Avalon Accounting

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the CEO and Co-Founder of a Canadian branding agency that works with eco-hoteliers in Central America.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Avalon Accounting, and what were your goals?

We were looking for a reliable Accounting company to help us make the transition to an incorporated business, and Avalon was by far the most approachable, helpful and proactive of the many firms we interviewed. 3 years into our partnership and we've never looked back! Avalon has helped us throughout so many stages of our business — setting up our business properly and explaining EVERY STEP so that we always felt comfortable and confident. Helping us through dividends vs. salary, paying ourselves, setting up payroll. Not to mention the many questions we've had about our business and financial planning.

SOLUTION

How did you select this firm and what were the deciding factors?

We searched online and reviewed about 5 proposals. We went with Avalon because they were always so patient and answered so many of our questions, thoughtfully and thoroughly. They also had a number of helpful blog posts and videos on their website that presented many answers to questions that we had not yet even thought of. The biggest deciding factor though, is how the team makes you FEEL as a business owner. We never felt intimidated to ask questions because the Avalon team was so approachable, warm and HUMAN from the very beginning. That's the kind of business we knew we needed in our corner.

Describe the engagement and overall scope of work in detail, including the stages of the partnership and any software or documents used.

We met with them to discuss our goals and objectives. Then they offered many recommendations in terms of software and processes that we could implement to streamline our finances. They helped us get set up, trained us on our new software and processes, and then eventually we expanded our partnership to have them handle all those details.

Describe their billing or cost structure.

We pay a monthly fee and only pay for the services we use. I love that they are available for all kinds of financial planning questions. If anything is out of scope, they are also very straightforward with costs so that nothing is a surprise.

How many resources from the firm's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We mainly work with our Senior Client Manager and our Bookkeeper. But for more specialized questions (for example, Payroll), we've also worked with other knowledgeable staff to help us get answers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the engagement or general feedback about the services?

Overall, we're making smarter decisions and can plan for the following year, especially around hiring and investing in things like marketing.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Onboarding is well-organized -- they'll always tell you what steps are coming. They also use Loom video to communicate which is extremely helpful.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Avalon helps us make informed financial decisions and are a joy to work with. Overall, the team is a stellar group of humans, who really care about their clients and the work they do.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

I'd love to be able to see a monthly cashflow statement, but that's more of a software limitation than a limitation of their services!

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of an independent consulting company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Avalon Accounting?

I’d hired a bookkeeper to manage my invoicing process for my global clients because invoicing can get messy across several currencies. My accounting knowledge is minimal, but I noticed several issues regarding deadlines and had no choice but to try and fix the problems myself. When I realized I needed additional support, I reached out to Avalon Accounting for help.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Avalon Accounting has helped me with various accounting-related offerings. First, we met to discuss my needs, and the team suggested a package that combines bookkeeping services with accounting training.

Now, the team helps me handle deductions, business expenses, receipts, and multi-currency invoicing. They also help us comply with business requirements and provide year-end accounting support for more complex tasks such as filing taxes. They also handle payroll and oversee the accounting practices I manage myself via Xero. 

What is the team composition?

I’ve worked with three people from the Avalon Accounting team, including an account manager, a CPA, a bookkeeper, and a training specialist. 

How did you come to work with Avalon Accounting?

I came across Avalon Accounting’s basic accounting content on YouTube. Their technical tips were very useful, so I asked if they could help me directly.

How much have you invested with them?

I invested $2,000 CAD (approximately $1,500 USD) for the initial fee, and now I pay a $500 CAD (approximately $400 USD) monthly retainer. 

What is the status of this engagement?

I started working with Avalon Accounting in April, and the partnership is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

Avalon Accounting has become familiar with my business and brought a new approach to the table. They’ve also shared valuable expertise and enlightened me by sharing easier bookkeeping methods. The team has been able to streamline and simplify my legacy accounting process and eliminate unnecessary moving parts. Their ongoing training support has allowed me to polish my bookkeeping skills further, which I appreciate. 

Furthermore, while working on year-end accounting tasks, the team caught a $1,000 loss from the previous fiscal year that my bookkeeper failed to identify, saving me money in the long run.

How did Avalon Accounting perform from a project management standpoint?

Avalon Accounting has executed a clean, easy process. They’ve been super responsive to my questions, and I appreciate their adherence to deadlines. My previous bookkeeper left everything, including taxes, until the last minute, which was very stressful.

Avalon Accounting has delivered work within two months, rather than the six months allotted for certain things, which was helpful. They’ve helped me close out tasks quickly so we can focus on the following fiscal year.

The project management process is very collaborative, and we mainly communicate via email. The account manager guides me and ensures everything is running smoothly, while the bookkeeper stays on top of outstanding issues and lets me know if I need to address something.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’m most impressed by their accounting expertise; they know how to manage multi-currency invoicing in the most efficient way possible. Additionally, I admire their collaborative nature and willingness to oversee my bookkeeping practices and coach me along the way. They’ve fixed issues and helped me understand how things work. Now that we’ve established a solid process, I feel like I’m cruising along and am excited to continue working together.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I have nothing Avalon Accounting could improve on; they’ve been perfect.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Review their service offerings and determine whether you want Avalon Accounting to help you with bookkeeping or do it for you. They will do a great job either way.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the co-founder of a SaaS Enterprise service in the music industry. I've been here for 12 years.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Avalon Accounting, and what were your goals?

After relocating from the US we were looking for an accounting partner who could help us with monthly bookkeeping, year-end and financial reporting as needed. I was looking for a team of people who were professional but not cold and used modern technology.

SOLUTION

How did you select this firm and what were the deciding factors?

After speaking to a few CA accountants I knew right away that Avalon were a perfect fit for us. They were friendly, used modern technology and answered every question I had in simple language. They are refreshingly down to earth.

Describe the engagement and overall scope of work in detail, including the stages of the partnership and any software or documents used.

We discussed our requirements to work with our US accounting partners, to use Xero and also handle our Canadian payroll. It was easy and very straightforward to work with them on this part of the project.

Describe their billing or cost structure.

They have staggered monthly pricing based on the size of your team, the number of monthly transactions and if you need payroll services. I like that the monthly fee also covers the end of year taxes.

How many resources from the firm's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I've worked with their payroll specialist, bookkeeper and lead accountants.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the engagement or general feedback about the services?

They picked everything up super quickly and got our Canadian team organized. It was so easy.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

They've never dropped the ball and are incredibly responsive.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They are so nice to work with. They are friendly, professional and kind. And I feel safe in their hands which takes a load off my mind.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

None.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder and content creator for Jane Stafford Textiles.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Avalon Accounting, and what were your goals?

Our business had grown beyond our in house accounting capabilities. We needed an accounting firm that would provide us with monthly financial statements and tax preparation.

SOLUTION

How did you select this firm and what were the deciding factors?

We had chosen Xero as our accounting software and were looking for an accounting firm that specialized in that programme.

Describe the engagement and overall scope of work in detail, including the stages of the partnership and any software or documents used.

Avalon takes care of all our bookkeeping, reconciles our bank statements to Woo Commerce and Dear, prepares weekly and monthly financial statements, prepares our payroll and does our year end tax filing.

Describe their billing or cost structure.

We have a monthly contract.

How many resources from the firm's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We work with 3 people, Kira, our Senior bookkeeper, Charmaine our accountant manager and Melissa who does our payroll.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the engagement or general feedback about the services?

Avalon has exceeded all my expectations. The biggest outcome ......... I don't have to worry anymore...they have relieved me from the day to day worry about numbers.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Everyone at Avalon is a great communicator and I really appreciate that. My emails are answered almost immediately, when I have questions about things that are outside the scope of our contract they are always so happy to help me figure it out and often take on extra tasks for me. They are fun and engaging and truly care.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I was initially impressed with how Paul and Joe wanted to know and understand my business so they could offer the best possible service. I'm now impressed with how they run their company, I love that they care about their employees and the world around them.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

I can't think of anything that they could be doing better. I have never had such a great accounting team in my ball park :)

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am one of the founders of a small consulting practice focused on helping not-for-profits improve their operations with data analytics and process automation.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Avalon Accounting, and what were your goals?

Our previous provider simply filed our corporate returns, no reporting, no advice and no proactive outreach leaving us to manage things on our own. Since we are a small team, we were looking for an accounting team that could guide us and take the work off our plate so we could focus on growing our business.

SOLUTION

How did you select this firm and what were the deciding factors?

I was looking for bookkeeping support and came across an article, read a few more articles, videos and was thrilled that Avalon was a Canadian Company first of all and that they were taking clients in my province. It was a no brainer to reach out.

Describe the engagement and overall scope of work in detail, including the stages of the partnership and any software or documents used.

We opted for the monthly accounting services plan with Bookkeeping Support. The on-boarding team migrated us from our previous accounting software to Xero and trained us on their best practices.

Describe their billing or cost structure.

The billing is clear and easy to understand, costs are based on services used and spread across 12 months.

How many resources from the firm's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We have a senior account lead who has been amazing that we meet with quarterly or as needed, she has a team including a bookkeeper who we work with on day-to-day things as needed. As part of the on-boarding process, we worked with an accountant focused on migrating us from our old system to the new and they also provided training in the new system to ensure we were supported during the transition.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the engagement or general feedback about the services?

When working with Avalon, you feel like you are being cared for and that you don't have to worry. Their way of working including on-boarding, training and regular touch points with your lead is very reassuring and allows me to focus more on my core business.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

The Avalon team are very communicative and let you know status of things throughout the process. 

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I feel the on-boarding process is exceptional. It's worry-free and it makes you feel certain you have made the right choice to work with Avalon.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

I feel that one thing that could improve is the length of the summary emails, I think keeping the emails more short and action-based would be easier to follow.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are an educational design consulting company. I am the founder and CEO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Avalon Accounting, and what were your goals?

Corporate taxes are no joke and I didn't want to fool around with the CRA. Avalon supported me throughout the year and completed the corporate tax return and HST (harmonized sales tax) return.

SOLUTION

How did you select this firm and what were the deciding factors?

Avalon has a great online presence and really felt personal. They have helpful blog posts and videos that share key information about your taxes and business accounting.

Describe the engagement and overall scope of work in detail, including the stages of the partnership and any software or documents used.

Avalon not only completed the HST and tax return, they supported me throughout the year. I could send a question to my team at any time and within 24 hours (usually less), I received a detailed response from a human who understood my concerns.

Describe their billing or cost structure.

The billing is up front and clear. I put down a retainer, and my services were deducted from that throughout the year. At the end of the year, they billed for further services beyond the retainer.

How many resources from the firm's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

The team is made up of 3-4 people, including a client services manager and accountants.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the engagement or general feedback about the services?

Everyone I spoke with at Avalon had a positive attitude, referred to me by name, understood my business and needs, and was able to help me to solve any problems or answer questions. Their services helped to save me time and clarity in the information that was being provided to me, which was peace of mind.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Their communication is always excellent. Their timelines work for me, and they keep in touch regarding upcoming dates.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The personal touch. You get to know your team members and I never felt like I was bothering them. They had excellent attitudes and always seemed happy to help me.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

n/a

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the President & CEO of Just Like Family Home Care - Vancouver Island.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Avalon Accounting, and what were your goals?

Tax support Year end financials Monthly Financial Statements Tax and Accounting advice/support

SOLUTION

How did you select this firm and what were the deciding factors?

Customer/client services, responsiveness & locally owned and operated.

Describe the engagement and overall scope of work in detail, including the stages of the partnership and any software or documents used.

Tax support Year end financials Monthly Financial Statements Tax and Accounting advice/support

Describe their billing or cost structure.

Monthly invoices - reasonably priced for the work they perform

How many resources from the firm's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

3

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the engagement or general feedback about the services?

On time reporting, high quality, timely action and follow ups from reviews and meetings.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Great follow ups and support

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Following up with timely information and support. The best experience ever.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

no - keep doing what you are doing!