Bookkeeping
Support transaction classification, account reconciliation, and a consistent monthly close.
A RELIABLE FINANCIAL FOUNDATION
Bookkeeping
Reliable books. A better view of your business.
Organized books and consistent reporting make every other financial conversation more productive. Build the foundation for informed tax planning and business decisions.
CLARITY FOR WHAT COMES NEXT.HOW WE CAN HELP
Support that connects the pieces.
Start with the decisions in front of you. We’ll help define the information, support, and scope you need.
Controller support
Strengthen financial processes, reporting quality, and oversight as your business grows.
Payroll
Coordinate payroll needs with your accounting workflow and access payroll through the client center.
Financial reporting
Keep the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow picture ready for review.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
Monthly financials. A stronger foundation.
Concierge bookkeeping keeps your records organized and gives you a consistent view of business performance.
Monthly financial reports
Review an income statement and balance sheet with a clear picture of your accounts.
A tailored chart of accounts
Organize revenue and expenses in a way that fits how your business operates.
Tax-ready records
Keep reconciled books and supporting records ready for your tax team.
Dedicated support
Bring questions to a responsive team and resolve issues before they accumulate.
Examples from Arete’s current website. Your reports and support are tailored to the agreed engagement.
THE ARETE EXPERIENCE
Clear books. A connected financial picture.
See how organized financial information connects with tax planning and the decisions ahead.
Let’s talk about what’s nextUnable to play? Open the video directly.
WORKING WITH ARETE
A clear starting point.
A practical next step.
Tell us which accounting platform you use, when your books were last reconciled, and what reporting you need.
Tell us what you needShare your priorities.
Use Get Started or schedule a consultation to introduce your situation and goals.
Define the right support.
We review your needs, discuss the engagement, and agree on scope and next steps.
Move forward with clarity.
Coordinate documents through your secure client portal and work with our team on the agreed plan.
A FEW COMMON QUESTIONS
Bookkeeping.
Clearly explained.
What is included in your bookkeeping services?
Our bookkeeping services may include transaction categorization, bank and credit card reconciliations, general ledger maintenance, and financial statement preparation. Services can be customized based on the complexity of your business.
How much do bookkeeping services cost?
Our full-service bookkeeping engagements generally start at $500 per month. Final pricing depends on transaction volume, number of accounts, business complexity, and reporting requirements.
What is the difference between bookkeeping and accounting?
Bookkeeping focuses on recording and organizing financial transactions. Accounting goes further by analyzing financial information, preparing tax returns, interpreting financial performance, and supporting business decisions.
How often will my books be updated?
We offer bookkeeping arrangements based on your needs, including monthly services and certain quarterly reconciliation engagements. However, transactions in our ongoing bookkeeping engagements are updated, on average, every other day.
Can Arete clean up bookkeeping from previous months or years?
Yes. We offer bookkeeping cleanup and catch-up services for businesses with incomplete, inaccurate, or outdated financial records.
Is bookkeeping legally required for my business?
Yes. Internal Revenue Code Section 6001 generally requires taxpayers to maintain records sufficient to establish income, deductions, credits, and other tax-related items. However, the law does not specifically require hiring a professional bookkeeper or using a particular accounting system.
More importantly, accurate bookkeeping helps businesses monitor cash flow, understand profitability, prepare tax returns, and make informed financial decisions.
Will I receive financial statements?
Yes. For monthly bookkeeping engagements, you will receive monthly financial reports, along with brief quarterly Loom-style video overviews explaining your financial results, important trends, and notable changes.
What are the risks of not maintaining proper bookkeeping records?
Failing to maintain accurate financial records can create significant financial, tax, and operational risks.
Tax authorities may reconstruct or estimate taxable income using methods that are unfavorable to the taxpayer, potentially resulting in additional taxes, penalties, and interest.
Poor records can also undermine business valuations, delay financing, and jeopardize a sale when a buyer cannot verify financial performance during due diligence.
Accurate bookkeeping provides the financial visibility needed to make strategic business decisions and is a foundation for effective tax planning and fractional CFO services.
Do I need bookkeeping if my business is small?
Yes. Accurate bookkeeping helps businesses monitor cash flow, understand profitability, prepare tax returns, and make informed financial decisions regardless of size.
Do you work with QuickBooks Online?
Yes. We work with QuickBooks Online to manage accounting records, reconcile transactions, and support financial reporting.
Can Arete manage bookkeeping for multiple businesses or entities?
Yes. We can provide bookkeeping services for multiple entities, including businesses with related ownership, separate reporting requirements, or consolidated financial reporting needs.
Does bookkeeping include tax preparation and tax planning?
Not automatically. Bookkeeping, tax preparation, and tax advisory are distinct services, although they can be coordinated or combined within an engagement.
Can you work with our existing accountant or tax preparer?
Yes. We can coordinate with your existing professionals to provide accurate financial records and supporting schedules.
How do I know whether I need bookkeeping or a fractional CFO?
Bookkeeping is generally appropriate when you need accurate financial records and routine reporting. Fractional CFO services are better suited for businesses requiring financial forecasting, cash flow strategy, performance analysis, and higher-level financial guidance.
LET’S TALK ABOUT WHAT’S NEXT
Bring the pieces together.
Tell us what you’re working toward. We’ll help you find a clear place to start.