Six months behind? Two years? No judgment — just a flat quote.
Behind on the books is the normal state of small business — it's where almost everyone starts. Whether it's a QuickBooks file that drifted into chaos or a year of statements in a folder, cleanup works the same way: I quote the whole project flat after a look at what's there, you approve it, and your books come out current, reconciled, and ready for your tax preparer.
I look at what exists — QuickBooks, spreadsheets, statements, the shoebox. You get a written read on how far behind things are.
One number for the whole cleanup, scope-capped in writing. No hourly meter running while you wonder.
I work through the backlog, reconcile everything, and deliver books your CPA can actually use — then most clients roll into monthly service.
There's no such thing. Multi-year backlogs are a process, not a crisis — and the longer it's been, the more a flat quote protects you.
No. Messy books are what happens when you spend your hours running the actual business. Bringing them to someone is the responsible move.
Tell me the deadline at the Health Check. Rush timelines are often possible; the quote will reflect the schedule honestly.
No. Some clients just want the cleanup and a year-end package. Most stay monthly because staying clean costs less than another cleanup.
Related reading: Months (or Years) Behind on Bookkeeping? Here's Exactly How to Catch Up