Our Commitment
We take the phrase “client engagement” seriously. Rather than rush to sign every new client we interact with, we prefer to really consider if and how we can offer value first. Only once we both conclude that the relationship will be mutually beneficial do we move forward
What We Consider
Fit
- Entrepreneur, business owner, equity compensation employee
- Need-based, not fixed fee
Delivery dates
- Extension very likely
- High quality, thorough, internal notes
Communication & work-flow
- Paperless
- Virtual communication is more cost-effective, but can do in-person if necessary
Value added
- Educational approach: we explain
- Collaborative: we work together
- Forward thinking: we plan
- Advisory: we take action
- Communicate: we answer
- Quality: we do not rush
- Tools: we empower
- Experience: we have been here before
- Perspective: we illuminate
Fit & Value Proposition
In an increasingly automated world, it’s important for us to constantly assess and adjust the value we provide. In addition to answering your questions and treating your unique tax profile with care, we’ll also be there for you when it’s time to make the tough decisions: “Should I exercise my options this year or next year?” “Should I defer the cost of new equipment or incur it now?” These issues aren’t black and white and the answers may be different from client to client.
With Gillingham CPA, you’ll have an experienced advisor to help you understand the long-term impact of your short-term choices and help you plan for a prolific and profitable future
Where can we add value?
- Compliance (task is arduous)
- Equity comp, small business, multi-entity, multi-state
- More than one stakeholder
- High dollar value where mistakes are costly
- Penalty avoidance
- Complexities like marital status, multiple properties owned, trust beneficiary, flow-through entity owner, etc
- Decoding the world of tax forms, attributes, & Rules (think AMT, ISO, NQS, P&L, BS and much more)
Tax advisory
Tax efficiency of deductions, savings, options exercises, and more
Cash flow planning
Calculating amounts due and when to pay
Savings and financing
Where to save and how to efficiently sell
Accounting
Accurate and relevant books using a collaborative approach
Education
Answering questions, proactively explaining, leveraging technology
Perspective
We see a lot and want to collaborate
Intake Process
Here is how we evaluate prospective clients
Step 1 – Is there a need?
There should be a compelling need involving the following variables:
- Complexity requiring expert understanding of accounting and tax law
- Client time more valuable than our fee
- High dollar values with variability
Step 2 – Would you be better served elsewhere?
Is there an alternate solution that will provide better value for you?
- We've found these situations are generally best-served elsewhere: easy returns, one-off solutions, budget or rapid prep
- Is tax prep software or a lower-fee professional a viable alternative?
- We're looking for a "Goldilocks" fit so that our time and knowledged is best leveraged
- We are not "fast" and typically require a lot of client engagements to get to the finish line
Step 3 – Is it a “Goldilocks” fit?
- Equity comp not exceeding $2M per year
- Small businesses or solo entrepreneurs, bootstrapped/early-stage startups (pre-Series A)
- General annual fee target in the $1K-$3K range, though outliers exist
- Individuals with multiple complex income streams (side hustle businesses, rentals, multi-state filing, significant investment activity, flow-through owners or beneficiaries)
- Not generally fee or time-sensitive
Step 4 – Final Decision
By this point in the process we can see if it is a fit and layout a general plan
Contact Us
We look forward to working with you. Please click the contact form option below for more details. Check our cost page to find out about our firm pricing, and check out our Framework page to see the pillars that support the seven client types we specialize in