Q: How is Beanstalk different from a CPA firm?
We focus on management.  They specialize in compliance.  CPA firms render mostly audit and tax services (a.k.a. compliance services).  Essentially, they make sure clients are following rules and regulations.  Unlike CPA firms, we provide proactive management to help clients grow revenues and profits. We do this by focusing on planning, analysis and execution.  Though our team includes certified accountants, we are not independent from client management.  In fact, we are part of client management and can’t audit ourselves.  Besides, we prefer management to compliance not only because we’re more effective at it; frankly, we enjoy it more.


Q: Will Beanstalk audit my books and/or prepare my tax return?
We coordinate both those activities on your behalf but partner with CPA firms to execute.  Because of the reasons mentioned above, we don’t sign audits or tax returns.  However, our involvement in the coordination of these activities usually reduces tax and audit fees by 25 – 50%.


Q: Will Beanstalk collaborate with my current accountant?
Yes. We coordinate with whatever resources you use currently, both internal and external, to maximize synergy and avoid overlap.  Some of our clients have internal accountants and bookkeepers; others have none.  Some have external CPAs; others have none.  In any case, we will provide the resources necessary to complete the financial management function.  Alternatively, if you are unsatisfied with any of your incumbent resources, we can have collaborator relationships we can share with you.

Q: How is Beanstalk different from a temp agency or interim/placement service?
Our solutions are integrated & comprehensive.  Temp or placement agencies, on the other hand, offer you a standalone “body” that you must manage.  They know only one function and don’t fit readily into a team.  Moreover, they show up without any further resources of their own, whereas we bring our best-practices to each relationship.


Q: Does Beanstalk offer payroll-processing services?
We manage it on your behalf but partner with servicers like ADP and Paychex to process the payroll since its more cost-effective for you that way.


Q: What size and type of clients does Beanstalk serve?
We specialize in serving businesses between 5 and 95 employees that want to grow.


Q: Specifically, how do your services work?
See a case study


Q: How much do your solutions cost?
The client in the aforementioned case study pays about $1,500 per month for a full complement of our services.  Naturally, our fees vary in proportion to assignment size and complexity.


Q: Can I test-drive your solutions?
Yes.Though most of our client additions prefer to fully engage as rapidly as possible, we do offer a demonstration to interested parties who aren’t yet familiar with our reputation.  We call it the Financial Tune-Up™.  It’s a brief analysis of your financial performance followed by recommendations for enhancement and growth.We compare your performance, policies, procedures, systems & strategy to our entrepreneurial benchmarks, highlighting your strengths and identifying areas for improvement.  Then, within one week, we provide you concrete and specific recommendations for you to increase your profits and grow faster.  For more information and instructions about getting a Financial Tune-Up of your business, contact us.


Q: What exactly are EntreTools™?
They’re a proprietary set of systems, templates, forms & procedures that we’ve developed over the course of our financial management work with entrepreneurial clientele.  We put the best of the bunch into our toolkit and share them with all our clients.  For example, our EntreTools™ include cash management spreadsheets, budget templates, collection procedure checklists and about 30 more financial management tools.


Q: How confidential is our relationship with Beanstalk?
We keep all aspects of our relationships with clients completely confidential.  In fact, our contracts with clients specify such.  We also practice the confidentiality standards associated with the governing body of our industry.


Q: What accounting systems do you use?
If it’s working effectively, we’ll use whatever software is already in place at a client.  If not, we’ll implement a new solution.  We have experience with most small and midsize business packages, including QuickBooks, Peachtree, Great Plains, MAS 90 and Solomon.  In fact, we're a Certified Quickbooks ProAdvisor.


Q: What if I’m not located near a Beanstalk office?
We have several clients who are not located near an office of ours.  In fact, one of our clients has locations in seven states, none of which contain a Beanstalk office.  Our work for them is performed over phone, fax and internet.  We communicate with them frequently despite rarely seeing them in person.


Q: How do I know I need Beanstalk?
Click here to see the symptoms of Financial Weakness that indicate you need our help.


Q: How will we know the relationship is working successfully?
You'll receive more timely, accurate and meaningful financial information.  You'll feel more in control.  You'll make more enlightened decisions.  You'll accomplish your fiscal objectives.


Q: What other clients do you serve?
Click here to see a sample list of current and graduated clients.


Q: How do we get started working with Beanstalk?
Let us know how to reach you so we can discuss whether there's benefit to working together.  Click here for our coordinates.