Frequently Asked Questions

Bookkeeping

  • I am way behind can you help me catch up?

    Yes, we can help you get organized and set you on the right path. It’s never to late to catch up

  • Should you outsource your bookkeeping?

    You should consider outsourcing your bookkeeping for the following reasons:

    • Reduce and control operating costs.
    • Free up your limited resources for other purposes.
    • You do not have the resources internally.
    • Your record keeping is difficult to manage or is out of control.
    • Improve your business focus.
    • Ability to grow your organization
  • Questions to consider when deciding to outsource your bookkeeping.

    Ask yourself:

    • If I were to start this business / company today would I choose to do the books myself?
    • Do you find it difficult to organize your records?
    • Are you always behind in getting your information to your accountant?
    • Am I so good at maintaining and updating my books and records that others would hire me to do it for them?
  • What are the benefits of outsourcing your bookkeeping?

    Outsourcing your bookkeeping allows you to:

    • Focus on your core competencies.
    • Positioning Management (owners) as a “user” rather than a “generator” of your information.
    • Receive accurate and timely information.
    • Employ up-to-date accounting technology, without the upfront costs.
    • Reduce your costs of having an accountant/bookkeeper on staff.
    • Obtain greater access to skilled people.
    • No office space is required.
    • No training is needed.
    • No Payroll taxes (EI, CPP).
    • Pay only for work actually carried out.
    • Balance Sheet – available each period. It summarizes your total business assets, liabilities and net worth at a given point in time so you can make the right decisions based on up-to-date information.
    • Monthly Income (Profit & Loss) Statement – a monthly breakdown of you sales and expenses for the current month, and a year-to-date total.
  • Does outsourcing cost more than hiring my own internal accountant?

    Generally it will cost NO more than it is currently costing you for up-to-date information and most time it will be less.

    You will not have employee benefits, pension contributions or employer costs for government programs

    You will not have to provide training to employees to keep them up-to-date

    You will not have to keep up-to-date with technology for your accounting.

    Savings also come in the freeing up of your time to work on your business

  • Who controls my information?

    Regardless of where the work is performed, you maintain ownership of your information.

    Management retains control related to who can access to the information, no matter where it is located.

    Control is also maintained through your acceptance of which services, pricing and contractual provisions you agree to.

  • Is my information secure?

    Yes, we use a variety of security measures including:

    • Encrypted internal backups
    • Encrypted external offsite backups
    • Password protected client sites
    • Password protected and/or encrypted data transfer
    • Firewalls on all our computer systems
  • Can you come to my business?

    99% of the time, yes. Depending on the company size and level of service you require.

    Working off-site is the most cost effective method for small to medium size businesses, as we have a state of the art office and equipment and there is no need for the client to purchase software, printers, computers etc.

  • Do you have remote or cloud options?

    Yes, we utilize cloud computing to allow you to access your data securely in your own private environment.

  • Why if my accountant or bookkeeper doesn't like the system?

    If your accountant or bookkeeper is not familiar with Profit First they may question the number of accounts you have for your business. You might need to educate them on the benefits of Profit First and what you are trying to achieve by using this system. We can also be your accountant or bookkeper or able to recommend someone who is on board with Profit First.

    • Payroll

  • Who controls my information?

    Regardless of where the work is performed, you maintain ownership of your information.

    Management retains control related to who can access to the information, no matter where it is located.

    Control is also maintained through your acceptance of which services, pricing and contractual provisions you agree to.

  • Do you process payroll?

    Yes, we process payroll for a number of our clients.

    This includes:

    • Monthly, Semi-Monthly, Biweekly, Weekly Payroll Runs
    • CRA Payroll submissions
    • ROEs
    • Annual T4’s
    • T5018 Forms for contractors
  • Is my information secure?

    Yes, we use a variety of security measures including:

    • Encrypted internal backups
    • Encrypted external offsite backups
    • Password protected client sites
    • Password protected and/or encrypted data transfer
    • Firewalls on all our computer systems
  • Do you have remote or cloud options?

    Yes, we utilize cloud computing to allow you to access your data securely in your own private environment.

    • Income Tax

  • Who controls my information?

    Regardless of where the work is performed, you maintain ownership of your information.

    Management retains control related to who can access to the information, no matter where it is located.

    Control is also maintained through your acceptance of which services, pricing and contractual provisions you agree to.

  • Do you prepare income tax returns?

    Yes, depending on your service level they may be included in your package

    We also provide income tax preparation only serices for:

    • Personal Income Tax (T1)
    • Corporate Income Tax (T2)
    • Trust Income Tax (T3)
      • Inter Vivos Trusts
      • Testamentary Trusts
    • Deceased Individuals
      • Final Returns for Deceased Individuals
      • Optional Returns for Deceased Individuals
        • Returns for Rights or Things
        • Return for a Partner or Proprietor
        • Return for Income from a Graduated Rate Estate
  • Is my information secure?

    Yes, we use a variety of security measures including:

    • Encrypted internal backups
    • Encrypted external offsite backups
    • Password protected client sites
    • Password protected and/or encrypted data transfer
    • Firewalls on all our computer systems
  • Do you have remote or cloud options?

    Yes, we utilize cloud computing to allow you to access your data securely in your own private environment.

  • As the Profit First book was written in the USA and based on US Tax Law, does the 15% tax rate target on the instant assessment work for Canadian Businesses?

    15% is a recommended starting point but the exact percentages need to be assessed for each business based on their individual circumstances. For example are you Sales Tax (GST, HST, PST) registered and do you have a separate account for Sales Tax? We can help you work out the percentages for your business.

    • Price

  • How much do your services cost?

    We are of the opinion that our pricing should be determined by the value that our client is seeking.

    We begin with a initial free consultation and after discussions on your needs needs we will prepare different options for your review.

  • What is your hourly rate?

    Our services are intellectual capital and decades of financial knowledge, not time. All our prices are based on a fixed price agreement that provides guaranteed results with no billing surprises.

    Our pricing policy is fixed. Your quote is not an estimate.

  • How much do you charges for Profit First Consulting?

    Prices vary based on your unique situation and a custom review and proposal will need to be completed to suit your business and your exact needs at the time.

    We offer services that range from full CFO down to just accountability check-ins.

    • Profit First

  • We are not financially viable and have debt, can Profit First help us?

    Yes Profit First is aimed at making a business viable and profitable. Your debt will still be paid but not at the expense of profitability. Speak with us to get individual advice for your business.

  • Will Profit First work with my business?

    Yes Profit First is designed to work with any business, in any industry.

  • Can you help me restructure my business to improve profitability?

    Yes we can help you improve profitability. As a Profit First Professional we are also business advisors, we look at the big picture and can make recommendations to improve your overall business.

  • I'm not competitive on price, can Profit First help me with this?

    Yes, by conducting a profit assessment of your business, you will be able to clearly see where you are spending your money. As a Profit First Professional we are also business advisors, we will be able to work with you to grow your business and make you more competitive.

  • How do I work towards the Profit First target percentages?

    By working with a Profit First Professional we can guide you on the best way to change your current processes in order to meet the target percentages. Some clients choose to ease into Profit First by starting with just 2 or 3 accounts, based on their biggest pain points for example taxes or owners pay.

  • My cashflow is terrible and stressful, I want to stop being behind on my bills and have better money management. Can Profit First achieve this?

    Absolutely, Profit First is aimed at improving cash flow, reducing expenses and improving profitability. By doing your allocations twice a month, in time you will see the trends of your cash flow which will help you plan ahead.

  • I need help to meet my taxes.

    After Profit First, not having enough money to pay tax will be a thing of the past. Profit First is perfect for ensuring that you have enough funds available to meet your tax obligations.

  • Can you help me forecast my Profit First percentages and projections based on current figures?

    Yes as a Profit First Professional we help you work out the percentages for your business based on your current and previous performance. We will then work with you to improve your business moving forward.

  • Can you help me grow my business?

    Yes by implementing Profit First, it will assist you in growing your business. By closely monitoring how you are spending your money and knowing what money you can spend, you will be forced to make wiser spending choices and get creative in how to get the same result for less money. By working with us as a Profit First Professional, we can help you with strategies to grow your business.

  • Do I need to use you as my accountant also or can you just help me with Profit First?

    That’s up to you. We can help you with as little or much as you need.

  • How much do you charges for Profit First Consulting?

    Prices vary based on your unique situation and a custom review and proposal will need to be completed to suit your business and your exact needs at the time.

    We offer services that range from full CFO down to just accountability check-ins.

  • Why should I pay you for Profit First Consulting when I can do it myself?

    Yes you can do it yourself, but just like having a personal trainer, a Profit First Professional keeps you accountable, they are there to ask questions, to help you overcome problems and guide your business growth and profitability.

  • Do you offer ongoing accountability / coaching?

    Yes

  • As the Profit First book was written in the USA and based on US Tax Law, does the 15% tax rate target on the instant assessment work for Canadian Businesses?

    15% is a recommended starting point but the exact percentages need to be assessed for each business based on their individual circumstances. For example are you Sales Tax (GST, HST, PST) registered and do you have a separate account for Sales Tax? We can help you work out the percentages for your business.

  • Why if my accountant or bookkeeper doesn't like the system?

    If your accountant or bookkeeper is not familiar with Profit First they may question the number of accounts you have for your business. You might need to educate them on the benefits of Profit First and what you are trying to achieve by using this system. We can also be your accountant or bookkeper or able to recommend someone who is on board with Profit First.

  • How can I work with you as a Profit First Professional and what do you actually do?

    Profit First Professionals are your business partners. We help you implement and maintain profit first. We will be able to assist you to improve your cashflow and offer strategic advice to grow your business.

    First of all we will analyze your numbers, prepare a profit assessment for your business and help you implement profit first in your business.

    On an on-going basis Profit First Professionals will keep you accountable, we will be able to work with you on any changes or issues in your business and as a business partner, we are available to bounce ideas off and guide you to a profitable and sustainable business.

  • Can you help me set up Profit First in my business?

    Yes as a Profit First Professional absolutely I can assist with setting up Profit First in your business and making it work for you and your business structure. Every business is different so working with a Profit First Professional can ensure the system is setup to work for your business type.

  • Can you help me set up a Profit First system so I don't touch money I shouldn't?

    Yes the Profit First system is designed to deter you from touching money you shouldn’t, that’s why we recommend that you use two (2) different banks. By using two (2) different banks the money isn’t accessible immediately, deterring you from touching it. It will still take discipline and in time you will learn that you can only afford to spend money if it’s available in the expenses account.

  • Can you help me set up my accounting software system with multiple accounts

    Yes many we can help you setup your accounting software. We are working day to day with clients to manage their accounts and help them set up systems for their business that work. System that we find work the easiest are Xero and Quickbooks Online.

  • Can you teach my staff to use the Profit First System for my business?

    Yes, once we set up the Profit First system in your business, we can show your staff how to maintain the system and perform the regular allocations. It’s still important to meet regularly with your Profit First Professional to keep you accountable and they will be able to help you adjust any figures necessary and plan for the future.

  • How do I start putting money aside, I'm desperate to know as I have bills to pay?

    Once you implement Profit First you start putting money aside from the very next payment cycle. If you are finding you don’t have enough money to pay your bills, it means that you need to reduce your expenses as you are spending more than your business can afford and this is not sustainable.

  • I haven't started my business yet, can I start Profit First from the very beginning?

    Absolutely, starting Profit First from the beginning of a business will ensure that the business is always profitable and sustainable, long-term.

  • I've read the Profit First book, what's next? I'm not sure how to apply it to my business.

    Book a call with a us, we will be able to look at your business and help you implement Profit First.

  • Does Profit First work?

    Profit First works very well as it changes your mindset and teaches you about how your finances work. Profit is the priority and not an “after thought” after covering expenses, meaning you’ll budget your expenses more carefully.