FAQ's

How do we get the source documents?

This would depend on the volume . For example we can use strong vinyl zipped, sealed and tagged document carriers to Royal Mail standards. In some cases information can be transferred electronically. In the case of low volumes, documents can be sent by recorded or ordinary mail as agreed with the client. These are mailed daily, weekly or monthly depending on the service selected.

Back to the top

Do you provide audit services?

This is not our core business and we are relaxed that the audit function where required either by desire or statute is carried out independently. Auditors generally take a very positive view of our role. Audit fees can be reduced as a result of the quality of our work throughout the year and our year end presentations. However we have clients where we provide the complete package including audit at their request.

Back to the top

What other services do you provide?

All tasks can be tailored to meet with your own requirements. Our expertise includes, amongst other areas: business plans, funding negotiations , grant applications and taxation.

Back to the top

Can my present auditor / accountant provide this service?

This is our core business – it is not theirs. You would not ask a GP to carry out surgery. Each to their own specialism and we are specifically geared up to provide this service to you..

Back to the top

I have a good working relationship with my auditor / accountant, will this change?

There is no need for this to change. Indeed your relationship could become stronger as the quality of your financial environment improves.

Back to the top

How do I stay in control?

We listen to your requirements and agree a basic format of reporting. At the base level a simple report can be provided. At a more sophisticated level remote secure access to our PCs can be given using various proprietary terminal emulation packages. This will give you all the information required on your desktop locally.

Back to the top

How can I be sure about confidentiality?

This is one of the most persuasive benefits of outsourcing. No local interest in your business, no office gossip. We are a professional office and our staff are carefully selected and trained. Respecting client confidence is a major feature of our operation.

Back to the top

Will distance affect service?

No, communications by email, internet and telecoms eliminate remote geographical considerations. This is a straight forward centralised book-keeping service operating in a similar fashion to many large companies who have a number of locations served by one centralised accounting office. We can make this concept work for you too.

Back to the top

How can I be sure of the trust and integrity of individuals?

We are happy to provide references, testimonials and directors cvs as part of our pre contract discussions. We hold a current practicing certificate issued by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland.

Back to the top

Is there a contract with an agreed service level?

Yes. What you expect from us is fully discussed and forms part of a service letter issued to you. It contains measurable performance targets re timescales etc. This will be considerably tighter than companies ever manage with their own in-house financial department!

Back to the top

Will outsourcing not cost me more than recruiting my own staff?

We aim always to offer a cost-effective service. It is based on the concept that, unlike in an individual company, our own staff are ‘time-shared’ over several clients so that there is no such thing as a quiet day. If the purchase invoices received for you are low in any particular day we will allocate another client’s processing so you don’t pay for any unproductive time.

Back to the top