Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our FAQ section, where we address the most common questions about our bookkeeping and advisory services tailored for solopreneurs and service-based businesses.
At Fair and Square Bookkeeping, we understand the unique challenges you face and are committed to providing clear, expert guidance to help you navigate your financial journey. From understanding automated bookkeeping to choosing the right service package, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and support you need for financial clarity and growth.
What services does Fair and Square Bookkeeping offer?
We provide:
- Automated bookkeeping
- Tax preparation & compliance
- Financial management & advisory
- Budgeting & forecasting
- Organizational support
- Transaction categorization & reconciliations
- Custom reporting and dashboards
We specialize in serving solopreneurs and small to medium-sized service-based businesses.
What is automated bookkeeping, and how can it benefit my small business?
Automated bookkeeping uses software like QuickBooks Online to handle tasks such as transaction categorization, journal entries, reconciliations, and report generation. This saves you time, reduces errors, and ensures your records are always up to date—freeing you to focus on growing your business.
What bookkeeping packages are available?
We offer three main packages to meet different needs:
- Compliance Bookkeeping ($450/month): Essential bookkeeping services.
- Professional Bookkeeping ($750/month): Core plus additional features and support.
- Financial Strategy Suite ($1,300/month): Our most comprehensive service offering, including advanced reporting and advisory support.
Custom pricing and discounts are available for select services.
What CFO/Advisory service packages are available?
We offer three levels of CFO and advisory support designed to fit different business stages and goals:
- Advisory Lite ($750/month) – Monthly financial reviews, key performance indicators (KPIs), and strategic recommendations. Perfect if you need insights without a heavy time commitment.
- Advisory Plus ($1,500/month) – Everything in Lite plus cash flow forecasting, budgeting support, and quarterly strategy sessions.
- Advisory Complete ($4,000/month) – Our most hands-on package, including full Virtual CFO services, advanced financial modeling, and monthly deep-dive strategy calls. Ideal for scaling businesses ready for next-level growth.
Custom pricing and tailored services are available for businesses with unique needs or seasonal fluctuations.
How secure is my financial data?
We take security seriously, using Microsoft’s enterprise-grade security features, strong authentication protocols, antivirus protection, and encrypted storage. Your financial information is treated with strict confidentiality.
Can you help with tax preparation?
Yes. We prepare tax-ready financials, assist with document collection, ensure compliance, and help you maximize deductions.
Why choose Fair and Square Bookkeeping over others?
We combine technical expertise with a personable, low-stress approach. We lead with empathy, tailor our services to solopreneurs and service-based businesses, and focus on making your numbers work for you—not against you.
How does bookkeeping help with tax preparation?
Accurate, up-to-date books mean faster, smoother tax filing. You’ll have complete records for deductions, compliance, and audit protection.
Do you offer financial forecasting?
Yes. We use your historical financial data to help you project revenue, expenses, and cash flow—so you can make informed strategic decisions.
What’s the difference between bookkeeping and accounting?
Bookkeeping records daily transactions; accounting analyzes and interprets those records. Think of bookkeeping as the nurse who takes your vitals, updates your chart, and ensures all your information is accurate and up to date. Accounting is like the doctor who reviews that chart, diagnoses the situation, and prescribes the right course of action. Without the nurse’s careful recordkeeping, the doctor wouldn’t have the accurate information needed to make the best decisions.
How often should I update my records?
Weekly or monthly updates are ideal to keep your financial picture accurate and actionable.
What are the benefits of using QuickBooks Online?
- Real-time data access
- Automated transaction categorization
- Seamless bank integration
- Professional, tax-ready reporting
How can I improve financial management as a solopreneur?
Keep organized records, monitor cash flow regularly, and use tools like QuickBooks Online. Consider outsourcing bookkeeping to free up time and get expert insights.
What should I look for in a bookkeeping service provider?
Experience in your industry, proven reliability, and a commitment to personalized service. We check all three boxes.
How does Fair and Square Bookkeeping support business growth?
By giving you clear, actionable financial insights, helping you manage cash flow, and reducing the time you spend on admin tasks—so you can focus on revenue-generating work.
Can I do my own bookkeeping?
You can, but professional services can save you time, reduce costly errors, and provide valuable financial guidance.
What are common bookkeeping mistakes to avoid?
- Not reconciling accounts regularly
- Misclassifying transactions
- Failing to track all expenses
- Waiting until tax season to update books
How do I choose the right package?
Consider transaction volume, your budget, and whether you need advisory services. We can help assess which package will meet your needs.
What role does bookkeeping play in cash flow management?
It provides real-time visibility into your inflows and outflows, helping you plan for expenses and avoid shortages.
How can I stay compliant with regulations?
Use compliant software like QuickBooks Online, keep your records accurate, and stay updated on IRS requirements. We monitor these changes for you.
What if I fall behind on bookkeeping?
Start by gathering all receipts, invoices, and bank statements. We offer catch-up services to get your books back in order quickly and accurately.