Running a small business is a never-ending to-do list. Most entrepreneurs start businesses out of passion. They’re good at something, they realize they can make money doing it, so they strike out on their own to make their mark on the world.
The problem comes when an entrepreneur’s time is used up on menial tasks rather than pursuing that passion. Instead of generating revenue, business owners spend their days struggling through payroll, compliance issues, taxes, and other areas that they’re not knowledgeable in.
Most do this in order to save money, but they’re not thinking about how much their time is worth. If payroll takes you 10 hours and you pay yourself $25 an hour, then payroll alone is costing you $250 every pay period. Most accounting agencies will do your payroll for less than that a month, plus help you with other financial services.
But when looking to outsource, there are some areas you need to look at closely. Below are some criteria you should check when considering an accounting agency.
Pricing
A lot of bookkeeping firms will charge you hourly. While this makes sense to a degree, it’s not always the best method. Often when accounting tasks take longer, it has nothing to do with the client. Charging by the hour is an antiquated tradition that only benefits the firm, not the client.
At DOAAR, we do things differently. We offer monthly packages at a set rate. You choose your services and pay monthly for them. We also offer a la carte services and add-ons that you can choose on a one-time or continuing basis. There are no hidden fees and no surprises. This way, the pricing is based on the value to you, the customer, and not based on how fast your accountant does their work.
Communication
When outsourcing services, you have to make sure the people you’re working with have effective communications skills and multiple methods of contact. DOAAR’s agents are always available by phone and email during business hours, and are dedicated to returning correspondence. We even post our calendars on our site so you can see when we’re free for appointments. If you have a general question about your account, any of our agents can help you; you never have to rely on a specific person being available.
We also keep data in the cloud so that you can have 24/7 access to your account information. You’re always kept up-to-date on your financial status and any issues that are being addressed.
There’s a lot to consider when choosing an accounting firm for your small business.