Do you know you need a bookkeeper for your horse business, but have no clue how it all works or even where to start?

Well you're in luck because I know how daunting this can be for many new or even seasoned horse-business owners.

You might have questions like…. Can I hire a virtual bookkeeper (human, not AI)? Who offers these services for horse businesses? How do I make an appointment? How would I even communicate with a remote bookkeeper? How much does it cost? What is the process? What's included?

All these questions are answered in the following paragraphs - I've laid the general process out as simply as possible to help you get comfortable with how stress-free hiring an equine bookkeeping professional can be! If you have more questions about this or would like to proceed with a consult, follow the link below this article to the consultation scheduler OR email me directly if your schedule needs other options. I'm happy to help!

Getting Started

Step 1: Schedule a FREE Consultation

Everyone and every business is different. The purpose of scheduling a consult with me is to determine if we are a good match to work together to get your bookkeeping in order. This is a no-stress and no pressure meeting meant to help me provide you with guidance as to your best options whether that's with me or with someone else. I truly just want what's best for you and your business.

In order to reduce stress, my consults are now by phone call only to keep anxiety off the table for those who are less tech savvy or those who just don't like to be on camera - I get it!

In this meeting, we will chat about your goals for your business, how those are progressing, what your current processes are, what you would like your processes to be in the future, and how I can help with this.

I'll ask questions about how you currently keep track of the money coming in and going out. This could include what software you currently use (or don't use - I don't judge!), how you invoice your clients and pay your bills, the process you use for keeping backup documentation, if you run and review financial reports, how you are creating your annual 1099s, etc.

Once I understand your goals, current state of your business, and current processes, I will then request you send me various information and documentation so I can get a firm grasp on the total number of accounts you hold (checking, savings, credit cards, payment processors, loans, etc.), How many transactions occur in those accounts on a monthly basis, and whether you need help with things like invoicing or bill pay.

One common concern is how you provide all of this documentation. Simple and easy! I will send you a link to a secure portal where you can upload documents and answer various questions about your business's needs. It's that easy!

After I review this documentation, I will create a FREE Customized Bookkeeping Plan Proposal for you that includes an entire game plan for getting your bookkeeping cleaned up, caught up, and moving forward smoothly. In this Proposal, there will be the pricing for the Initial Investment which is for any prior period that needs caught up/cleaned up as well as the monthly bookkeeping fee moving forward.

If you simply want assistance getting your bookkeeping cleaned up and no monthly services moving forward, that is also an option and your Plan will not include the price for  services moving forward.

PLEASE NOTE: Monthly bookkeeping fees are inclusive of ALL software used as Legit Ledgers is able to obtain these tools for you at discounted prices! If you ever choose to end our engagement, your software is easily transferred to you.

The monthly fee is also a single solid price and hourly fees are NOT charged as I always want my clients to feel free to ask for assistance at any time without fear of added fees! Stress-free!

Step 2: Review your FREE Bookkeeping Plan Proposal

Once I have created your Free Plan Proposal, you can choose to review this with me via Zoom or you can elect for me to send you a recorded presentation of this Plan Proposal.

This is just one more way I do my best to eliminate your stress. Many choose to have the recorded video presentation for the ability to review when they have a moment around their busy barn schedules. Additionally, this can be handy if you need to review the Proposal with a significant other or business partner.

If you review the Bookkeeping Plan Proposal and determine you are agreeable with the Plan and the pricing, we simply move on with signing some paperwork!

Step 3: Sign the Paperwork

If you agree to the Plan Proposal, you will receive the following paperwork:

-The Bookkeeping Plan Proposal review and e-sign.

-The Client Engagement Letter to review and e-sign. This document simply outlines our respective responsibilities throughout the bookkeeping engagement.

-The One-Time ACH Authorization Form for the Initial Investment amount (for the Cleanup/Catchup).

-The Recurring ACH Authorization Form for the monthly bookkeeping fee to be automatically charged to your account each month moving forward.

All of these documents will be conveniently emailed to you with easy to use links and signature pages.

PLEASE NOTE: Your engagement with Legit Ledgers is not locked in to any period of time, you can end this engagement with a written notice 30 days in advance. Stress-free!

Step 4: Onboarding

After your paperwork is signed and the initial investment received, we can get started!

I will perform the following tasks to get your Bookkeeping System up and running:

Start your Accounting Software

-If you do not already have a bookkeeping software, I will start your brand new QuickBooks Online Account and personalize all the settings and business information.

PLEASE NOTE: While I include all your software fees in the monthly bookkeeping price, your QBO billing is easily transferred to you if you ever choose to end our engagement. Stress-free!

Start your Client Portal

-This is an easy to use software that allows us to communicate without cluttering emails.

 -You can access this on your PC OR download the app version on your iPhone or Android for use on the go!

-Here you will answer questions I have about specific transactions, upload documents I request, access financial reports, and ask me questions.

Start your Hubdoc Account (if you elected document management assistance)

-Hubdoc is a document management software that can be used on your PC OR via the mobile app.

-You will use this to PROACTIVELY upload receipts and documents as you receive them by simply snapping a pic on your phone, forwarding from your email, or drag and drop from your PC files. This is a huge time-saver!

All your software expenses are INCLUDED In your monthly bookkeeping fee. Stress-free!

Step 5: Cleanup / Catchup

With your Onboarding complete, I will assist in linking your business accounts to QuickBooks Online - if this is not already done.

This allows me to have access to your transactions in real-time, record transactions as they occur, and send you questions in your Client Portal regarding these transactions while they are fresh in your mind.

I will customize your Chart of Accounts in QBO which will assist in accurate categorization for your tax preparer as well as allowing us to analyze your financial statements regularly to determine how you can make adjustments to continue growing your business.

Your balance sheet accounts will be analyzed and accurately entered. This includes all business assets such as horses, vehicles, trailers, equipment, expensive tack and gear, etc. Additionally, all business loans and equity accounts will be entered and tracked regularly.

All transactions from the cleanup/catchup period will be collaborated on together to determine accurate categorization via your Client Portal and Excel/Numbers/Google Sheets - if necessary.

Once the Cleanup/Catchup is complete, we will meet to review the financial statements and verify accuracy and completeness for the Cleanup Period.

The hard part ends here and streamlined bookkeeping begins!

Step 6: Monthly Bookkeeping Services

Now that your Cleanup/Catchup is complete, you will receive questions on a regular basis in your Client Portal on daily transactions that you have not yet submitted receipts/backup documentation for in Hubdoc.

Depending on your business's needs, I will also be assisting monthly on invoicing your clients, paying bills, tracking loans, reconciling bank accounts, filing annual 1099-NECs, and providing full sets of financial statements with analysis on a regular basis.

I will also fully collaborate with your tax preparer during tax season and throughout the year to ensure maximum tax savings are being captured for your business.

Step 7: Stress-Free and Time-Saving Living!!!

Now you are free! Free to focus on the activities that actually make you money instead of having analysis paralysis on everyday monetary transactions and financial record-keeping tasks. You can spend these extra moments you've gained on growing your network, further education, additional training, or simply on your family and personal life.

The possibilities are endless! Start enjoying your business again!

Stop stressing over your business's finances - Book a FREE Consult TODAY!