New Year – New Apps: Are you ready to take the plunge?
As the New Year gets underway, many of us have resolved to try out some of the third party apps which are designed to integrate with our accounting software packages. We may have a vague feeling that we “should” get to know and start using these apps, but often feel...
1099 Thoughts and Best Practices for Your Clients and Your Own Firm
Why are 1099s still such a struggle? For the last 10 years I have worked with dozens and dozens of small businesses, and it seems like nary a one obtains a W-9 form from a 1099 vendor before they start working with the subcontractor. Even those with whom I have been...
Top 10 Questions to Ask a Potential New Client
When you are interviewing a potential new client, allow yourself the chance to shine. You can do this by doing more listening than talking. Asking your prospect several directed questions kills two birds with one stone: it allows you to learn about their business and...
Women & Bookkeeping
Let’s face it – most bookkeepers are women, and most CPA’s are men. This is a generalization based on my 10 years of industry experience, and not based on any empirical evidence. And let’s face it, accounting/CPA firms charge more for bookkeeping services than most...
Top 10 Items to Include in a Service Agreement
It’s time to do something different in your bookkeeping practice: start using a formal Service Agreement. In my informal polling of bookkeepers, I find many do not use a Service Agreement or Engagement Letter when starting with a new client account. This document is...
Bringing fraudulent activity out of the shadows
At a recent gathering of bookkeepers and accounting professionals, one attendee pulled me aside to solicit my advice on a dilemma she is facing: what to do about a former client who is paying staff under the table. My immediate advice: resign the position. She said...