BGGE Bookkeeping FAQ

 
On this page, you will find answers to "frequently asked questions" by BGGE's Bookkeeping clients. If you don't find what you are looking for, simply contact me by email or submit a free quote request, and I will call you.  

What is your experience?

I've been a professional bookkeeper for over 30 years.  I started out using paper ledgers, advanced to spreadsheets, and have been using QuickBooks® since 1998.

Why do I need a bookkeeper?

"According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, roughly 50% of small businesses fail within the first five years. ... An appropriate record-keeping system can determine the survival or failure of a new business. For those already in business, good record-keeping systems can increase the chances of staying in business and the opportunity to earn larger profits."

A bookkeeper can ensure that you have an appropriate record-keeping system in place so that you and your business can succeed.  BGGE Bookkeeping & Tax Service will create, maintain, or help you maintain a good financial record-keeping system.  Using  QuickBooks or spreadsheets BGGE will customize your company books or convert your problematic financial data into useful reports and charts so that you'll be able to determine the financial health of your business on an “at-a-glance” basis.

Why is there such a great emphasis on a good financial record-keeping system?

  • It allows you to monitor the success or failure of your business.
  • It allows you to make informed planning decisions based on sound financial data.
  • It allows you to generate reports to obtain bank financing or other sources of capital.
  • It allows you to present organized financial data to your tax return preparer to ensure an accurate income tax return.
  • It allows you to compute other federal, state & local tax liabilities such as payroll taxes, sales tax, etc.
  • It is required by law.

How much do you charge?

BGGE performs various types of bookkeeping and accounting tasks.  Therefore, estimates are based on either a flat rate or hourly rate dependent primarily on project complexity, the number of transactions in a reporting period, and the due date.  Pricing is flexible.  However, the following guidelines are used:
  • The base rate for full-charge bookkeeping is $100 a month for recording & keeping records using Quickbooks. This price includes 50 transactions (checks & credit cards) and a monthly set of reports (income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow).  A transaction equals any debit/ credit combination. Additional transactions are charged at 50 cents per transaction.  A 10% discount will be given for ongoing work greater than three months.
  • Smaller volume accounts will be prorated and fluctuating volume accounts will be averaged to determine a flat rate.  The lesser of the flat rate or hourly rate ($15/hr) will be proposed.  The minimum charge for monthly service is $20 a month.   
  • A flat rate will be used to for new client set up fees dependent on your preferred accounting method, the current state of your accounting records, transaction history, and other set-up variables. 
  • Rates for "special" reports will be determined on a case by case basis. 
  • The hourly rate typically applies to training, consulting, and "special" projects with a time-specific priority.
  • Out of pocket expenses (i.e. postage, stationery, etc.) are billable as incurred.

What information do you need from me for an accurate flat rate quote?

  • Number of customer invoices
  • Number of checks written
  • Number of employees and pay frequency
  • Number of bank accounts and credit card accounts to be reconciled
  • Number of inventory items
  • Other misc. item

How do I get my source information to you?

BGGE Bookkeeping & Tax Service provides convenient & secure delivery options for sending and receiving your financial data.
  • Sensitive documents may be transmitted by regular mail, express mail,"encrypted e-fax", or uploaded to a secure online server. 
  • Non-sensitive documents may be sent by regular email. 
  • On-site pick-ups & delivery is available for local businesses in NE Alabama.

Upon acceptance of my quote proposal, you will be sent an email with instructions and links to the secure server lines.