in QuickBooks Online Payroll.

What information do you need from me to run payroll?
You are responsible for providing:

  • Accurate employee information

  • Approved hours or salaries

  • Timely payroll approvals before each payroll run

Are payroll tax payments guaranteed?
Payroll filings and payments are processed through QuickBooks Online based on the information and funds provided by the client. I ensure filings are prepared accurately, but timely funding and approvals remain the client’s responsibility.

WORKING WITH US FAQs

How do I get a free bookkeeping quote?
We keep it simple:

Option 1:
Invite us to your QuickBooks Online account (most accurate).

Option 2:
Send your last three bank statements. If you use credit cards, include those statements as well. We may also ask about loans or other accounts.

What experience can I expect working with you?
Professionalism, accuracy, transparency, and honest communication. Your books are categorized, reconciled, and reports delivered by the 5th of each month. Ongoing support is available by email, phone, or video call.

What do you need from me as a client?

  • Provide bank statements if they are not automatically imported

  • Respond promptly to questions, especially during onboarding

  • Approve payroll and provide information on time

And importantly: we do not manipulate or “cook” books. All work is done honestly and in compliance with IRS rules.

How do we get paid?
Invoices are emailed with a secure card payment link.
There are no card processing fees.

Payment options also include:

  • Zelle: elvis@grbookkeeper.com

  • ACH

  • Check by mail

WHAT CLIENTS CAN EXPECT FROM US

What kind of service experience can I expect?
You can expect accurate, organized, and timely bookkeeping, delivered with clear communication and professional standards. My goal is to make your financial records easy to understand and reliable for decision-making.

How do you approach pricing?
Pricing is transparent and fair, based on transaction volume, complexity, and scope of work. There are no surprise fees. Any changes to pricing are discussed in advance.

Will my work be completed on time?
Yes. Monthly bookkeeping tasks and financial reports are completed on a consistent schedule, provided required information is received on time. Deadlines and expectations are communicated clearly.

Do you follow IRS and compliance standards?
Absolutely. All bookkeeping and payroll services are performed with a strong focus on accuracy, compliance, and proper documentation. I do not engage in aggressive, misleading, or unethical accounting practices.

Will you ever “adjust” numbers to reduce taxes?
No. I do not manipulate or “cook” books. Financial records must accurately reflect business activity. Tax planning and filing decisions are handled by your CPA or tax professional.

How do you communicate with clients?
Clients may reach out by email, phone, or video call with bookkeeping-related questions. Clear communication is a priority, especially during onboarding and monthly reviews.

What is expected from me as the client?
Clients are responsible for:

  • Providing complete and accurate information

  • Responding to questions in a timely manner

  • Funding payroll and tax payments on time
    This allows bookkeeping and payroll services to be completed efficiently.

Will you work with my CPA or tax preparer?
Yes. I regularly collaborate with CPAs and tax professionals to ensure books are clean, accurate, and tax-ready.

Is my financial information secure?
Yes. Access is provided through secure QuickBooks Online permissions only. I never request bank login credentials, and client data is handled with strict confidentiality.