Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Difference between Bookkeeping and Accounting?

The two overlap: Bookkeeping is the basic part of accounting. It is the recording of the day to day transactions of a business.

Therefore, bookkeeping can play an important role in the efficient running of a business: A business needs to pay its bills and it must therefore keep a record of those bills so that the correct amounts can be paid at the correct times and also so that bills are not paid twice by mistake. Similarly, a business needs to keep track of cash and checks received from customers. Generally, all these things are the concern of bookkeeping.

Accounting builds on the bookkeeping information, interpreting it, compiling reports, year-end accounts, tax returns, budgeting and carrying out financial analysis and so on.

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Why is bookkeeping important?

Maintaining your small business accounting records in reliable and easy to understand order is critical for several reasons.

First, you need accurate books to properly file your tax returns. Second, your bank, investors, or other interested parties may require certain financial reports on a regular basis.

Most importantly, however, is that good bookkeeping serves as an essential tool to get an accurate financial picture of your business, which helps you make better business decisions by allowing you to analyze profitable and unprofitable products or activities.

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Why should I Hire Accounting a la Carte for my bookkeeping?

Hiring a company who is dedicated to your success is a key component in running and maintaining a successful business. The bookkeeping function is an effective medium which allows you, as the business owner, to free up considerable time and focus your resources on the core functional activities of your business.

Accounting a la Carte’s bookkeeping services can result in improved efficiencies, cost savings, access to financial expertise not available in-house, and an improvement in your ability to monitor your business. You can then focus your efforts on growing your business, instead of spending hours doing your bookkeeping function.

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Why Accounting a la Carte?

Three words describe Accounting a la Carte: Experience, Quality, and Cost Savings.

First, Accounting a la Carte has the experience to service your small business. Our founder served at one of the most prestigious international accounting, and consulting firms in the world.

Our consultants are highly qualified financial professionals including CPAs and seasoned accountants.

Second, we provide professional, responsive and quality service. We know understand accounting and we ensure that our services are of the highest caliber.

Third, we save you money. We are able to do the same bookkeeping and accounting tasks that your CPA firms does , but we do it for a lot less. Our bookkeeping fees don’t take a bite out of you budget.

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What size and types of businesses does Accounting a la Carte serve?

We serve small and mid size businesses of all types in all industries. With a few exceptions, we focus primarily on small businesses with revenues between $1million and $5 million in total annual revenue Or small businesses with fewer than 10 employees. We also service Mid-Size Companies with revenues between $5 million and $10 million in total annual revenue Or medium size businesses with fewer than 20 employees This focus helps us master our field and provide the best possible service to our clients.

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What kinds of financial reports do I get?

Our standard reporting package for our monthly bookkeeping clients includes: bank reconciliation, income statement, and balance sheet. Other customizable reports are also available.

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Does Accounting a la Carte guarantee its work?

Absolutely. If you are dissatisfied with our services for any reason, you may cancel at anytime and we will not charge you for that month’s or quarter’s bookkeeping.

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How do you account for business expenses paid with cash?

Much like credit card purchases, the best way to account for cash purchases is by remitting receipts with a clear explanation of the nature of the expense(s).

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What is the best way to organize my business financial records?

We have found that the most successful small business owners keep good records and maintain a good record filing and retention policy. It is important to keep all monthly bank statements, monthly cancelled checks, credit card receipts, credit card statements, cash receipts, and any important business documents in an organized filing system. We recommend that you keep these documents sorted by month. This makes it easier to send us your documents and also ensures that your back-up documents are readily accessible should the need arise. One easy and effective record retention method is to purchase a scanner and save all your financial documents electronically. By doing so, you can save space and prevent document loss.

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What if I have questions regarding my reports?

If you have any questions regarding your reports or our services in general, simply email us at [email protected] or call us at (805) 966-2262. Your complete satisfaction is of utmost important to us. See our Guarantee.

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How do you get started?

Just click on Contact Us or call (805) 966-2262 . Our president will contact to answer any questions you have, and to provide you with the next step in getting you to run your business smarter.

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How does the service work?

Read HOW IT WORKS.

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How do I get started?

First, call us at (805) 966-2262 to set up an appointment with Ms. Carnaghe. She will meet with you to discuss your specific requirements.

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What if I need “catch-up” accounting?

Most businesses are a few months behind in their bookkeeping when they come to Accounting a la Carte. That is precisely why they need us — because it is difficult to stay on top of your books and run a demanding business! It’s simple — you let us bring your books up to date you need to provide us with the source documents (bank statements, credit card statements, etc.) for the missing months. And we will take it from there, catching you up and getting you current so you have an accurate picture of your business finances.

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Wouldn’t I be better off hiring an in-house bookkeeper?

In most cases, no.

To hire an in-house bookkeeper, first you must find that person, check their credentials, negotiate a salary, hire and train them, and manage them. That can be very expensive both in time and money for a business owner. You must also provide office space, a desk, a computer, and software for them to use. You incur payroll tax expenses, vacation and sick time, and the cost of other benefits for that employee. If the person you hire is part-time, you must manage their hours and will only have access to them when they are at work. If they go on vacation, get sick, or leave your employ, you may have a large gap in your accounting and payroll. Furthermore, in some cases, there can be security concerns when only one person has access to all your business financial information, data, bank accounts, statements, and checks.

Accounting a la Carte clients find that our affordable and efficient accounting services, combined with the continuity, security, and reliability of work is far better value than hiring an in-house person.

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How much does it cost?

Our services are billed at an hourly rate determined by the nature of the work involved. Because your personal Accounting a la Carte consultant is committed to staying within your allotted budget you are never surprised by a huge, unexpected bill. We’ll tailor an accounting package and price based on your needs. We will design an accounting solution specifically for you.

Please call us to discuss your particular needs at (805) 966-2262. We save each of our clients money every month. Find out how you can benefit too.

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Ms. Andy Carnaghe has proven to be a valuable asset to our publishing operations... whatever we paid Ms. Carnaghe, she has repaid in savings and clean clear records for our business.
Donald V. Fritzen, Executive Director
California Wine Festival