Remote accounting is agreed accounting work delivered virtually. Choose the arrangement by identifying the bookkeeping tasks, records, reporting schedule and responsibilities that suit the business.
Table of Contents
1) Ask about the remote work needed
Ask about experience with the bookkeeping tasks you need and who will perform and review them. Confirm the included work, exclusions and communication arrangements in writing.
2) Prepare the records and systems
Identify the accounting software and records involved before agreeing on the work. Confirm compatibility, how records will be provided and how they will be returned when the engagement ends.
3) Define the review process
Agree how transactions are checked, how missing documents and corrections are handled and who approves the reports. Keep your own copies of necessary records.
4) Compare costs and schedules
Compare written fees, deliverables and client responsibilities. Start dates and reporting dates depend on available records and the agreed work; remote delivery alone does not determine cost or speed.
5) Agree the next step
Provide a list of accounting questions and systems before setup. Confirm the point of contact and milestones in the engagement.
Additional tax and recordkeeping considerations
Report availability and freshness depend on data imports, posting, reconciliation and review. Confirm the reporting date, update frequency and available software tracking features before using a dashboard for decisions.
Discuss your accounting software, integrations and subscriptions with our office. Agree on compatibility, the close calendar, request-handling process and point of contact before setup.
The start date and cleanup schedule depend on available records, access, transaction volume and the agreed engagement. Confirm milestones and reporting dates before work begins.
Preparing for a remote accounting consultation
Prepare a short summary of the business, the accounting periods you need reviewed and the questions you want answered. List the software currently used, the number of bank and credit card accounts and whether payroll, inventory or multiple entities are involved. Note any missing statements, unreconciled balances or previous cleanup work so the provider can assess the starting point.
Ask which reports will be delivered and how questions will be handled between scheduled reviews. Agree who will supply supporting documents and how unresolved items will be recorded. For business recordkeeping guidance, see IRS Publication 583.
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Discuss the work you need
Contact Henriquez Accounting to discuss the records, questions and services needed. Confirm the scope, fees, responsibilities and meeting arrangements before engaging or traveling. Schedule a consultation.