Common questions
Here are the questions I hear most. For anything else, write to me any time.
Working with me
Who do you work with?
Nonprofits, therapists and private practices, and touring artists and musicians. Most of my clients are smaller organizations doing meaningful work.
Is it just you?
Yes. Finch & Foothills is my own practice, so you work with me directly from the first call onward.
What is your background?
I have a B.S. in Accounting, ten years of experience in the nonprofit sector, and I am a certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor.
Do you offer pro bono services?
Yes. Each year I set aside a small number of free tax filings for solo therapists and counselors in their first years of practice, and for Colorado musicians and bands with modest incomes. If that sounds like you, send a short note about your situation, and we will talk openly about what is possible.
Do you work remotely?
Yes. I am based in Denver and work with clients across the country. Documents are shared securely, and meetings happen by video or phone.
What does getting started look like?
We begin with a short call to get to know each other. Then I gather your records, bring everything up to date, and we settle into a steady monthly routine. Most clients are fully set up within a few weeks.
What should I have ready for our first call?
Nothing formal. It helps to know roughly how you keep your books today, which software you use, and what feels most pressing. If recent tax returns or financial statements are handy, those are useful too.
What accounting software do you use?
QuickBooks Online, where I am a certified ProAdvisor. If you use different software, tell me what it is and we will find the best path together.
Nonprofits
Do you specialize in nonprofit accounting?
Yes. Nonprofits are my primary specialty: fund accounting, grant tracking, restricted net assets, Form 990, and audit preparation.
Do you prepare Form 990?
Yes. I prepare the 990, 990-EZ, and 990-N, depending on your organization's size and requirements.
Can you help us prepare for an audit?
Yes. I get your books audit-ready, prepare the supporting schedules, and work directly with your auditors.
Tax
Do you handle personal returns as well as business returns?
Yes. I prepare both for my business clients when that is helpful.
Can you handle multi-state filings?
Yes. I prepare multi-state returns for clients who earn income in more than one state, including touring artists.
When should I be making estimated tax payments?
Generally when you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax for the year. I handle the projections and payment schedule as part of my ongoing work.
Fees
How do you charge?
Flat monthly fees for retainer clients, per-return pricing for tax-season clients, and fixed quotes for project work. You always know the cost before we begin.
What is the typical monthly cost?
Monthly bookkeeping starts at $250 for solo practices and $500 for nonprofits. Individual returns with self-employment income start at $400, and Form 990-EZ at $750. The Services page lists all starting fees. You receive a fixed quote before any work begins.
Is there a minimum engagement?
For monthly retainer clients, I ask for a three-month minimum. Tax-season and project work have no minimum.
Still curious about something?
Send me your question. I am glad to help.