Gram Tax & Accounting

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Physiotherapist and Founder of Neurology Rehab

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Provide specialized care for people living with movement disorders. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Gram Tax & Accounting to accomplish?

• Accounting
• Tax Preparation

SOLUTION

How did you find Gram Tax & Accounting?

Referral

Why did you select Gram Tax & Accounting over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Gram Tax & Accounting were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Assisted in Tax preparation for my business. Was there to answer any questions throughout the year to help me to maximize my tax refunds. Helped decide how to take money out of my business to save on taxes. Did my personal tax return as well.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Was able to save a lot of money on taxes with tax planning. Always was able to answer all my questions. Helped me to move from a sole proprietor to a corporation to save on taxes.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The deliverables were clearly communicated, and emails sent well in advance to get items prepared. All of my filings were done well in advance. They were always very responsive to my questions whether it be an email or a call.

What was your primary form of communication with Gram Tax & Accounting?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

I always feel like I'm getting answers in a timely fashion, and they provide me insight into things I wouldn't have even thought of. I feel comfortable handing over my finances to GRAM.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Gram Tax & Accounting could have done differently?

I would love to have them offer financial advising on top of tax accounting, that way I could have a one stop shop for everything.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the founder, operator and sole employee of SaaS startup/RPA service provider, Clementine Tech Inc.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Gram Tax & Accounting, and what were your goals?

I hired GRAM to provide tax and accounting services for my business as well as general startup/business consulting. I needed advice from the most basic bookkeeping and Incorporation process to future ownership share structure and compensation/payroll operations. The goal was simply to have well rounded expertise accessible to me when I needed it, and to be set on path where I could be confident that I was operating legally and ethically when it comes to finances.

SOLUTION

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

As a new startup/SMB targeting other SMB's with my services, I have a very personal understanding of the attention that founders and principals of SMB's require. I immediately saw this same understanding from Rukie at GRAM and how it has been imparted through his staff. I selected GRAM because their journey closely resembled Clementine's and they immediately understood the support and services that I needed as a new founder.

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

Scheduling a meeting with Rukie was easy via the Calendly integration right on their website. This level of accessibility was an immediate standout for me. I was able to talk with Rukie when I was still a sole proprietor, exploring a Proof of Concept stage for Clementine. His expertise and personal experience was paramount in taking Clementine to the next step where I was happy to partner with GRAM for corporate tax returns and business consulting services.

I was provided a detailed service level offering to choose from along with instructions on registering with the CRA and setting up my QuickBooks Online accounting platform for bookkeeping. All documents were conveniently signed and available online via the secure ShareFile portal. Since initial setup for bookkeeping and tax, I have since engaged GRAM for advice on bringing in partners and raising capital. Rukie is always there to provide support and confidence before clearly explaining his fee structure for new levels of consulting services.

Describe their billing or cost structure.

GRAM charges annually for tax services based on your selected service level, and they are also a reseller for Quickbooks Online so a license can be included in any service level. They can also offer higher level consulting services for an hourly rate, but they thoroughly explain the fee structure for those services on a case by case basis and very honestly recommend when they are needed or not before charging.

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

I've worked mainly with Rukie, a partner/founder at GRAM and have worked with a Senior Staff Accountant as well.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Having basically zero background in accounting/bookkeeping/starting a business, GRAM has been essential in getting off the ground. Within 1 month I had an accounting platform and was tracking expenses, sending invoices, and receiving payments from clients.

With only a small number of clients and only myself as an employee, this accounting platform has become a de facto CRM platform for me as well, and GRAM has helped me operate it as such. I can honestly say that the underpinnings of my business only exist because of GRAM, and the confidence they give me helps me operate effectively on a day-to-day basis.

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

GRAM has epitomized the "there when you need them, gone when you don't" model of consulting. It's important for me to be able to drive this relationship and not be hounded about things that don't matter to me in the moment, but be able to ask questions and get more in depth knowledge/education sessions when things become pressing.

I have communicated with GRAM fully online so far, which is absolutely ideal. Email responses are timely, Zoom meetings are conducted when called for, but the single greatest part of communicating with GRAM has been their availability through Calendly. I have the freedom to book a session with a GRAM associate whenever I need to. I can see their availability and book a session that works for me without any email back and forth.

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

Their availability and responsiveness. As a small business I just can't prioritize accounting often until it's almost too late. They seem to really understand and appreciate this and when I'm panicking, I know GRAM is a very quick email or Calendly invite away.

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

For me, I don't think so. For a small business needing tax, accounting, or business advice, GRAM truly understands what you're going through and what you need, and they offer a high level of service and knowledge at every stage.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a self-employed CRO for different companies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Gram Tax & Accounting?

I needed help assessing my unique situation from an accounting perspective to see how I should report my income, maximize my business taxes and efficiency, streamline my expenses, and everything financial-related.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Gram Tax & Accounting has been helping me with accounting services, including tax preparation, bookkeeping, and financial business structure, using Google Sheets and ShareFile to share and manage documentation for my customers.

What is the team composition?

We mainly work with Rukie (Partner).

How did you come to work with Gram Tax & Accounting?

Someone referred them to me.

How much money have you invested in this partnership?

So far, we’ve invested around $15,000 CAD (approximately $10,900 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in December 2015, and the engagement is still ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Thanks to their work, I don't have to spend time on my tax preparation, bookkeeping, and accounting. Moreover, they help me assess how my business structure is associated with my personal structure, which also saves me a lot of money — their team has been saving me tens of thousands of dollars yearly.

How did Gram Tax & Accounting perform from a project management standpoint?

Project management is strong; I've never had any delays, late returns, or any fees associated with negligence from their end in doing my taxes. Overall, they've done an exceptional job handling every process step.

In terms of communication, we use email, Zoom, in-person meetings, and phone calls to keep everything confidential.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Rukie is very proactive and sends me a list of what I need so he can complete the work within the deadlines. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I wish I could consult their pricing online. In addition, it'd be great if they could provide updated content regarding the world's financial status, meaning interest rate rises or government changes, and see how that could impact small businesses or me as a self-employed person.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Trust their expertise and ask a lot of questions. Additionally, provide your feedback to them because they're always seeking to improve and evolve their business.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Dr. Ekow Optometry provides eye care, premium eyewear and post vision rehabilitation.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Gram Tax & Accounting, and what were your goals?

Corporate Taxes

SOLUTION

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

Word of mouth. Great reviews.

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

After discussing my long terms business goals we mapped out a plan to ensure that my corporate tax strategy was in alignment.

Describe their billing or cost structure.

After completion of the taxes an invoice was emailed to me with online and EMT payment options.

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

2, Rukie primarily & a Jr. Accountant for some liaison related to paperwork.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Gram Financial is responsive, and always helpful and answering any queries I have related to my taxes.

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

Rukie in particular goes above and beyond to ensure that communications are timely and clear whether by email or phone or in person.

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

They were organized, straightforward, and customer service oriented.

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

None that come to mind.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Owner of Real Estate business

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Gram Tax & Accounting, and what were your goals?

Tax preparation and tax planning to minimize taxes

SOLUTION

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

Referral. Impressed with services and price.

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

Yearly tax preparation. Online accounting setup. Software used was Quickbooks Online and Client Portal.

Describe their billing or cost structure.

They charge on a quarterly basis.

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

I worked with the owner and his staff. They were all accountants.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Was able to help give me a clearer picture of my numbers and help me get to the size where incorporation made sense.

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

They are always available for phone calls and emails. They usually respond with 24-48 hours.

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

Always available to help with any queries in a timely fashion.

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

Maybe they could send a weekly newsletter.