Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about working with Foundations Accounting.
We’ve answered the most common questions marketing agencies have about our services, pricing, and how we work.
Don’t see your question here? Give us a call at (316) 530-2544 or send us a message.
Quick Links
Getting Started
Services
Pricing and Billing
Tax and CPA Partnership
Working Together
Specific Services
Technology and Tools
Getting Started
How quickly can you start working with our agency?
Most agencies are fully onboarded within 2-3 weeks. We can often start processing payroll and managing day-to-day transactions even sooner. The timeline depends on how current your books are and how complex your financial situation is. If you need urgent help, let us know and we’ll prioritize getting you up and running.
What if our books are a mess or months behind?
No judgment. We specialize in getting agencies organized and current, no matter where you’re starting from. We’ll work with you to prioritize what needs immediate attention (like payroll or upcoming tax deadlines) and then systematically get everything cleaned up and current. Many of our best client relationships started with messy books.
Do we need to be located in Kansas to work with you?
Not at all. While we’re based in Kansas, we serve marketing agencies across the United States. Our all-digital workflow means we can support your agency no matter where you’re located. We work with clients in multiple states and handle multi-state payroll compliance regularly.
What information do you need from us to get started?
We’ll need access to your accounting software, bank accounts, payment platforms (like Stripe or PayPal), and any existing financial records. During onboarding, we’ll guide you through exactly what we need and help you gather everything. We make the process as simple as possible.
Can you take over from our current bookkeeper or accountant?
Yes. We make transitions smooth and professional. We’ll coordinate with your current provider to ensure nothing falls through the cracks during the handoff. We’ll review their work, ask questions where needed, and make sure we have complete records before they step away.
Our Services
What exactly is included in your all-inclusive service?
Everything you need to maintain clean books and stay financially organized: bookkeeping (transaction recording, reconciliation, accounts payable/receivable), advanced accounting (budgeting, forecasting, profitability analysis, cash flow management), and payroll processing (W-2 employees, 1099 contractors, tax filing). You get unlimited access to our team without hourly billing.
How is your service different from using QuickBooks or doing it ourselves?
QuickBooks is software. We’re people who use that software expertly on your behalf. The software doesn’t categorize transactions correctly for agency operations, reconcile accounts, track profitability by client, forecast cash flow, or coordinate with your CPA. We do all of that. Think of us as your outsourced accounting department.
Do you only work with marketing agencies?
Marketing agencies are our primary focus because we understand the unique financial challenges you face: retainer billing, project-based revenue, contractor management, and multi-platform payments. This specialization means we’re more efficient and provide better insights than a generalist accountant. While we’ve served other industries, our expertise is strongest with agencies.
Can we pick and choose services, or do we need the full package?
Our all-inclusive model works best when we handle your complete financial picture. This allows us to provide better insights, catch issues earlier, and ensure everything connects properly for your CPA. That said, we understand every agency is different. Let’s talk about your specific needs and we’ll find the right solution.
What reports do we receive and how often?
You’ll receive monthly financial statements (profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow), client revenue reports, expense reports by category, and any custom reports specific to your agency’s needs. We also provide quarterly profitability analysis and annual budget reviews. You have 24/7 access to your accounting software to view real-time data anytime.
Pricing and Billing
How much does your service cost?
Your monthly fee is based on your agency’s size, transaction volume, and complexity. Factors include number of clients, team size (employees and contractors), monthly transactions, and number of bank accounts or payment platforms. We provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Most agencies pay between $[X] and $[Y] per month. Contact us for a custom quote based on your specific situation.
Is there a setup fee or long-term contract?
We charge a one-time setup fee to cover the initial onboarding, system configuration, and catching up any backlog. Our service operates on a month-to-month basis with no long-term contract required. We earn your business every month by delivering value.
Do you charge extra during tax season or when we're busy?
No. Your monthly fee covers everything we do for you, regardless of how busy things get. We don’t bill hourly, so you’ll never get a surprise invoice because you asked too many questions or needed extra support during tax season or a growth phase.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept ACH bank transfers, credit cards, and checks. Most clients prefer automatic monthly billing via ACH or credit card for convenience.
Can we cancel anytime if we're not satisfied?
Yes. We work month-to-month, so you can cancel anytime with 30 days’ notice. We’re confident you’ll see the value in our service, but we don’t trap clients in long-term contracts. If we’re not delivering value, we haven’t earned your business.
Tax and CPA Partnership
Do you prepare and file taxes?
No, we focus exclusively on bookkeeping, accounting, and financial management—the day-to-day work that keeps your agency running smoothly. We don’t prepare or file tax returns, but we make tax season infinitely easier by maintaining clean, organized, tax-ready books year-round. We work directly with your CPA to provide them with everything they need for efficient tax preparation.
Why don't you do taxes if you're doing our accounting?
Tax preparation is a specialized service that requires different expertise and licensing. We believe in doing what we do best—maintaining excellent books and providing financial insights—and partnering with tax professionals who specialize in tax strategy and compliance. This division of labor serves you better than trying to be everything.
Technology and Tools
What accounting software do you use?
We work primarily with QuickBooks Online, but we also support Xero and other major accounting platforms. If you already have accounting software, we’ll typically use what you have. If you’re starting fresh, we’ll recommend the best option for your agency’s needs.
Do we need to switch our current software?
Usually not. We work with most major accounting platforms. If your current software isn’t suitable for your needs or makes our work inefficient, we’ll discuss options with you. Any transition would be handled carefully to ensure no data is lost.
Working Together
How much of our time does this require?
Very little. After initial onboarding, most agencies spend less than 1-2 hours per month on accounting-related tasks (mostly approving transactions, answering occasional questions, and reviewing reports). We handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on client work.
How do we communicate with you?
However works best for you. Most clients communicate with us via email for routine questions and updates. We’re also available by phone during business hours. We schedule regular check-ins (monthly or quarterly) to review your financials and discuss any questions or concerns.
SPECIFIC SERVICES
How do you handle contractor payments and 1099s?
We track all contractor payments throughout the year, maintain detailed records by contractor, and prepare and file 1099-NEC forms for any contractor who receives $600 or more in a calendar year. We ensure you’re compliant with IRS requirements and your contractors receive their forms on time.
Can you help us understand which clients are most profitable?
Yes. This is one of the key insights we provide. We track revenue and expenses by client, helping you see which clients are worth the investment and which might be consuming disproportionate resources. This analysis helps you make smarter decisions about client acquisition, retention, and pricing.