Bay Area Accounting and Payroll Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Bay Area Accounting Payroll ServicesHow does the service work?

First off, your business is assigned your personal Bookkeeping Manager. This is a professional accountant and CPA who specializes in handling all aspects of the business finances for companies like yours. That person has an extensive interview with you to get to know your business and it’s unique accounting and bookkeeping requirements. Your Bookkeeping Manager becomes a trusted advisor who thoroughly understands your business and it’s accounting needs.

Next, you send us your “source documents” - the statements, bills, and receipts that we will need to update your accounting on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. You can send us these documents by mail, email, or simply give us access to them so that we can stay on top of your accounting. You can also have your bills and statements sent directly to us through our complimentary Mail Receiving Service, and avoid the hassle of processing your mail.

Then your Bookkeeping Manager manages the regular updating of your books with all transactions, deposits and checks, and payables and receivables. You can open QuickBooks® anytime and view your accounts, and see a real-time picture of your businesses balances and finances.

At month’s-end, we create financial reports for you that give you an accurate picture of your businesses’ finances.

How do I get started?

First, call us at (650) 697-7907 to discuss your individual requirements. Once we have tailored a custom accounting package for you, there are a few simple steps to getting started:

1. We’ll send you an engagement letter that outlines what we are going to do for you. You sign this and return it to us with the first month’s payment.

2. You complete a simple questionnaire about your business so that we may set up your account accurately.

3. You send us your set-up source documents and your QuickBooks® file (if any).

4. You are all set - your Bookkeeping Manager will contact you to schedule your setup interview and will begin to handle your accounting and bookkeeping!

What if I need “catch-up” accounting?

Most businesses are a few months behind in their bookkeeping when they come to Bautista & Co. That is precisely why they need us - because it is difficult to stay on top of your books and run a demanding business! It’s simple - you send us the source documents (bank statements, credit card statements, etc.) for the missing months, and your Bookkeeping Manager will take it from there, catching you up and getting you current so you have an accurate picture of your business finances.

Wouldn’t I be better off hiring an in-house bookkeeper?

In most cases, no. To hire an in-house bookkeeper, first you must find that person, check their credentials, negotiate a salary, hire and train them, and manage them. That can be very expensive both in time and money for a business owner. You must also provide office space, a desk, a computer, and software for them to use. You incur payroll tax expenses, vacation and sick time, and the cost of other benefits for that employee. If the person you hire is part-time, you must manage their hours and will only have access to them when they are at work. If they go on vacation, get sick, or leave your employ, you may have a large gap in your accounting and payroll. Furthermore, in some cases, there can be security concerns when only one person has access to all your business financial information, data, bank accounts, statements, and checks.

Bautista & Co’s clients find that our affordable and efficient accounting services, combined with the continuity, security, and reliability of working with an outsourced accounting solution, are a far better value than hiring an in-house person.

How much does it cost?

Our services are billed at an hourly rate determined by the nature of the work involved. Because your personal Bautista & Co bookkeeper is committed to staying within your allotted budget you are never surprised by a huge, unexpected bill. We’ll tailor an accounting package and price based on your needs. We will design an accounting solution specifically for you. Please call us to discuss your particular needs at (650) 697-7907. We save each of our clients money every month. Find out how you can benefit too.

How do I get started with payroll?

All we need is your company and employee information, and payroll history (if any) for this year. This process is quick and easy. Call us to schedule an appointment to discuss your payroll needs. We will design a customized payroll solution for you.

Can I switch payroll providers mid-year?

Yes! As long as you have records of your payroll history, you can switch at any time.

Will the payroll information be entered into my QuickBooks® accounting software?

Yes! Through Bautista & Co Accounting, your bookkeeper will enter all your payroll data into your QuickBooks® file so that all your information is in one place.

What about W-2s?

At year-end, we create W-2 forms for you and your employees. And we take care of filing them with the Social Security Administration.

What if an employee needs a copy of an old pay stub?

No problem. We maintain complete records of your payroll data in your Document Library, for quick access whenever you need it.

Call (650) 697-7907  today, or complete our Accounting Estimate Form for a free evaluation of your accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll needs. We will discuss your specific requirements and tailor a proposal to your business.