Well, it depends on the package you have chosen and your specific needs. Bookkeeping: For our bookkeeping plans, typically when you get an invoice or receipt you upload it to us through one of our recommended easy-to-use apps, the software program also syncs with your bank/credit cards to download bank and credit card transactions. We then complete the processing required saving you time and money and allowing us to provide a higher level of service that will help you focus on what you do best (your business!). Year End and Tax: You receive our custom checklists via email that request the specific items we need to get started. You will be able to comment and upload items directly to the checklist. You can also create a client portal to access current and past checklists right from our website. Once you have uploaded the requested items or commented, you then mark the item as complete. The work is then deployed to our staff and we can get started on your year-end processes. We will then be in touch on any additional items as they come up. Once your year-end is drafted, we will review it with you, over a video call with screen share, or at your option we can complete a first review over pre-recorded video. You will then have the chance to ask any questions or voice concerns and share what your current goals are. We then can use this information in formulating a tax plan/strategy that is specific for you. We also will share guidance and tips on how to use your financials to make better decisions in your business. Once, the final version is confirmed, you will sign off electronically and we will file your returns. We then will generally reach out bi-annually to see how operations are doing in comparison to the plan in place. Other Services: Can be provided and will likely follow a similar flow to the explanations above.

If we missed a question on our FAQ, please contact us , and we can answer any questions you may have. From that page, you will have the option of submitting a contact form OR booking for an introductory call. The first appointment is a free assessment in which we will talk about you (and your business). This will give us an idea of your accounting needs and takes about a half hour. From this, we will prepare and email a quote package that includes our engagement letter (a requirement as we are a Canadian CPA firm). After this, it is your decision if you think it will be a good fit. If you are ready to sign up, you sign off on the engagement letter/quote and this starts the onboarding process. We have mentioned Xero accounting software a lot on our website. We are Xero Gold Partners and only offer bookkeeping and payable services only on Xero. We can convert you to Xero as part of the onboarding process (and depending on which software you are coming from can even get the last 24 months of data moved into Xero). More months of data can also commonly be moved but this is usually at a premium cost. If you are completing the bookkeeping yourself, or have a bookkeeper, then we are happy to work with you and your bookkeeper to complete our year-end or other services on whichever software you choose eg. QuickBooks Online, Freshbooks, Sage, Wave etc.

FAQs Archive

Q: How long do you keep my files online and does the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) allow this?

The CRA requires all records to be kept for seven years. Your records remain secured in our cloud-based records and are accessible to only you (and our staff) for this time. If you choose to change accountants, we can provide pdf backups of all records for this time period at your request. CRA does not require paper forms of records including what are referred to as source documents (receipts). The CRA requires books and records to be retained in Canada. We have systems in place with secure providers in Canada to ensure we are meeting this requirement.

Q: Is Cloud-Based accounting secure?

We use Xero as our cloud based accounting and practice software. Xero uses security software that major financial institutions and banks use for things like your online banking. In fact, a lot of their security systems exceed the standards within the industry. The servers on which the information is stored are physically secured by restricted access and 24 hours a day guard surveillance. They are also protected by multiple firewalls and encrypted access. Most individuals and business owners cannot say the same for their worksites. For more information on Xero’s security check out their website https://www.xero.com/ca/accounting-software/security/ .

Q: Do I have to be a tech geek?

No! We do the legwork with the accounting software and the apps we recommend are designed for business owners like you. All that is required is a phone (android or a smart phone) with data availability or an ipad and a willingness to learn. We provide the training!