Expert: Ed McFarland - 2/25/2006

Question
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Followup To
Question -
My small landscape business is taking off.  We increased our gross from 200k to 375k in one year.  We are dissatisfied with our present accounting situation.  At this level of business what should we be looking for, an accountant, a bookeeper, both or something we haven't thought of.

We currently employ three full time employees as well as  my wife and myself.  We are attempting to open a retail location for display areas and retail sales.
 


Answer -
A bookkeeper would probably do you fine. The next question is what else would that person do?

There is probably not enough bookkeeping work to keep the person occupied full time, so what else could that person be doing? Telephone answering, marketing or other office management work.

Another alternative would using a third party. Look up bookkeeping or business services and see if that suits your situation. Some accountants offer these types of services and then do your year end work.

Are you currently using Quickbooks or some other small business accounting software?

Good luck


We currently use an accountant, we bring her everything, reciepts, bills, etc weekly and she handles our payroll.  We feel however that while she is competent in these duties, when it comes to small business tax accounting she is looking out for the IRS more than for us.  I would like someone a little more aggressive and familiar with the tax system to minimize our payout. She runs quickbooks.

Answer
I would be curious by what you mean. If the accountant is experienced working with small businesses, what you mean by aggresive. After all, keeping the IRS from your door is her business.

Are you taking advantage of Section 179 deductions or set up some sort of retirement plan for two things that can keep more money out of te tax man's hands.

Good luck