How We Work & Retainer Fees
Straightforward, fixed monthly and annual retainers with no hourly invoicing surprises. Here is how our four-step client onboarding and year-round advisory process operates.
The 4-Step Client Journey
Initial 20-Minute Partner Call
We review your current accounting setup, prior year tax returns, and current pain points. If we aren't the right fit, we tell you directly.
Initial 20-Minute Partner Call
We review your current accounting setup, prior year tax returns, and current pain points. If we aren't the right fit, we tell you directly.
Fixed-Fee Scope & Agreement
No surprise billing hours. We provide a clear engagement letter outlining all monthly deliverables, tax prep dates, and fixed quarterly fees.
Onboarding & Ledger Reconciliation
We establish secure direct portal access, reconcile historical discrepancies, and align your chart of accounts with clean tax categorization.
Ongoing Advisory & Regular Reviews
Monthly closes delivered by the 10th. Quarterly planning meetings in August and November to ensure no surprises come tax filing season.
What Business Owners Say
"They caught a depreciation error on equipment that saved us eleven thousand dollars."
"They caught a depreciation error on equipment that saved us eleven thousand dollars. Our previous regional firm had missed it three years running."
"When we acquired our second fabrication facility, David modeled the tax structure and depreciation so our bank approved the financing in two weeks."
"I never have to wonder who is preparing our returns. Sarah answers her direct line, explains our numbers clearly, and never surprises us with hidden fees."
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you charge for your services?
We work primarily on transparent, fixed monthly or annual engagement retainers.
How do you charge for your services?
We work primarily on transparent, fixed monthly or annual engagement retainers. You know exactly what your tax and accounting costs are with no surprise hourly bills for asking a quick question.
Will I work directly with a partner?
Yes. While our staff accountants assist with monthly ledger reconciliation, Sarah Alder or David Quinn reviews every return and joins every quarterly planning call.
How do we transfer records from our previous accountant?
We provide a secure encrypted client portal and handle document retrieval directly. Most client onboarding takes under two weeks with zero disruption to your daily operations.
Do you handle multi-state taxes?
Yes. Many of our clients operate across Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska. We handle multi-state apportionment and payroll nexus compliance.