Getting Started
Welcome to Strawn & Associates! We’re excited to help you take control of your business finances. Whether you’re just launching your business or need help untangling your books, our streamlined process makes getting started simple.
- Schedule your free consultation – Let’s talk! We’ll learn about your business, discuss your goals and determine how we can best support you.
- We’ll assess your needs and tailor a solution just for you – After our chat, we’ll take a closer look at where your books stand – or help you get set up if you’re starting fresh. Then we’ll put together a personalized bookkeeping plan. You’ll receive a breakdown of services and simple, straightforward pricing with no hidden fees.
- Easy onboarding and setup – Once you’re ready to move forward, we’ll handle the setup and get everything running smoothly. This includes a simple service agreement, securely connecting your bank accounts and software to QuickBooks and organizing your chart of accounts. Any catch up work that is needed will be handled as well.
- Get clean books and clear insights – Once everything is set up and caught up, you’ll have the option to start receiving accurate and up-to-date financials. Whether you want monthly, quarterly or annual reports you can actually understand, we’ll accommodate that for you. We also offer ongoing support to answer any questions you have along the way.
We’re here to help you stay organized, save time and make smarter decisions.
What you’ll need to get started
- Access to the accounting software you’re currently using
- Recent bank and credit card statements (log in information will be very helpful as well, but not required at this time)
- All relevant business documents (LLC information, EIN, etc.)
- Employee information if payroll is included
- Tax payment information if payroll is included
Ready to get started? We’d love to learn more about your business and how we can help!
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does a bookkeeper actually do for my business?
A bookkeeper organizes and maintains your financial records so you always know where your money is going. This includes categorizing transactions, reconciling accounts, tracking expenses, preparing financial reports, and ensuring your books stay accurate and up to date.
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How is bookkeeping different from accounting?
Bookkeeping focuses on recording and organizing day-to-day financial activity. Accounting uses that data to interpret financial performance, prepare tax filings, and provide strategic guidance. Most small businesses need bookkeeping first so their accountant or tax professional has clean, reliable records.
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Do I need a bookkeeper if I already use QuickBooks, Xero, or Wave?
Accounting software is a tool—but it still needs someone to use it correctly. A bookkeeper ensures your entries are accurate, your accounts reconcile, and your reports reflect reality. Most software issues arise from data entry errors, not the software itself.
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How will hiring a bookkeeper save me money?
Hiring a bookkeeper saves you money by preventing costly mistakes and improving financial clarity. More importantly, outsourcing your books gives you back hours each month that you can put toward serving clients, growing your business, or simply reducing stress—time that often pays for the service many times over.
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Can you work with businesses that are behind on their books?
Absolutely. Cleanup and catch-up work is extremely common, whether you’re a few months or a few years behind. We’ll assess the situation and create a structured plan to bring everything current.
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Do you work with clients in different states?
Yes. Our systems are fully cloud-based, so we can support businesses anywhere in the United States. Meetings, document sharing, and communication are all done securely online.
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Do you offer payroll services?
Yes. We offer full payroll processing as well as payroll entry and reconciliation if you prefer to run payroll yourself. We can also help ensure payroll taxes and filings are handled on time.
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Do you file taxes?
We do not file income taxes directly, but we prepare your books so your CPA or tax preparer can file accurately and efficiently. We also offer sales-tax filing for states where you’re required to report.
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Can you help me switch from another bookkeeper or DIY system?
Yes. We can work with your past provider or review your DIY records to ensure a smooth transition. We’ll identify gaps, correct inaccuracies, and ensure your new system is clean and fully functional going forward.
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Do you help prepare for taxes or coordinate with my CPA?
Yes. We prepare year-end reports and we can collaborate directly with your CPA to make tax season efficient and stress-free.
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I’m ready to get started, what’s next?
First, schedule a free consultation where we’ll chat about your business and what you’re looking for, so we can make sure we’re the right fit. After our conversation, we’ll prepare a proposal for your review. Once you approve it, we’ll send over a contract, an onboarding checklist, and the initial invoice. From there, we’ll handle the rest and get everything set up for a smooth start.
