Who We Serve and Q&A

Who We Work With:

 

Realtors
Real estate brokers
Property managers
Home inspectors
Construction companies
Contractors
Landscaping businesses
Cleaning companies
Home service providers

Daycare owners
Childcare centers
Private educators
Tutors
Parent coaches

Salon owners
Independent stylists
Barbers
Estheticians
Health spa owners
Massage therapists
Personal trainers
Fitness coaches

Wedding planners
Photographers
Videographers
Event coordinators
Florists

Freelance writers
Graphic designers
Virtual assistants
Marketing consultants
Business coaches

 

Where are you located, and do you only work with local businesses?

 

Skipper Legacy Bookkeeping is based in Port Orchard, Washington, serving businesses throughout Kitsap County, including Bremerton, Silverdale, and surrounding areas. While there is a strong local focus, services are fully virtual, which means you are not limited by location. Many clients work remotely from across Washington and throughout the United States. If you prefer working with someone nearby who understands your local business environment, you have that. If you are located elsewhere and need reliable, consistent bookkeeping support, you can still work together just as effectively.

 

What types of businesses benefit most from Skipper Legacy Bookkeeping services?

 

These services are designed for small business owners who want accurate financials, steady systems, and fewer unknowns in their day-to-day operations. This often includes service-based businesses, independent professionals, and growing companies that have outgrown inconsistent bookkeeping or are ready to stop managing everything themselves.

 

If your books are behind, unclear, or constantly getting pushed aside, you will benefit from structured cleanup and ongoing maintenance. If your numbers exist but are not helping you make decisions, you will benefit from clearer reporting and consistent organization. If you are managing employees or planning to grow, support with payroll, compliance, and internal systems becomes just as important as the bookkeeping itself.

 

Why would I choose Skipper Legacy Bookkeeping over another bookkeeping service?

 

The difference comes down to how your business is understood and supported behind the scenes. This is not a one-size-fits-all service or a high-volume model where communication is delayed or unclear. You are working with someone who has both formal education in accounting and business management, along with real-world experience running a business, managing employees, and handling compliance firsthand.

 

Ongoing education is a priority, which means your books are not only accurate but also aligned with current standards, tax expectations, and evolving business regulations. This reduces the risk of costly mistakes and keeps your records in a position that your tax preparer can rely on.

Communication is direct and consistent. You are not left waiting days for answers or trying to interpret unclear reports. You receive information in a way that makes sense, so you can actually use it to make decisions.

 

There is also a broader support system behind the work. Access to professional networks and mentorship within the accounting and business community allows for continued growth, updated practices, and a stronger foundation for the services you receive.

 

At the end of the day, this is about more than keeping records. It is about giving you structure, accuracy, and support that help your business run more smoothly and make better financial decisions over time.

 

What is the difference?

 

Bookkeeper

A bookkeeper is responsible for the day-to-day management of your financial records. Their tasks include tracking income and expenses, recording transactions, reconciling accounts, and maintaining accurate financial records. They ensure that your books are kept up-to-date and organized, making it easier for accountants or CPAs to work with clean financial data.

 

Accountant

Accountants handle more complex financial analysis than bookkeepers. They prepare financial statements, conduct audits, analyze financial data to help you make informed business decisions, and often help with financial forecasting and budgeting. While a bookkeeper records the transactions, an accountant interprets the financial data to give you insights into your financial health.

 

Enrolled Agent (EA)

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a tax professional the IRS licenses to represent taxpayers before the IRS. They are experts in tax law and can assist with tax filings and audits and offer tax planning services. EAs are authorized to handle all tax matters, including preparing tax returns, resolving tax issues, and representing clients in the case of an audit. They are often seen as tax experts who can work with both individuals and businesses.

 

Tax Preparer

A tax preparer is a professional who helps individuals and businesses prepare and file their tax returns. They focus primarily on ensuring that tax forms are filled out accurately and that deductions are maximized. While a tax preparer may not have the same level of expertise as an EA or CPA, they can be a great option for those with straightforward tax filing needs.

 

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A CPA is a licensed accounting professional who has passed the CPA exam and met the required experience and educational standards. CPAs can provide a wide range of services, including tax planning, financial reporting, auditing, and business consulting. They can represent clients in front of the IRS, and their credentials allow them to perform tasks that other financial professionals cannot, such as auditing financial statements and offering assurance services

 

Why should I have a bookkeeper and a CPA?

 

Complete Financial Management: A bookkeeper handles daily records, while a CPA provides expert insights and strategies for growth. Together, they ensure your finances are well-managed.

 

Fewer Mistakes: Having both a bookkeeper and a CPA reduces the chance of errors, keeping your records accurate and compliant. Also, reduces areas of fraud and missed deadlines.  

 

Expertise in Different Areas: A bookkeeper tracks transactions, while a CPA helps with financial planning, tax strategy, and long-term decision-making.

 

Tax Compliance: Bookkeepers track expenses, while CPAs handle taxes, deductions, and audits, ensuring you stay compliant.

Streamlined Operations: With a bookkeeper and CPA, you split the workload, allowing both to focus on their areas of expertise for smooth financial operations.

 

Better Long-Term Strategy: A bookkeeper manages the day-to-day, while a CPA helps you plan for future growth, giving your business the financial foundation it needs.

 

What is included in the set-up?

 

Set up and support for your secure Skipper Legacy Bookkeeping services, including unlimited document storage, an analytics reporting dashboard, AP Management software (select plans), and proper setup of QuickBooks™️ with integrated applications and financial sources. We will gather critical source documents, verify the balance sheet against the prior year’s tax returns, establish communication between vital team members—including your tax accountant/CPA—and ensure that important financial dates specific to your business are calendared.

 

Meetings and briefings will be scheduled as needed to fully understand the nature of your accounting, along with recommendations for best practices, streamlining systems and processes, establishing necessary peripheral services, designing a fully integrated tech stack, and offering advice on the reports that will best guide your progress toward achieving your financial goals.

 

Can I decide how much control I have over my day-to-day financial management?

 

You are always allowed to choose how involved you want to be in your financial management. You remain the primary admin of all accounts and can add and delete users as needed

 

How do I send my financial information to my tax preparer, banker or investors?

 

Your accounting desktop can be made accessible to anyone you designate. Using tiered permissions, you can control who accesses and what actions they can perform. You also have access to create your own reports with the information as needed. Some plans include custom reports, which can be requested. 

 

How do I send documentation to Skipper Legacy Bookkeeping?

 

Every client is different, and we provide several options for sending us your records. You can use QBO on a desktop or phone app or other leading software methods your company may have that allow bookkeeping access. 

 

What does Insured, bonded and background checked mean?

 

Insured: This means the bookkeeper has liability insurance to protect both you and them in case of mistakes or accidents that could cause financial loss.

 

Bonded: Being bonded means the bookkeeper has a surety bond that protects you in case of theft or fraud. If the bookkeeper steals or commits fraud, the bond reimburses the client for their loss.

 

Background Checked: This means the bookkeeper has undergone a background check to ensure they have a clean criminal and financial history, giving you confidence that they can be trusted with your sensitive information.

These protections provide peace of mind, knowing your financial data is in safe hands.

 

Any Disclaimers I should know about?

 

Please note that while Skipper Legacy Bookkeeping provides essential bookkeeping services, we are not licensed Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). As such, we cannot perform certain tasks that are legally reserved for CPAs, such as:

 

Conducting audits or reviews of financial statements

Offering formal tax advice or preparing complex tax returns

Representing clients in front of the IRS for tax matters

Providing legal or financial consulting services

 

For these specialized services, we recommend consulting with a licensed CPA or tax professional. We work closely with trusted CPAs and other financial experts to ensure your business receives comprehensive financial support.

 

How do I cancel services?

 

To cancel your services with Skipper Legacy Bookkeeping, please submit your cancellation request in writing via certified mail or email at least 30 days before your desired cancellation date. Auto-invoicing will be stopped one billing cycle after your cancellation request has been received. 

 

By Email: To ensure your cancellation request is valid, you must receive a confirmation email with a "received" notification.

 

By Mail: If sent by certified mail, the cancellation request will be processed once the letter is received.

 

All tasks will be completed by the last day of your paid cycle. Please note that failure to pay within 5 days of the invoice due date will result in the automatic cancellation of services.

 

How do I pay my invoices?

 

To ensure timely payment of your invoices, all clients must sign up for auto-draft or provide permission for vendor withdrawals. Invoices are automatically sent each month and will be processed via your selected payment method. By setting up auto-draft or providing withdrawal permission, you authorize us to securely withdraw payments as per the terms outlined in your agreement. If you have any questions about your billing or need assistance with payment methods, please feel free to contact us.

 

 

 

Proudly serving Kitsap County, including Port Orchard, Bremerton, Silverdale, and surrounding areas, with virtual services available nationwide.