What is the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?
Do I need both?
In short, the answer is YES! Contrary to popular belief, accountants and bookkeepers perform unique tasks that are distinctly different. Each business can leverage both types of services. Bookkeepers are responsible for the ongoing maintenance of their client’s general ledgers. They typically record all transactions and post debits and credits. Accountants use the up to date data from the bookkeeper’s general ledgers to offer financial advisement to their clients.
What are the typical responsibilities of a bookkeeper?
Compiling data, calculating expenses of the general ledger with the utmost accuracy, and reconciling bank transactions and statements against the general ledger.
What are the typical responsibilities of an accountant?
Offering tax planning services and advice, consulting clients on financial matters, analyzing the company’s financial data, and preparing income tax returns.
What’s it like working with the Universal Bookkeeping remote accounting team?
It’s simple, convenient, and fun! With all the technology we have today, it will feel like we are right there with you, every step of the way. We regularly use video conferencing and Google Hangout, which allows us to establish a more personal relationship with each client.
Remote bookkeeping allows the business owner to obtain accurate financial statements through a non-intrusive process. This process will most likely involve providing access to bank, credit card, and other revenue and expense records necessary to classify transactions in the most beneficial manner for your business. Other financial records can be easily scanned and emailed to your personal Box.com account for easy access for your assigned bookkeeping specialist and for your future reference. During each period we will provide some analysis of your financial detail to help you plane for the future and provide you with recommendations that you can use to help your business become more profitable.
How can you manage my books if you aren’t in my office?
Technology is an amazing thing! We can manage your books with cloud-based software and communication with you and your staff.
Do I need to clean up my books before I hand them over to Universal Bookkeeper? They’re a mess!
Nope! Our team will work with you to understand your ledgers. Leave the clean up to us!
Are taxes included with bookkeeping?
No, but we offer tax preparation services as well.
Can’t I just process payroll myself? What are the advantages to signing up for Gusto Payroll services and having Universal Bookkeeper set me up?
Our partnership with Gusto Payroll allows you to process your own payroll, but you still have the peace of mind of having a professional ensuring your business is compliant and following all proper procedures. Our team will walk you through the set-up, train your staff, and support you with any questions or issues along the way.
Should I separate my business and personal finances?
YES! Many small business owners struggle with separating personal and professional finances. Save yourself a headache at tax time and separate the two. It can be challenging to track the profitability of your business if your finances are combined. We offer Consulting services and can advise and support you in how to build a sustainable business model.
How do I make my small business successful?
Our team can work with you to create a business plan and set financial goals and objectives. The first step in achieving financial success is understanding what that means and calculating measurable goals along the way to measure progress.
What is the difference between an S-Corp and a C-Corp?
The biggest difference between the two is from a tax standpoint. An S-Corporation does not pay taxes, and the owner(s) report all company revenue as personal income. A C-Corporation pays taxes on the income generated and pays taxes on any income received as an owner or employee.
What is the difference between an LLC and a Corporation?
The major difference between an LLC and a corporation (Inc) is that an LLC is owned by one or more individuals, and a corporation is owned by shareholders. Each entity offers benefits and advantages. Work with our team in a consulting session to identify which makes sense for your business.
John Bartholomeo
Mohawk Valley Wellness
I have the pleasure of working with several different men and women from Universal Bookkeeper for over 9 years and have nothing but great things to say. Justin & Beth Miller are rock stars. Their patience and unique perspective on things has helped me countless times in the past. I would recommend to anyone looking for Business or Personal Tax work. A big thanks to Justin, Beth and the entire team at U.B.
Nick Aunkst
Climb Chiropractic
In the constantly changing landscape of small business ownership, payroll was admittedly scary for us to approach. Working with the team at Universal Bookkeeper on our Gusto onboarding process was the best decision we could have made. The process was easy, intuitive, and honestly kind of fun! We’re now able to run payroll in minutes, which opens us up to more availability throughout our day. We couldn’t be more grateful for such a seamless integration into our already functioning systems.
Kendall Drexler, LMSW
Executive Director
Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County
We have been clients of Universal Bookkeeper for 11 months. Justin, Beth, and their team help our small Healthcare organization manage our finances in a way that allows us to put all of our focus on the quality of the care we are providing to our community. All of the staff at Universal Bookkeeper are friendly, knowledgeable, and timely! We could not be happier!
Chris Talgo
Nail Creek
“What sets Universal Bookkeeper apart is their adoption of internet-based technologies that make creating and retrieving information simple. The ability to automate accounting-based processes has made operations smoother and that’s the way I like it. Plus, they are just good people and that makes our interactions fun.”
Tim Hardiman
Owner & Executive Chef, The Tailor and The Cook
“We have been using the services of Universal Bookkeeper for our business for over two years now. It is hard to underestimate the importance of a quality accounting firm. Justin, Beth, and the UB team are incredible to work with. They take an active roll in the financials of our business, and we are lucky to have them in our corner! We are proud to partner with Universal Bookkeeper!”
Steven Bulger
ICAN, CEO/Executive Director Utica Children's Museum
“We truly could not be happier with the service provided to the Utica Children’s Museum by Universal Bookkeeper. From preparing monthly financial statements and helping us navigate complex financial matters, the staff of Universal Bookkeeper are truly a part of our team. Our 55-year-old nonprofit needed a hand and the call was answered by this cost effective accounting team. I am confident in stating that the rebirth of the Utica Children’s Museum would not be possible in the Mohawk Valley if not for this relationship.”