About
I started Cornerstone Solutions LLC, a tax & bookkeeping services business, because I wanted to meet the need of small business owners and sole proprietors, who do not need, nor can afford a full time bookkeeper, but where I can provide this value for just a few hours a month. I have 30 years experience in both public and corporate accounting. I have served as Controller in several companies. I have great experience and can provide services in month end close, financial statements, bank reconcilations, profit/expense analysis, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, or processing accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and sales taxes as well as payroll. I will also provide tax services for both corporate as well as personal and family tax returns. Here is a list of the types of services that I provide:
Specialties: Create accounting system in Quickbooks
Process Month-End Close and Monthly Financials
Reconcile bank and other accounts
Provide feedback and recommendations from financial results
Develop annual budget
Provide Cash Flow planning
Process Accounts Payable, Invoicing, and Payroll
Process Payroll and Sales taxes and required reporting
Provide Year End Tax Planning
Corporate and Individual Tax Returns
Help the start up of a new company or entity
Any contract or project work
Specialties
Special tax situations
Employment status
Filing status
Reviews
Bruce W.
Jerry J.
Courtney R.
Erik K.
Wet R.
Koty J.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I want to either meet the client in person or talk with them over the phone, just to get to know each other, and to find out more what their needs are and how I can help them with those needs. I will share with them my plan of action of how I can help them, and then we agree upon a fee. I will set up most of my clients in my Dropbox portal, so they can securely and safely send me all their tax or bookkeeping documents.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I received my BBA in Accounting from Baylor University in 1986 and I shortly thereafter received my CPA license. I worked in the Big Eight public accounting firm, Ernst and Whinney for 2 years in audit. I then spent the next 25 years in the corporate world as a Controller for Fortune 500 companies all the way down to family owned businesses. In 2011, I founded Cornerstone Solutions LLC, where I use my 30 years of accounting experience to help individuals and small business owners.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
Every client is unique and different but I normally will charge in the following ranges:
Bookkeeping - $50/hour until we can agree on Fixed Fee
Tax Services - Individual/Family Tax Returns - $175 - $250
Sole Proprietor/LLC Business - $300 - $500
1065 Partnership - $500
1120/1120 S-Corp - $500
How did you get started in this business?
In 2011, I was ready to leave the corporate world, and I began to see so many people starting their own businesses, and having the need for an Accountant to help them get their business set up, accounting system set up, and help them with all their bookkeeping, payroll and tax needs on a monthly basis but without having to hire them as a full time employee but just have them help them several hours a month. I love working with people and to add value to running their business or to help families maximize their tax refund or minimize taxes owed.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I have worked with individuals, families and business owners in regards to all their tax needs and I have worked with small business owners from all types of industries. Many of my new clients do not have a clue of how to structure and set up their business, so that is where I come in to walk along beside them all the way.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
This type of scenario has happened recently several times where I am meeting with a new client, and just asking them questions to try to get to know them, and then all of a sudden they become emotional and start crying about a very difficult situation that they are facing, and I ask if I can pray for them right there, and it immediately brings a peace to them, and creates a bonding between us that continues in our business as well as our personal relationships. I want to build relationships for life!
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
I would advice them to at least talk with me and see if they can quickly become very comfortable and trustworthy of me and that my only goal is to do what is best for them. You will not get the personal relationship with the big tax companies as you would with me. I am always available for them. I would also encourage them to read all of the many 5-star reviews I have received from my clients on my website at www.mycornerstonesolutions.com.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
They should know that it is okay for them to seek the help of a professional because there is no way they can keep up with all the tax law changes or know how to maintain the financials of their business. There is NO dumb question to ask me! I want my clients to understand what their tax returns and financial statements mean.