FAQ

What happens after I contact you?

We'll schedule a free 15-minute discovery call. We'll ask about your business, your current financial setup, and what's feeling broken or unclear. Then we'll walk you through which tier makes sense and what working together would look like.

Is there a contract or minimum commitment?

No. We like to work on monthly retainers with ideally an initial 3-month commitment to give the relationship enough runway to deliver real results. However, engagements are month-to-month. No long-term lock-in.

How does billing work?

You're billed a flat monthly rate on the same date each month. No hourly tracking, no variable invoices. You know exactly what you're paying before the month starts.

What triggers a price change?

Packages are reviewed at annual renewal. If your business has grown significantly, we'll have that conversation openly and in advance. Nothing changes mid-engagement without your agreement.

How long does onboarding take?

Most clients are fully onboarded within two to three weeks. We handle the heavy lifting — system setup, data migration, account access — and keep you informed without overwhelming you with tasks.

What do you need from me to get started?

Access to your accounting software, your most recent bank statements, and about an hour of your time for a kickoff call. We'll take it from there.

Will I have one dedicated person or a team?

Both. You'll have a primary point of contact who knows your business and handles your account consistently. Behind them is a team that supports the work. You get the relationship of one advisor and the capacity of a firm.

How do you keep my financial data secure?

We use encrypted, cloud-based systems with role-based access controls, regular data backups, and professional liability insurance. Your financial data is never stored locally or shared outside the engagement.

Do you work with my existing CPA or replace them?

We work alongside your CPA. We handle the day-to-day financial operations and coordinate with your CPA at tax time so they have clean, organized books to work from. Many clients find they spend less on their CPA once Balanced is handling the groundwork.

What accounting software do you use?

We work primarily in QuickBooks Online. If you're already set up in QBO, we can connect directly. If not, we'll handle the setup as part of onboarding.

What's considered out of scope and how does that get billed?

Out-of-scope work includes special projects that fall outside your monthly package. These are billed at $80/hour for bookkeeping overages and $125 to $225/hour for CFO advisory, and always require your approval before we proceed.

Do you handle taxes?

We don't file taxes directly, but we make tax season significantly easier. Your books will be clean, organized, and ready to hand to your CPA. For clients on CFO tiers, we also coordinate on tax strategy throughout the year so there are no surprises.

Do you work with businesses outside Austin?

Yes. Most of our work is done virtually. We have clients across Texas and beyond. We're Austin-based and Austin-rooted, but not Austin-only.

I've never worked with a bookkeeper or CFO before. Is that okay?

Absolutely. Many of our clients come to us because they've been handling their own books or have outgrown a basic solution. We'll meet you exactly where you are.

Can I change tiers later?

Yes. Packages are reviewed at annual renewal and can be adjusted based on where your business is. If you outgrow your tier, or need to scale back, we'll work with you to find the right fit.

Questions we get before the first call.

Ready to get your finances off your plate?