Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • What does it cost to hire a bookkeeper?

 
The cost of hiring a bookkeeper may pleasantly surprise you—it's less than you might anticipate! At ECHO Accounting, we operate without a minimum monthly charge, billing only for the hours dedicated to your business. Fees scale with the volume of transactions, number of bank accounts, and staff within your business. Our primary aim is to streamline your business administration, which in turn helps minimize your monthly expenses. If you're working with a tight budget, don't hesitate to communicate this during your intake process. We're committed to tailoring our services to fit within your financial constraints. Remember, no business is too small to benefit from the expertise of a bookkeeper!

  • What do I need to prepare every month for my bookkeeper?


During the intake process, our team will furnish you with a comprehensive list of the monthly requirements. Our priority is to alleviate any additional stress or burden from your already hectic schedule. ECHO Accounting is dedicated to establishing a record-keeping system that seamlessly aligns with your needs and preferences. Typical items to give to your bookkeeper include:

  • Bank statements

  • Credit card statements

  • Receipts for all expense transactions

  • Point of Sale debit/credit receipts

  • Sales documentation

  • Payroll details

  • Any mail received from CRA

  • Anything you have questions about!

  • Invoices sent to clients

  • Invoices received from suppliers

  • Purchase orders

  • Inventory details

  •    Will I still need to be involved in my accounting?


Your level of involvement is entirely up to you! Some clients prefer a hands-off approach, enabling them to concentrate fully on their core business activities. Others prefer to be closely involved in their accounting processes, utilizing our expertise as a guide to best practices. At ECHO Accounting, we embrace both approaches. Whatever your preference, we encourage you to collaborate with us to develop an accounting system that suits your needs perfectly.


Should I hire a staff bookkeeper or a bookkeeper on contract with ECHO?


Choosing ECHO as your bookkeeper offers numerous advantages, including reduced service costs, quicker turnaround times, industry-specific expertise, and a dedicated full-time commitment to your business. Hiring a bookkeeper as part of your staff entails investing time and money in training, along with added expenses like CPP, EI, and vacation pay. Moreover, your business might not have enough accounting needs to justify a staff member's desired hours and salary. If you're considering bringing a bookkeeper on board but require extra support to maintain data accuracy, ECHO also provides consulting services as needed.

  • How do I know if my bookkeeper is reliable and my accounting is in good hands?


ECHO Accounting was established by Sydney Brooks, a Certified Management Accountant and holder of a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. With experience in the industry since 2017 across diverse sectors, we're passionate about what we do. Our commitment to continuous learning and skill enhancement ensures we deliver top-notch service to clients like you. At ECHO, we foster strong, positive relationships with local accountants, often collaborating to fulfill client requirements. Rest assured, our focus remains on implementing sound accounting practices rather than increasing billables. Your business is always our top priority.


  • I want to start a business but don’t know where to start, can you help me?


Certainly! At ECHO, we offer tailored advice tailored to your industry and requirements. Whether you need guidance on setting up essential registrations to comply with federal and provincial regulations or feel overwhelmed by the process, we've got you covered. We can handle all the necessary registrations on your behalf, ensuring a seamless experience for you.