6 Benefits To Work With Remote-first CPAs
Are you working with a remote-first CPA or CPA firm for your startup? With remote work becoming a bigger part of our culture, more and more CPAs are offering remote services.
A CPA plays a crucial role when investors ask for financial packages or banks ask for financial statements. CPAs can also help with IRS tax filings and prepare you for audits. So what does a remote-first CPA bring to the table for your startup?
I’ll venture to say that my firm Advisori Finance, with year-over-year growth and a great reputation in the startup community, offers six important benefits as part of being remote-first CPAs.
1. Shared remote culture that just feels right
When the culture fits, things are just easier. Remote-first CPA firms share the same DNA as remote-first startups: both are equipped with an infrastructure that enables them to access files and work together anywhere, anytime. A remote-first CPA understands efficiency is key, so everything is created digitally: accounting software operates online; communication is done through video chats, Slack and email; files are shared using cloud services; and tax returns are signed with digital signatures.
At Advisori Finance, we have been fully remote since day one. Our operational process is designed for remote work forces and supports clients in and outside of the U.S. We might work remotely, but we love seeing our clients face-to-face over video calls. We know that time is money in the startup world, so we make sure to respond within 24 hours.
2. A one-stop shop for accounting and finance needs
Every rising startup needs someone to help with bookkeeping, monthly end close, financial reporting, tax filing, advisory and fundraising services. When you work with a CPA who offers a full range of services, you get to enjoy the simplicity of working with one firm. If that CPA is remote first, their remote operations and SaaS tools can position them to handle your accounting needs as soon as they come up.
For startups that do business online and have international customers, it’s essential to understand the rules and regulations for countries outside of the U.S. Our team at Advisori Finance helps you navigate international regulations and rules so you can have peace of mind and focus on growing your business.
3. Best-in-class accounting software to make work easier
The right accounting tool for remote companies saves time and money, and makes your life as a founder easier. Many remote-first accounting firms use online accounting software because it enables them to access data anytime anywhere, automate manual work, link with different APPs seamlessly, and more. I personally would think twice if an accounting firm uses the desktop version of accounting software given all the benefits technology offers in the year of 2020. Online accounting software is the way to go.
At Advisori Finance, our CPAs are pro advisors to Intuit QuickBooks Online. We’ve also spoken at QuickBooks conferences and train QuickBooks users. We share our knowledge with our clients, provide them with up-to-date accounting software information and train them on how to use their software as part of our mission to help our clients stay ahead of their competition.
4. Transparent pricing that gives you peace of mind
Cash flow is vital to a startup. When working with a CPA or a CPA firm, you want to know the cost upfront, so you’re not taken by surprise or stuck with hidden fees later.
At Advisori Finance, we offer transparent pricing so you don’t have to guess what the final bill will be. From billing to recording expenses and making payments, everything is done online so our clients can access this information conveniently and integrate them into financial planning as needed.
5. Extensive experience in the startup world to guide you every step of the way
CPAs with extensive startup experience can help you avoid making mistakes (for example, filing 83b early). Skilled CPAs prepare ahead of time and make sure nothing slips between the cracks. With the right CPA at your side, you’ll save time and effort, and spare yourself the hassle of doing everything on your own so that, instead, you can focus on running a successful startup.
Since 2018, our team at Advisori Finance has helped more than 300 startups like yours manage their finances, tackle accounting tasks, raise +$250M in funding, and grow from pre-seed to Series C. We understand the VC and fundraising process. Our CPAs have mentored startup accelerators and investment firms such as 500.co, Plug and Play, and Y Combinator, and serve as advisors to Intuit QuickBooks. Our clients trust our professional advice and can rely on us to get the job done.
6. Bonus: can introduce you to potential investors
A warm introduction always helps when it comes to the fundraising process. Consider it a bonus if a CPA firm can also help introduce you to investors.
Advisori Finance mentors and scouts startups for VC firms and accelerators. We are deeply involved in the startup world and are happy to be the network connector for our clients. We introduce our clients to potential investors, accelerators and professionals so they can have more resources at their fingertips.
More about Advisori Finance
At Advisori Finance, our finance experts work with countless startups and have accumulated 15 years of industry experience. Our CPAs have MBA degrees and have experience working at large tech companies such as Amazon, Google, and Warner Brothers.
If you work with us, you will receive expert guidance on tax prep, accounting, financial planning and analysis, accounting software consultation, and fundraising.
We’re passionate about working with startup founders to innovate and create solutions to make the world a better place. If you want to bounce ideas around, we’re always happy to chat.
Schedule your free consultation with us today!