Gift CPAs

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm a proud small business owner. We help businesses, non-profits, and associations share their brand with the world through our services: graphic design, printing, direct mail, promo products, signage and apparel.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Gift CPAs, and what were your goals?

I purchased my company in 2019, but we have been using Gift for several years prior. I learned early becoming a business owner to hire professionals to handle things you aren't good at so you can spend your time and energy on things that matter the most to keep your business operations run smoothly.

I knew I needed to maintain a relationship with an accountant's office to handle my monthly bookkeeping including: sending payables, submitting monthly sales, and handling all tax estimates throughout the year.

SOLUTION

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

I decided to continue working with them since the previous owners were already using them. They made the transition from employee to an owner a smooth process. I didn't see any reasons why I shouldn't continue that relationship.

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

We review weekly payables due via phone or email, the monthly sales tax payment due, and other monthly bookkeeping including reconciliation of bank statements. I meet with my accountant at least twice a year to touch base and review the success of the company for that year.

Describe their billing or cost structure.

We pay a monthly fee that I feel is reasonable. It covers all of my monthly bookkeeping, submitting monthly sales tax, monthly bank reconciliation, determining tax estimates, etc. throughout the year. Most importantly they are available to answer any questions if anything should arise unexpectedly.

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

I've worked with several people from Gift CPA's including one of the partners, an accountant, bookkeeper, and administrative assistants.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I'm so appreciative of the relationship we have with Gift CPAs. I'm less stressed because I know I've hired professionals that I trust to handle my accounting and tax needs so my business can run smoothly. I'm grateful they handle these needs so I can focus my time and energy on other important matters pertaining to my business.

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

We were already a client so there wasn't a ton I had to do with the onboarding process, but they are great at communicating via email, phone and in person for meetings. They will always follow up on important matters as well. They are very timely with everything they handle for me. Sometimes they reach out and I don't even realize it's already that time of the year to review certain matters. I'm glad they are always on top of everything!

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

There are many things I love about this company, but one of my favorite things about them is no matter the staff person you encounter...they are all more than willing to help you. They also like to celebrate your successes. They have attended my ribbon cutting, events that I have received awards and they follow my company on social media and always know what we are up to. They truly are part of our work family. We are so grateful for this ongoing business relationship.

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

I honestly don't know what this would be. They have been exceptional to work with!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Managing Member overseeing a team of 4 financial advisors and 1 staff member. We have been in business since 2002 serving the financial planning and wealth preservation needs of our individual and business community.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Gift CPAs, and what were your goals?

Gift CPAs manages our business and individual taxes. They are accessible, proactive, and informative providing guidance on various concepts to help our practices grow and increase efficiencies.

SOLUTION

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

We wanted to work with a firm who specifically works with small businesses because we are a small business. We like the fact that they bill a monthly service fee rather than an hourly fee. So, we feel comfortable reaching out to them any time and as many times without feeling like an unexpected invoice amount will be billed at the end of the month. We are also assigned a dedicated CPA and bookkeeper team so we have a wonderful relationship with the two but know that anyone else would be available, if necessary, jump in to help.

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

Besides tax planning, we work with them using QuickBooks and they handle all of our A/R and A/P.

Describe their billing or cost structure.

They bill us on a fixed monthly fee. This was established based on our scope of work. Again, this also allows us to contact our CPA/Bookkeeper at any time with questions without any extra cost. This allows us to be proactive rather than reactive throughout the year.

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

We work with one of the Partners of the firm and a Bookkeeper.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I've been working with the firm for so long that I have them on speed dial. I have referred a lot of my business clients to them and have had no complaints as to their service. If they aren't able to help, they will find a way or someone else who is more equipped to help.

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

The onboarding process was seamless. We were welcomed with an informative email which provided us with contact and bio information of our CPA/Bookkeeper team. This was easily bookmarked for future reference. The email included a reminder of our mutually scheduled installation meeting date for a formal introduction of the CPA/Bookkeeper team and to lay out the expectations and any additional requirements to prepare the first financial statement. Communication with my dedicated team is spot on and we have built a great relationship over the years.

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

All the members of the firm are personable and educated. They care about their clients and establish relationships with them. They are certainly on top of their game when it comes to deliverables. I like that they are forward thinking and that they bring about those ideas to their business clients.

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

I have a great relationship with my CPA/Bookkeeper team so I don't have anything to add here.