Frequently asked questions
Plain answers about our services, pricing, getting started and keeping your documents safe.
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Services
What is a fractional CFO?
A senior finance leader who works with your business part-time, on a set schedule. You get the planning, reporting and lender-facing work a CFO does, without the cost of a full-time hire. See fractional CFO services.
How is that different from my bookkeeper or accountant?
Your bookkeeper records what happened and your accountant files the returns. A fractional CFO reads those numbers with you, plans the next 12 months and helps you act on them.
Which accounting software do you support?
QuickBooks and Xero, and most other accounting platforms.
Can you clean up past books?
Yes. Setup and clean-up is part of onboarding for monthly accounting, on a timeline we agree up front [timeline].
When should I switch from sole proprietor to S-corp?
It usually comes down to your profit and what you pay yourself. We run the numbers with you in an entity and compensation review before you decide.
Can you help with an IRS notice or back taxes?
Yes. We respond to notices, support audits, file back taxes and request payment plans or penalty abatement. See IRS tax problems.
Do you help with buying, selling or refinancing a business?
Yes, on the financial side: due diligence, readiness, financing packages and post-deal accounting. We do not provide legal or investment-banking advice. See M&A and due diligence.
Pricing
Is the first consultation free?
Yes. The first conversation is free, and Doug will tell you honestly whether and how he can help.
What do your services cost?
[Doug to set]. You'll get a clear scope and a clear fee in a written proposal before we start. See pricing.
What does bookkeeping cost?
It depends on your transaction volume and the accounts involved: [Doug to set].
How are M&A and due diligence projects priced?
They are scoped per project, once we understand the deal and the timeline.
Are you a CPA firm?
Yes, led by Doug O'Dowd, CPA.
Licensed in [license state(s)]. Read his background.
Getting started
Who will I work with?
You'll work directly with Doug O'Dowd, CPA, and with Gabby, who handles operations and client care. Meet them.
What happens after I book?
Doug or Gabby replies to confirm a time. In the consultation you talk through your situation, and Doug tells you honestly whether and how he can help. If it's a fit, you get a written proposal.
Do you serve clients outside St. Petersburg?
Our office is in downtown St. Petersburg and we work with clients across Tampa Bay and Pinellas County. Clients further afield: [Doug confirms].
How quickly can we start?
It starts with a free consultation. Typical time to get going: [Doug to set].
Security
How do I send documents securely?
Through our secure client portal. Use Client Login to upload documents rather than sending them by email.
How do you protect my data?
Documents are exchanged through the secure client portal. Security details: [Doug confirms].