Frequently asked questions

No. I work entirely by email, through the secure portal and the intake form. If something is complicated, I'll explain it in writing, with screenshots when helpful. You'll have a record of everything.

No. I'm a bookkeeper with 30 years of accounting experience, including about 15 years as a controller for several hospitality properties. I don't do audits, review engagements, tax planning, or file income tax returns (T1/T2). I keep your books clean and current and send your accountant a year-end package, which usually makes their work faster.

I work in QuickBooks Online, FreshBooks and Xero. You usually don't need to switch. If your software is holding you back (for example, you need detailed job costing or inventory tracking), I'll say so in writing and explain why, but the choice is yours.

Never. You invite me as an accountant or user in your software, and you can remove my access anytime. Bank statements and documents go through the secure client portal, never as regular email attachments.

Documents are exchanged only through a secure client portal with encrypted uploads, and I use two-factor authentication on every system that touches your data. See the privacy policy for how your information is handled.

Within 2 business days on Essentials, and within 1 business day on Builder & Operator and Controller, Monday to Friday. New enquiries get a reply within 1 business day.

I prepare your GST return. If you'd like me to file it, you can authorize me as your representative through the CRA's “Represent a Client” service, and you can remove that authorization anytime. Otherwise, I send you the figures to file yourself.

[Payroll answer: e.g., yes, as an add-on at $X/month for up to X employees, or not at this time, but I'll work with your payroll provider's reports.]

Usually just this: keep your bank feeds connected, snap or forward receipts, and answer my monthly question list (normally a few minutes of replies). I'll send a reminder early each month.

By the 15th of the following month, once bank statements and your answers are in.

Don't be; it's very common, especially in the trades and the oilfield. Tell me how far behind you are by email, and I'll send a fixed quote. No judgment, just a plan.

Monthly plans are month to month with 30 days' notice by email. Catch-up projects are a one-time fixed fee, 50% up front and the balance on completion.

[Payment method, e.g., automatic monthly card or pre-authorized debit through your invoice.] Monthly plans are billed at the start of each month. GST is added to all prices.

Yes. I've done bookkeeping for rig-moving and power tong companies and worked as a truck dispatcher, so I know how tickets, units and crews turn into invoices. I reconcile field tickets to invoices, code invoices with the customer's PO/AFE or cost-centre details, and, with your access, submit and track them in portals like OpenInvoice, Coupa or SAP Ariba. If an invoice is rejected, I find out why and fix it.

I can't change your MSA terms, but I can make sure nothing slows payment down any further. That means invoices go out complete, with signed tickets and correct coding, and soon after the work. I follow up on overdue invoices in writing and send you a weekly aging list with a simple cash forecast, so you can see tight weeks before they arrive. Factoring and financing decisions stay with you and your lender.

Probably. Send me a quick email describing your business and I'll tell you honestly whether I'm a good fit.

I'll tell you in writing, and if I can, point you toward someone better suited.