Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

How do I get started with Synergy Bookkeeping?

It’s simple: schedule a free consultation so we can learn about your business or nonprofit, discuss your bookkeeping needs, and recommend the right services. Once you’re ready, we’ll guide you through a smooth onboarding process.

How do I give you access to my QuickBooks Online account?

You’ll add us as an Accountant User in QuickBooks Online, which allows us secure access without affecting your billing or user limits. Here’s Intuit’s step-by-step guide. If you run into issues, we’ll walk you through it.

Services

What kind of businesses do you work with?

We work best with established, service-based businesses — such as consultants, agencies, law firms, medical and dental practices, CPAs, and nonprofits. If you’re using (or open to using) QuickBooks Online, you’re likely a great fit.

Do you work with nonprofits?

Yes! We specialize in nonprofit bookkeeping, including donor tracking, grant reporting, and compliance. We understand the unique financial reporting requirements nonprofits face and provide tailored support to keep your organization audit-ready.

Do you offer payroll services?

Yes. We can manage your payroll processing to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time, while staying compliant with tax regulations.

Do you handle accounts receivable (AR) and accounts payable (AP)?

Yes. We can manage invoicing, collections, and vendor payments to help improve your cash flow, reduce stress, and strengthen relationships with clients and suppliers.

Do you prepare financial statements?

Yes. We provide monthly financial reports — including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements — so you always know where your business stands.

Can you help me accept payments in QuickBooks?

Yes. As a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, we can set up QuickBooks Payments so you can accept credit card and ACH payments directly through QuickBooks. This makes it easier for your clients to pay you, speeds up cash flow, and integrates seamlessly with your bookkeeping. We also have access to exclusive ProAdvisor rates, which can save you money compared to standard payment processing fees.

Catch-Up & Clean-Up

What if my books are behind or messy?

We specialize in catch-up and clean-up bookkeeping. Whether you’ve fallen behind by weeks, months, or years, we can quickly bring your records current and accurate.

Can you fix mistakes made by a previous bookkeeper?

Yes. Part of our clean-up service includes correcting miscategorized transactions, fixing account balances, and making sure your books are tax-ready.

How We Work

Are your bookkeeping services performed remotely?

Yes — all of our services are performed remotely using secure, cloud-based tools. This allows us to efficiently serve clients in Santa Barbara, across California, and nationwide.

How do you keep my financial data secure?

We use secure, encrypted systems like QuickBooks Online and other industry-standard tools to protect your financial information. Access is limited and monitored to ensure confidentiality.

Do I need to be local to Santa Barbara to work with you?

No. While we’re based in Santa Barbara, CA, we serve clients nationwide thanks to secure, cloud-based accounting systems and tools.

What tools do you use for bookkeeping?

We primarily use QuickBooks Online, but we also integrate with tools like Gusto (for payroll), Bill.com (for payables), and other secure cloud-based apps depending on your needs. Our goal is to simplify your systems so you can spend less time on admin and more time running your business.

Pricing & Policies

How much do your bookkeeping services cost?

Pricing depends on the size of your business, transaction volume, and services needed. In your free 15-minute consultation, we’ll learn more about your business and answer your questions. With accountant access to your QuickBooks, we can then review your books and follow up with a customized proposal tailored to your needs.

Do you require a contract or long-term commitment?

No long-term contracts are required. Most clients work with us on a monthly basis, but we also offer project-based services such as clean-ups and catch-ups.

Do you work with QuickBooks Desktop?

Our primary focus is QuickBooks Online for flexibility and security. In limited cases we can assist with QuickBooks Desktop, but we recommend moving to QBO for the best experience.

Do you prepare taxes?

We don’t file taxes ourselves, but we make sure your books are accurate, organized, and tax-ready. We also collaborate directly with your CPA or tax preparer, saving you time and ensuring a smooth year-end process.

Didn’t find the answer you were looking for? Get in touch with us — we’re happy to help.