FAQs

The most correct answer would be: "both".  An accountant provides special financial services such as tax planning and filing, financial analysis and planning, and ensuring compliance.  A bookkeeper does all the little things that business owners need to do before contacting their accountant, such as managing day-to-day financial tasks, recording transactions, reconciling bank statements, issuing 1099s to contract workers, and tracking expenses- this is where Blakeley Books can help.  We happily work with your accountant to gather and organize all the financial data a business produces throughout the year.  If you don't have an accountant, we have an accounting partner that we work seamlessly with to be sure you are tax compliant and ready for filings.

With great power comes great responsibility!  QuickBooks is a powerful tool—but power without training can be dangerous. Many small business owners jump in thinking it’s “just data entry.” The truth is, QuickBooks is built on accounting principles. If you don’t understand how to properly set up accounts, record transactions, or reconcile, you can really mess things up.  A professional bookkeeper brings accuracy, consistency, and up-to-date knowledge of the best financial practices, which can help prevent costly mistakes and missed opportunities. As your business grows, your financial needs become more complex - having an expert on your side ensures your books stay clean, organized, and ready for smarter decision-making.

The timeline depends on the condition and complexity of the records, but a full-year cleanup can take anywhere from three to six months. The process begins with a careful review to identify gaps, inconsistencies, and priorities, followed by methodical work to restore accuracy and organization. The goal isn’t just corrected numbers - it’s dependable financial clarity you can trust moving forward.

While the fundamentals of bookkeeping are similar, nonprofit organizations have different reporting and accountability requirements. This often includes tracking restricted funds, separating programs or ministries, and maintaining clear documentation for boards, donors, and auditors. Our approach respects these differences while maintaining the same goal for every client: accurate records, organized reporting, and financial clarity that supports responsible leadership.

Doing your own books often leads to procrastination. It’s easy to push bookkeeping aside when you’re focused on running your business, serving customers, and handling day-to-day operations. But those small delays add up quickly. By the time tax season arrives, you may find yourself buried under months of receipts, bank statements, and transactions that need sorting. This scramble not only creates unnecessary stress but also increases the risk of errors, missed deductions, or even late filings.  Monthly professional bookkeeping keeps you organized all year long.

Yes. With additional software available, we can track donations accurately and consistently, including categorization by fund, purpose, or program as needed. Proper donation tracking is essential for transparency, reporting, and stewardship. We can also prepare year-end donor reports in a format suitable for mailing or distribution, helping organizations provide clear, reliable giving summaries while maintaining trust and accountability.

Services are typically offered on a monthly basis, with prices starting as low as $89 per month.  There are NO CONTRACTS. Once we discuss your bookkeeping needs, Blakeley Books will provide you with an "Engagement Letter" showing details of your specific services requested and their guaranteed rate. There is no obligation to the client to continue services each month; all we ask is that you let us know in writing 30 days in advance before cancelling services, allowing us the opportunity to formally close out your file and deliver tidy books back into your hands. ​​​If you are looking for a one-time service or wish to have our owner speak at your next function, please feel free to reach out.

Due to the remote-nature of our services, there may be some tasks you would normally give your "in-house" bookkeeper or office manager that Blakeley Books will not be able to perform.  Some of those tasks may include the following: balancing cash drawers and safe contents, depositing funds into your bank, creating or managing invoices through a separate CRM system, picking up and opening the mail, processing purchase orders, etc.  We will, however, work closely with you and your staff to ensure a smooth and clean bookkeeping process.  We can also help train your new staff to carry out in-office duties in the bookkeeping field.

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Although Blakeley Books does not file income, sales, or payroll taxes with the government, we have trusted partnerships with accounting and payroll specialists who can assist with these tasks.  

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Blakeley Books is not a CPA firm or financial advisor- as such, we do not offer investment, tax, or legal advice.  Please contact your attorney or financial planner for any of these types of questions, or we can refer you to our accounting partner for more help.