Questions people ask before the first call
If yours is not here, ask it on the call — it is free and there is no obligation either way.
My books are months behind. Is that a problem?
No, and it is more common than you would think. Catch-up work on historical books is quoted separately from the monthly fee, after I have looked at what is actually there. I would rather see the real state of it than a tidied version — the quote depends on the mess, and I have seen worse than yours.
I already have a bookkeeper. How much disruption is switching?
Less than most people expect. I need read-only access to your bank feed and accounting file, plus last year's records. From there I aim to have your first month reconciled and closed within two weeks, so you know quickly whether the arrangement works.
What access do you actually need?
Read-only access to your bank feed and your accounting file. Nothing more than that, and specifically nothing that would let me move money on your behalf. If your bank or platform cannot do read-only for a particular feed, we find another way rather than widening the access.
Do I have to change accounting software?
No. I work fastest in Zoho Books and SimplePay, and that is where I would put a new client if the choice were mine, but I pick up new packages quickly and have worked in Xero, Sage, QuickBooks and Pastel. I have no interest in making you migrate for my convenience.
Do you do payroll?
Yes, on the Growth and Full service packages. Monthly payroll runs in SimplePay, payslips issued to your staff, PAYE, UIF and SDL calculated, and the numbers ready for submission on time. New starters, leavers and changes are handled without the month grinding to a halt.
Do you handle SARS submissions?
EMP201 monthly declarations and EMP501 reconciliations are prepared and filed on eFiling, with the deadlines tracked so nothing arrives late.
Can you do my annual financial statements or company tax return?
No — that is your accountant's work, and I am a bookkeeper rather than an accountant or auditor. What I do is prepare a clean year-end pack so your accountant is not billing you to sort out twelve months of loose ends first. Most accountants are noticeably happier to receive books that are already closed.
Is there VAT on your fees?
No. Ledger Room is a sole proprietorship and is not registered for VAT, so no VAT is added to your invoice. The prices on the pricing section are what you pay.
How does billing work?
Package fees are fixed monthly amounts, payable monthly in advance — the fee for a month is due at the start of the month it covers. No hourly billing, and no surprise line items. Anything outside your package is quoted before it starts, not invoiced afterwards.
What if I want to stop?
One calendar month's written notice, either direction, and an email counts. You get your records back and a clean handover of your accounting file. I will not hold your books hostage over a disagreement about a fee.
Where are you, and does it matter?
Saint Helena Bay, on the West Coast, working remotely with clients anywhere in South Africa. In six years of doing this the distance has never been the difficulty; getting documents on time is.
What are your hours, and how quickly do you reply?
Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 16:00. Email is answered within one working day. I work in Afrikaans or English, whichever suits you.
What sort of businesses do you usually work with?
Mostly professional services firms and e-commerce businesses — consultancies, agencies and online stores, where transaction volumes are high, the admin piles up quickly, and nobody in the building enjoys reconciling a payment gateway.
Still deciding?
The first call is thirty minutes, free, and carries no obligation. If I am not the right fit for what you need, I will tell you so on that call rather than three months into an engagement. Book one here.