Answers......
1.
What should I expect from your firm?
Timely, accurate, and cost effective advice, reports, and information delivered
by trained professionals who take a genuine interest in your business.
2.
Why do companies use an advisor?
a) They do not
have the time, personnel or knowledge to properly address pressing issues.
b) They need specialized expertise they do not possess and it is more cost
effective to seek help outside.
c) They have a need for third party objectivity.
d) For personal or political reasons they will not seek help from within the
organization.
e) They need to effect change but do not want to be subject to the criticism for
initiating such change.
3. I need a
Controller but not full time, what are my options?
a) Attempt to find a skilled Controller with the same needs as yours. This will
be difficult.
b) Hire a full time person and absorb the inefficiency.
c) Do without, a very dangerous option.
d) Hire a professional firm that can provide your a sliding scale of services
based on your exact demand.
Our
initial consultation is generally without charge or obligation.
4.
How can one make the advising efforts more effective?
a) Clearly define
the problems and objectives to be obtained.
b) Upper management acknowledgement and commitment to the project.
c) Communication of upper management's commitment to all personnel.
d) Timely meetings to review and discuss project progress.
e) Management's timely consideration of consultant suggestions.
5.
What should the company expect from the consultant?
a) Tangible or
intangible benefits that exceed the cost of the consulting assignment.
b) A better understanding of the problem and its possible solutions.
c) Betterment or improvement of the situation.
6.
How does one manage the costs of the consulting assignment?
a) Obtain an
understanding of the fee structure before beginning the project.
b) Receive and review timely billings and progress reports.
c) Compare costs or expected costs against achieved or expected benefits.
7.
What costs should one look at in analyzing a project?
a) Compare
expected costs for improvement against anticipated efficiency savings.
b) Equally important compare the costs of not improving against the costs to
improve.
8.
Management information - what is it and why do I need it?
Management
information includes any organizational activity that is critical to management
of the purpose of managing the organization and making the proper decisions to
perpetuate and improve the profit making process.
For
example - profit and loss statements, lost sales reports, sales prospects
reporting, department goal achievement, aged accounts receivable reports, cash
position, line of credit availability, etc.
9.
How is the firm of Garry A. Jones & Associates different from most other firms?
In
addition to the accounting skills, we have hands on business experience and
understand the inter-workings of a business. This understanding and past
experience allows us to develop and assist in implementing cost effective
business solutions.
We cannot only handle all of the traditional accounting and
tax reporting requirements; we assist management in adding value to their
business. We are attentive
and responsive.
10.
My company is growing but my overhead is growing at a greater rate, why?
This
is a common symptom of growing companies. It is generally a result of internal
systems not being properly developed to keep pace with an ever-demanding
organization. Patches are put on systems or processes instead of looking at the
problem for a higher prospective. This patchwork approach eventually becomes
very inefficient, ineffective and costly. The procedures and systems need to be
reviewed and a straight-line solution developed and implemented.
11.
Is there such a thing as better, cheaper technology?
With
the advancements in computer technology we have been able to convert to and
implement systems that cost significantly less costly than the original system.
This newer technology generally is easier for the user to learn, less
expensive to maintain, and most of all it more easily provides management the
needed information reports. We offer evaluation, implementation and training
services to help bring you and your company to a more competitive position.
12.
Why is process so important?
A
defined and continuously applied process is the basis for efficient, effective
and consistent results that the organization can rely on. The franchise industry
has taken this technique and used it as a basis for their success.
13.
What does one need to run and manage an organization?
A
good management team, a business plan, capital, a process in which to accomplish
the plan and a method to measure results. We can help you develop these
essential elements and train you how to better use them. Your probability of
success will be greatly enhanced.
14.
Big Company vs. Smaller Company approach?
All
successful businesses should employ the proper techniques and process to ensure
results and success. The solutions and approach should be tailored to the
business needs and fall within their resources. We recognize this and
incorporate it into our project management approach.
15.
Why do I need and outside accountant?
The
organization has needs for a controller or higher-level type but cannot afford
them full time.
To
provide new and current ideas for better accomplishment of the accounting
process.
To assist management in interpreting and better understanding
what the financial information is trying to tell them.
To assist the accounting department with peak workloads or
unusual assignments.
To obtain
complied, reviewed or audited financial statements.
To
better represent your company in financial matters.
As an independent
check point to help ensure the integrity of the accounting records and company
assets.
As a confirmation
to a conclusion reached by management.
To act as a
sounding board for new ideas.
16.
Income tax and other tax agency situations?
Professional
representation with tax matters generally results in a better outcome. We are
assertive in representing and defending the client's position. We have
experience assisting and representing our clients in a variety of situations.
They range from tax return preparation, tax audit representation, filing of tax
audit appeals, installment payment plans and offer and compromise negotiating.
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