Outsourced Accounting & Bookkeeping Services

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Introduction

Accurate data entry, review, and bookkeeping are necessary, but they’re also time-consuming processes that distract you from focusing on your business. Ignite Spot provides expertise so your data—including invoices, bills, expenses, and deposits—gets recorded correctly and on time.

Learn how accounting and bookkeeping services can help keep your business organized and poised for financial success. Save time, and trust your financial records to Ignite Spot!

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Chapter 1

What’s the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?

A bookkeeper and an accountant walk into a bar ... 

It’s pretty common to use these two terms interchangeably, but the reality is that bookkeepers and accountants actually do separate things—and you need both. So how do the two functions differ?

A bookkeeper looks into historical data, inputting information and examining it to provide context for what’s happening. The role of a bookkeeper is about information entry and analysis.

Common bookkeeping services include:

  • Creating financial transaction databases
  • Processing payroll

  • Managing and paying accounts

  • Checking reports for accuracy

  • Reporting data management irregularities

  • Invoicing customers

  • Reconciliation of accounts

On the other hand, an accountant works with data, reconciles it, and creates reports that explain events.

Common accounting services include:

  • Managing balance sheets
  • Reconciling trial balances
  • Reviewing income statements
  • Creating custom financial reports
  • Providing audit support
  • Coordinating with a tax CPA for tax planning

Chapter 2

Should I outsource my accounting and bookkeeping services?

Maybe numbers aren’t your thing, or maybe you’re running around like a chicken with your head cut off just trying to handle the day-to-day. Whatever the case, you know someone has to manage your bookkeeping and accounting. So you wonder about the right approach.

You’ll want to answer several important questions to determine if your company is best suited to hire bookkeeping and accounting services internally or outsource to a qualified partner. Take some time to think and have difficult conversations.

What services do you provide?

If accounting or bookkeeping services are on your radar, you probably have substantial needs. But not all firms are created equal, and they might not offer the level of service you need. If you prefer outsourcing, try a full-service accounting services firm such as Ignite Spot.

What is a realistic onboarding timeline?

Outsourced bookkeeping isn’t an overnight solution, so if you need a quick fix, an internal team is best. Proper onboarding for bookkeeping services takes about 90 days, so your partner can assemble a qualified team and prioritize the needs of your account. 

Can you tell me about my accountant(s)?

Need a direct line to your accounting team? While outsourced partners collaborate openly and include necessary personnel in meetings, there’s a professional boundary to maintain with specific team members because turnover happens.

What happens if my accountant is out and I have an emergency?

Just because your accountant needs to step away doesn’t rule out an outsourced relationship. The beauty of accounting services is that it’s team-based, and your partner firm will have the professionals—and processes—in place to continue successfully managing your account. 

How do I get my bills to you efficiently?

Are you proficient with technology? So are the most practiced bookkeeping and accounting providers. You don’t have to scan or mail all of your bills—just provide read-only access to key accounts, and an outsourced team can retrieve your bills.

How long does it take to see results from your services?

Remember: With a little patience, an outsourced relationship can be productive. After the first 90 days, your business starts to see new levels of organization. But in the meantime, an outsourced partner provides support if any issues arise during onboarding—and with a team to support them.

 

Chapter 3

How can bookkeeping and accounting services support my business?

How much can bookkeeping and accounting really help your business? At Ignite Spot, we specialize in providing the best online bookkeeping and accounting services for business owners across the country. Our services relieve financial headaches and provide one-on-one support to help you manage your money.

We’re certified bookkeepers and accountants.

With Ignite Spot, you get a certified online bookkeeper or virtual accountant to support your business, with the education and experience to back it up. Our team relies on the latest technology to give you the answers you need when you need them. Our trusted software helps you track tasks and retrieve reports anytime.

There’s no outsourcing.

All of our bookkeepers and accountants are in the U.S.—because that’s where our clients are! This means your team is always regional, accessible, and trained to support you. We don’t outsource to other firms because we believe in establishing a trusting relationship with you.

We perform bank reconciliations.

Your bookkeeping services team always syncs your paper and digital trail, so your financials are accurate no matter how you access them. We record all transactions in QuickBooks, so you understand your cash position.

We manage your credit cards.

Whether it’s a client lunch or a monthly bill, we record every credit card transaction. With such meticulous records, you can always manage your expenses.

We take care of accounts receivable.

We shorten your cash cycle and manage your invoicing and customer interactions. With an advocate on your side, you know you’ll get paid on time for your work.

We handle accounts payable.

Ignite Spot’s accounting services teams know how to keep you on top of your payment obligations. We’ll record bills as they come in to prepare for a payment run, then process payments to your vendors to simplify your cash flow management.

 

Chapter 4

What monthly, quarterly, and yearly bookkeeping and accounting activities can you help with?

Your company’s needs are always in flux, so we don’t blame you for wondering if an outsourced partner could keep up. The short answer? Heck yeah. Ignite Spot manages the constants and the curveballs, but we also handle your monthly, quarterly, and annual calendar of activities.

What monthly activities can you help with?

Financial obligations don’t rest—whether they’re yours or your customers’. Ignite Spot can keep you up to date on both sides each month.

  • Customer invoices and payments: Stay on top of customer invoices and get paid sooner.
  • Vendor invoices and payments: Organize vendor invoices and make your payments to keep things running smoothly.

What quarterly activities can you help with?

You expect quarterly obligations, but when they’re in the form of taxes, it can get overwhelming. Everyone is owed their piece of the pie, and Ignite Spot works with your tax accountant to meet your quarterly obligations, such as:

  • Sales tax: As a small business, it’s important to stay in good graces with your quarterly sales tax payments.
  • Income tax: Take care to budget for quarterly income tax payments, so you don’t get blindsided. 

What yearly activities can you help with?

At the end of the year, you wonder, “So, how did we do?” Ignite Spot’s bookkeeping and accounting services get your business ready for tax season by coordinating with you and your tax accountant on the most important year-end tasks, including:

  • IRS forms: Stay on top of your tax filings and ahead of deadlines. We’ll coordinate on your annual IRS forms, so you don’t face a mountain of paperwork.
  • Tax assistance: Get a jump on your tax returns to see where your business stands, then work to ensure your return is error-free.

Chapter 5

Why Ignite Spot?

You have countless bookkeeping and accounting firms at your disposal, especially because it's easier than ever to manage accounting remotely. So, the elephant in the room: What’s so great about us? We’ll let our record and business model do the talking.

Not to toot our own horns (OK, maybe a little), but Ignite Spot is one of the best outsourced accounting services firms. We’ve served hundreds of companies right here in the U.S. We believe that “accountant next door” vibe helps our team feel more local and accessible. Speaking of accessible, we guarantee your dedicated team is:

  • Available on your schedule 
  • Knowledgeable about local accounting standards

Get what you need when you need it from a team that’s been in this game for 14 years.

 

Get next-level online accounting and bookkeeping services.

Teeny-tiny startups and corporate behemoths alike need accountants and bookkeepers to make sense of the endless stream of numbers that come with running a business. Bookkeepers and accountants cut through the clutter and make sense of the puzzle so you can thrive. Outsourced accounting and bookkeeping services can ease the burden, so you can focus on No. 1: your daily business. Trust an outsourced partner to handle not only your daily finances but also major needs at different checkpoints during the year—and come out on top!

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