How to Work with Our Team: Frequently Asked Questions

Sign Up Steps

Free Consultation & Proposal Meetings:

• 1st: Schedule a free 20-minute consultation. This helps us understand each other better and see if we are a good fit to work together.

• 2nd: Schedule a 45-minute proposal meeting. We will discuss the services that will benefit you and the pricing for each.

  
  

One-Time Set-Up Services

• One-Time Project Fee: This fee depends on how much setup you need for your accounting system. We will set up the right QuickBooks Online file for you. We can determine this during the proposal meeting if you provide all necessary information.

  
  

• One-Time Project Clean-Up Fee: This fee is based on how many months of bookkeeping you need to catch up on. If you bundle ongoing services, you may receive a discount.

  
  

• Discovery Retainer Service: This may be necessary if we cannot gather the required data by the proposal meeting date. It helps us understand your needs better before moving forward.

  
  

Ongoing Services

• Platinum Daily Services: This includes our full suite of services. You save significantly on your one-time setup costs (up to 90% off) by signing up here first.

  
  

• Gold Weekly Services: This package offers enhanced accounting and bookkeeping services, allowing you to focus on your business.

  
  

• Bronze Monthly Services: Basic bookkeeping services to get you started with cash basis accounting and monthly reporting.

  
  

Non-Member Hourly Support

If you are not ready for a one-time project or ongoing services, you can opt for a one-off one-hour live remote support session.

Hourly non-member support sessions are $150 each. You can book a session with a QuickBooks & Accounting expert for guidance on your current setup and questions.

On-Boarding Steps

Book Onboarding Meetings:

Schedule onboarding meetings through the provided link to discuss the process, gather necessary information, and answer any questions.

Portal Invitation Acceptance:

• Look for an emailed invitation to the portal 1 to 3 days after accepting your proposal.

• Accept the invitation promptly and create a login for the portal. Save your login credentials securely.

• Bookmark the portal URL for easy access in the future.

  
  

Portal Orientation:

• Login to the portal and familiarize yourself with its functionality.

• Watch the instructional videos provided on the Home screen to understand how the portal works. You can find more How-To Instructions on our portal blog.

  
  

Submission Process Instructions:

• Review the instructions on how to submit tasks within the portal.

• Understand the process for completing and submitting tasks assigned to you.

  
  

Message Posting Instructions:

• Learn how to post messages within the portal.

• Understand how to reply with comments to messages from the firm or other clients.

  
  

Clarify Area Instructions:

• Explore the Clarify area to understand its purpose.

• Learn how to submit feedback on uncategorized transactions or ask questions for clarification.

  
  

Vault Instructions:

• Read the instructions on utilizing the Vault feature within the portal.

• Understand how to securely add new logins and passwords for sharing with the firm.

  
  

HubDoc Setup:

• Read instructions on HubDoc functionality.

• Send a test email to your HubDoc account to ensure proper forwarding.

• Save the HubDoc forwarding email address for future reference.

  
  

HubDoc Invitation Acceptance:

• Accept the invitation to HubDoc sent by the firm.

• Create a login for HubDoc to access all submitted documents.

  
  

Granting Access to Accounting Software:

• Confirm that you have granted the firm access to your accounting software.

• Follow the instructions provided in your assigned To Do's to grant access or upload necessary files.

  
  

How Will You Interact With Us?

You'll have three main ways to communicate with us after onboarding:

1. Custom email forwarding address

2. Client Portal Communications

3. SMS text messaging

   
   

We avoid heavy email exchanges for security reasons. Instead, we encourage using a secure custom email for paperwork and the portal for communications. This reduces risk exposure and keeps things organized.

How Does it Work?

You grant us access to what we need and send us your paperwork each day (receipts, bills, invoices, tax letters, etc.). We then take all the info we receive and get your accounting done based on the frequency of service you choose.

What Services Can You Provide?

We provide everything in the accounting realm except filing income tax returns. Our services include:

• Bookkeeping & Reconciling

• Financial Reporting

• Payroll

• Accounts Payable Bill Payment

• Accounts Receivable Customer Invoicing

• Sales Tax

• E-commerce Integrations

• Inventory Management

• Contracting

• 3rd party software integrations

• Technology Vetting Projects

• Expense Reporting Tools

• Integrated Time Tracking Tools

• Proposal System Set Up

• Fixed Asset Tracking

• Amortization and Depreciation Schedules

• Loan tracking

• Class tracking

• Budgeting

• Cashflow forecasting

• Process Improvement

• SOP Creation

• CFO Advisory

• Management Consulting

  
  

What is the Cost?

It depends on your specific needs. Our basic one-time setup fee is typically $500 to get a brand new QuickBooks file started. However, the total cost will vary based on how many months of backwork we may need to do.

For example, if your bookkeeping would have cost $495 per month to maintain and you are behind by 20 months, your clean-up project might be approximately $11,880. However, we offer significant discounts on your one-time fees if you opt for ongoing services (90% off clean-up / set-up inital projects with Platinum, 60% off with Gold, 30% off with Bronze).

How does the billing work and when?

All billing is done through secure online merchant processing services that is integrated into your client portal. We never see your bank or credit card info. The payment info you enter to pay for your retainer and project fees is kept on file for your ongoing maintenance fees.

When your ongoing fees begin, they will be charged to your payment on file on the 1st day of every month. If you'd like to opt for weekly billing, you'll be charged on the first Monday of every week.

You'll also have the ability to change your payment method on file via the self-serve options in our portal and download past invoices or pay any outstanding project or change order invoices if needed.

What if I need to cancel?

If you need to cancel services, please give us at least 30 days' notice before your next subscription payment date. We will follow up with a termination proposal or disengagement agreement to sign. It will include options for hand-off services to help you download your data and transition services to a new bookkeeper if needed. Your termination proposal will also include some basic instructions for taking over the billing of any software we've been paying on your behalf.

Can you clean up my books? Really?

YES! We specialize in cleaning up books and getting you back on track. Don't worry; you're not alone. We have a proven system to help you get caught up and streamline your financial processes. No matter how many months or years back, we've got your back!

What’s included in my ABBL program?

Your ABBL program includes the services, cadence, and support level outlined in your engagement agreement. Each program is intentionally scoped to match a specific level of business complexity. We start with a standard subscription level that comes with a standard set of services, then we can customize your program to include any additional services that may be unique to your business. The standard programs are Platinum Daily, Gold Weekly, and Bronze Monthly packaged service programs. You can view these on our Pricing & Plans page.

What if I need help with something not listed in my program?

If a request falls outside your current scope, we’ll let you know before proceeding and outline available options, such as an add-on service, an out-of-scope hourly charge, or a program upgrade.

Can ABBL help with one-time or special requests?

Yes. One-time requests such as cleanup work, corrections, special filings, or system setup are handled as add-on or project-based services.

Why do some requests require an upgrade instead of an add-on?

Recurring or higher-complexity needs (such as increased reporting frequency, payroll complexity, or advisory support) require a program upgrade to ensure consistent service and proper resourcing.

Is payroll included in bookkeeping services?

Payroll services are offered by tier and are selected separately unless explicitly included in your program. Each payroll tier supports a defined level of complexity.

Does ABBL handle employee questions or HR matters?

No. ABBL supports payroll processing and accounting but does not provide HR services or employee support.

What if my business grows or changes?

As your business evolves, your accounting needs may change. If we see consistent increases in complexity or effort, we’ll proactively discuss whether additional services or a program upgrade is appropriate.

Why can’t ABBL just “make an exception”?

We apply scope consistently across all clients to ensure accuracy, fairness, and service quality. This allows us to support clients reliably as they grow.

How does ABBL determine when scope needs to change?

We monitor transaction volume, complexity, cadence, and overall effort. When activity consistently exceeds what’s typical for a program, we review scope together.

By following these guidelines, we ensure a smooth and efficient onboarding process. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us!