Your Questions, Answered — So You Can Stay on the Emerald Path
Are you certified? How do your certifications help my business?
Yes — the Emerald Balance Team brings both training and professional certification to your financial journey.
📘 Intuit Bookkeeping Certified
This certification demonstrates that we’ve been trained directly by Intuit (the creator of QuickBooks) in bookkeeping essentials, best practices, and accurate financial record maintenance.
It ensures your books aren’t just “done” — they’re done correctly, consistently, and professionally.
📗 QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certified
As QuickBooks ProAdvisors, we’re experts in the QuickBooks platform.
This allows us to:
Set up your file the right way from day one
Customize your chart of accounts
Troubleshoot issues quickly
Optimize your automations and workflows
Make sure your reports are accurate and decision-ready
This means fewer errors, cleaner numbers, and smoother processes for your business.
📙 Working Toward CMA Certification (Certified Management Accountant)
We are also in the process of earning the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation — a globally recognized credential in managerial accounting and financial analysis.
Once fully certified, your business benefits from deeper strategic support, including:
Cost analysis
Budgeting and forecasting
Profitability insights
Performance metrics
Internal controls
Advanced financial decision-making
In short:
Bookkeeping keeps your path clear.
Accounting interprets the signs.
CMA training strengthens the strategy behind the journey.
Are you an accountant or CPA?
The Emerald Balance Team includes trained bookkeeping and accounting professionals with extensive experience supporting small business owners. While we are not CPAs, we are partnered with CPAs and licensed tax professionals to ensure every part of your financial journey is supported.
Do you prepare taxes or set up tax elections for businesses?
We do not prepare taxes directly. However, we partner with trusted tax professionals who can handle your filings, elections, and year-end needs. We make your bookkeeping “tax-ready” and hand everything off smoothly.
How much do your bookkeeping services cost?
Your investment depends on the level of support your business needs.
After a quick conversation, we’ll provide a clear, tailored flat-rate option.
Typical monthly bookkeeping rates range from $300 for smaller clients to $5,000+ for larger or more complex engagements.
Every quote is customized — no surprises, no hidden fees.
How do I inquire about services or get started?
1. Self-schedule a call using our booking link or send us an email.
2. We’ll hop on a discovery call to learn about your business and review your current bookkeeping setup.
3. You’ll receive your personalized quote, either during the call or shortly after.
Your path to clarity starts with a single step — and we guide you from there.
What bookkeeping software do you use?
We work with QuickBooks Online and Xero as our primary platforms.
We do not offer services using spreadsheet-based systems.
Can you teach me how to do my own bookkeeping?
Emerald Balance is a done-for-you service, built for business owners who want clarity and support without managing the books themselves.
However, we occasionally offer beginner-friendly workshops for new business owners who want to learn the basics.
What if I also need tax preparation?
No problem at all — we work closely with two tax partners who can prepare and file your taxes. We’ll coordinate directly to ensure everything flows smoothly from bookkeeping to tax season.
What does the onboarding process look like?
We aim to complete onboarding within 2 weeks, depending on the level of service requested.
You can expect to:
Sign the service agreement and provide your deposit or monthly retainer
Grant us access to your QuickBooks Online or Xero account
Provide bank and credit card statements for the months needing reconciliation
Share receipts or documentation for major purchases
Provide details about your AP, AR, or payroll processes (if applicable)
From there, you officially step onto the Emerald Path — and we take it from here.