CSI Accounting & Payroll

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

President and owner.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We brought CSI onboard for our general accounting needs in September 2021. We were not able to use their payroll services because of the specific needs our employees have regarding digital accessibility, so we administer payroll ourselves.

CSI has been a wonderful partner assisting us with employing the talent we need to grow, from states outside of our home base. Bret has been responsive, knowledgeable and very quickly answers our questions and resolves any issues that arise.

SOLUTION

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

CSI was the most responsive accounting vendor we vetted. They were also clear about pricing and features of the service packages they offer.

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

We had already established a relationship with CSI, and came to them with a request to assist with some of the intricacies of employing individuals from outside our state. The interaction was done through direct communication with Bret, on the phone and via email.

Describe their billing or cost structure.

We receive our general accounting services as a set monthly rate. The payroll assistance work they do for us is hourly, but we receive an accurate estimate prior to any work start. It has never been over the stated amount.

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

Three: CPA, Bookkeeper and Payroll Specialist.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

A long and tangled mess left by our prior payroll provider over several years, was resolved within less than 6 months.

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

They were personable and responsive. Communication done largely via email, but requests for meetings are responded to immediately.

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

The tactful way they tell you the truth, even when it isn't what you want to hear, and their ability to find a solution in a short period of time.

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

The monthly meetings that are part of our accounting package have been difficult to get nailed down with our CPA. Would be nice if we didn't have to carry water and making that happen.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of Paramount Zone USA Inc

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired CSI accounting to help start up our US business, do all the registrations required and perform our monthly bookeeping and tax reporting.

SOLUTION

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

CSI were recommended by one of our UK partners and after speaking to them to discuss our needs we were more than happy to appoint CSI accounting for this work.

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

After our initial introduction meeting, we had further meetings to discuss our requirements and plan the action points for each of us. CSI were amazing at completing their action points in good time and to a high standard. Including helping with registration of the business, international tax discussions and the use of Xero within our business.

Describe their billing or cost structure.

The pricing from CSI was competitive and they were very good about having monthly or yearly payments.

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

I mainly worked with Brittny for our month to month bookkeeping, We also dealt with Bryan. Both Brittny and Bryan were super helpful and informative.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Within a month of speaking to CSI they had arranged good contacts for incorporating our business and had set up everything required for our US business to run.

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

The onboarding process was well-organized. Our account manager is easy to reach and provides frequent updates. We talk on the phone at least once a month and use email for everything else.

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

I was impressed with their expertise, knowledge, and speed at completing action points raised from our meetings.

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

Could have had a bit more understanding of our Year end dates, which seemed to cause some confusion as we have non standard year end, but other than that everything was great.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Director of Administration for a commercial janitorial company that serves the greater TwinCities area.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire CSI Accounting & Payroll?

Our previous accounting firm was difficult to work with. They would make mistakes but never own up to them or worse, they would blame us for the mistakes. We needed accurate bookkeeping, payroll processing, and tax filings that we could be confident they were accurate.

What were your goals for this engagement?

We needed a comprehensive solution for our many accounting needs. It is also very important to us that the people we are working with have a team member attitude rather than a "this is you and this is us" mentality.

SOLUTION

How did you select CSI Accounting & Payroll?

We interviewed three accounting firms and we felt that CSI was the best one-stop firm for our bookkeeping, payroll, and tax needs.

Describe the engagement in detail.

After interviewing with the team we walked away feeling good with their team approach. They had solutions for our accounting needs but were also able to provide business consulting and HR services.

Describe their billing or cost structure.

They have al la carte pricing and our monthly cost is based strictly on our business needs.

What was the team composition?

We have two main individuals that we work with, one for accounting needs and one for our payroll needs. The people we met with in our sales pitch meeting are the same people we are working with today, 1.5 years later.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the engagement that demonstrate progress or success?

The transition to CSI was very long and drawn out due to a business partner separation within our company, no fault of CSI's. CSI was extremely understanding and helpful during the year-long transition. During this transition, we were required to continue using our old accounting firm through the separation. CSI graciously provided business advice to help us through the transition. Once we were able to fully switch over, CSI has always been thorough, responsive, and engaged with us and our business.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The transition from the old firm to CSI was streamlined and effective. They provided clear and concise lists of information that would be needed and then followed up to keep us on track. We talk regularly and every time I call, they either answer or call me back minutes later.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I have been impressed with how updated our accountant is with the ever-changing tax regulations during this COVID pandemic. Each time I ask him something about the relief plans he is already fully knowledgeable of the new requirements. I feel very confident with their advice and guidance.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I haven't found anything that I've struggled with yet.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

A Medical Device Product Marketing Management Consulting group.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire CSI Accounting & Payroll?

Payroll services ongoing, but the big project this year was applying for and managing the PPP loan program during Covid. We were shut down for several weeks and Bret's group at CSI was wonderful in assisting and guiding us every step of the way.

What were your goals for this engagement?

The goal was to determine if we qualify for a PPP loan and then have someone manage the process for us.

SOLUTION

How did you select CSI Accounting & Payroll?

CSI has been our trusted Payroll partner for many years and Bret's group is always available to answer questions. It was a no brainer to have them help us with the PPP loan.

Describe the engagement in detail.

Bret was quick to respond to our request and mostly thru email, his team guided us thru the process.

Describe their billing or cost structure.

Billing and cost structure are in my opinion a great value. We only pay for services used and the CSI team is fair with their billing.

What was the team composition?

Bret Asmussen was our go to person. He brought in others as needed.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the engagement that demonstrate progress or success?

Could not be happier with the outcome of the project. He successfully helped us thru the PPP process and now working thru forgiveness options.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Again, Bret is always available for questions and responds quickly.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We were amazed by the speed and the value of their service.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a psychologist and I have my own part-time private practice in addition to a coaching business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire CSI Accounting & Payroll?

I hired CSI for accounting, tax, and bookkeeping services.

What were your goals for this engagement?

My accounting, taxes, and bookkeeping were a complete disaster since I started my practice in 2019. I needed them to get everything organized and up-to-date so I could actually see what my profit and loss looks like and begin to plan a transition out of my full-time job into my private practice.

SOLUTION

How did you select CSI Accounting & Payroll?

I found them on Google- they had great reviews.

Describe the engagement in detail.

I met with their accounting manager twice so we could review everything that was plaguing me. They provided clear guidance on next steps. I also worked with their bookkeeper; she outlined everything they needed in order to organize my finances.

Describe their billing or cost structure.

I pay a monthly fee to them that is based on my average earnings over several months in 2020.

What was the team composition?

I mainly worked with the accounting manager and the bookkeeper.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the engagement that demonstrate progress or success?

I am so thankful for their guidance and expertise! They literally got everything organized and they were always very quick to respond and available if I needed anything at all or had questions. I'm really impressed with their customer service.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

CSI has a client portal that they use to send to-dos to me. I just upload any documents through the portal. It's really streamlined.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They are incredibly professional, timely, and organized.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I really can't think of any areas they could improve upon at this time.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the president of a entertainment company what produces and writes motion pictures.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Had previously worked with a large payroll company that folded. My goal was to find a new company that was freindly, flexible, and accessible for changes that needed to be implemented when needed. Our goal was to find a respected and well reviewed accounting/payroll company to meet our needs.

SOLUTION

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

We searched online and researched many companies. Finally, we settled on CSI after a lengthy in-person interview. In addition to all their online postive reviews, in the room they were friendly, relatable and knowledgeable of all of our company's needs.

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

When we first met with CSI accounting and payroll, we sat down and discussed our goals and objectives. They had confidence in achieving our goals which made me feel confident. They made several suggestions on how to resolve a few issues that I appreciated very much. We still work with them to this day with our business taxes and all our payroll needs.

Describe their billing or cost structure.

The billing structure is based on the number of transactions per month.

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

Predominantly, we work with two people: a senior accountant and a payroll specialist.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

For the past several years, our business has been running smoothly and on track. The sign of a good support team is that you don't have to put out any fires!

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

The onboarding process took place first in our home to meet us and then in person in the office to meet the team. Respected the personal touch and time dedicated to meeting us to see if we were the right fit. To this day, our team regularly talks either via phone or email.

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

Their staff is very experienced and friendly. Just love working with a company where I can actually talk to someone when I have a question.

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

Have been satisfied with everything.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of Sports Page, we are a small bar and grill.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

CSI does our day to day financials, payroll, and tax preparations. They were extremely helpful and guiding us through all the covid government financial assistance programs. They also spent a lot of time going through the ERC to insure we got the most value from the program.

SOLUTION

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

Because they are amazing

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

Sam put a lot of work into filing this paperwork out for us.

Describe their billing or cost structure.

Part of the agreement for filing out the very extensive ERC paperwork was that they would take a percentage of the money we received from the program.

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

Sam

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

CSI Accounting & Payroll is wonderful in every way!

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

Very Efficient

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

They always get back to me with any questions or paperwork I may need so quickly

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

Nope, don't ever change

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

General manager for a growing media company

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire CSI Accounting & Payroll?

Needed to streamline revenue coming in from our website

What were your goals for this project?

Communication and ease of use

SOLUTION

How did you select CSI Accounting & Payroll?

They were very helpful throughout the process and worked with me to organize our team and website

Describe the project in detail.

Allowed us to convert to an online system

What was the team composition?

Worked with a project manager

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

My team couldn’t be happier

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was beautiful. Loved the communication

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their open communication and professionalism are impressive.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the President of JPF and Associates. We are Financial Advisors

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire CSI Accounting & Payroll?

CSI handles payroll and accounting along with tax reporting on both the personal and business side

What were your goals for this engagement?

To focus on my business while they handle all the other necessary tax and payroll requirements.

SOLUTION

How did you select CSI Accounting & Payroll?

Bryan has been a trusted accountant for me for many years.

Describe the engagement in detail.

We have developed a team approach for me clients. I refer my clients to him on a regular basis.

Describe their billing or cost structure.

I pay a monthly subscription fee to cover all of my accounting and tax needs.

What was the team composition?

I work with three members of the organization in the payroll and tax departments

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the engagement that demonstrate progress or success?

As my business has grown, so have my needs. CSI has been there to assist with my increasing needs and recommending solutions. A great example would be the recommendation to incorporate.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Work flow has been seamless

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They get things done efficiently and effectively.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Owner Spring-Green Lawn Care

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire CSI Accounting & Payroll?

Accounting services

What were your goals for this engagement?

Retain accounting services throughout the year

SOLUTION

How did you select CSI Accounting & Payroll?

Prior work with accountant

Describe the engagement in detail.

Meetings, phone calls, emails when needed to perform servcies

Describe their billing or cost structure.

Billed as services are ocmpleted

What was the team composition?

Team of accountant professionals

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the engagement that demonstrate progress or success?

All work completed accurately and on time

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Effective workflow

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They are professional, easy to get a hold of, quick to respond to requests.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None