Working with your organization.
Begin with what your organization needs and what your existing team already handles. We agree the work, the fee and how we will work together before starting.
Start with the records and the question
A first conversation may concern a business return, books that need attention, recurring reporting or a proposed transaction. Tell us about the organization, the timing and the people who use the financial information.
We identify the question, missing reporting or approaching deadline and assess the records needed to address it. Confidential documents are exchanged through an appropriate secure channel after the initial discussion.
Separate the starting work from the recurring work
A business may need older accounts reconciled before a monthly reporting arrangement can begin. We distinguish that initial cleanup from the ongoing close, rather than treat an uncertain backlog as an ordinary month.
Each engagement begins with a signed engagement letter that sets the scope and fee. The engagement letter identifies the services, deliverables and fee. For recurring work, it also establishes reporting and discussion frequency. A focused project has its own question, expected output and relevant dates.
Keep responsibilities easy to follow
The engagement letter names what your staff, our team and outside providers will handle, including access to records and points of contact.
You do not need to replace a bookkeeper, finance employee, attorney or payroll provider to work with us. We can take a defined accounting or tax role alongside them. Every client has a lead contact who coordinates the agreed work; we introduce the people involved privately.
Discuss the results and the next question
A completed report should lead to a useful conversation when a review is part of the engagement: what changed, which differences have been explained and what still needs a decision. For a focused project, we set out the findings and next steps.
A new location, ownership proposal or other change may call for additional work. We discuss that work and its fee rather than assume it is included in an existing return or accounting arrangement.
Before we begin
Can we engage you only for a business return?
Yes. We can discuss return preparation on its own. Ongoing accounting, planning and broader coordination are separate services.
Do we need to replace our bookkeeper?
Not necessarily. We first consider what your current team handles and where additional accounting, tax or advisory work would help.
How will we contact the people handling the work?
We introduce the engagement team and explain the contact arrangements before starting. The arrangements reflect the work you have engaged us to do.
Can you work alongside our independent audit firm?
Yes. We can discuss accounting support and the schedules or responses needed for its work. Hickok Tax Advisory does not provide audits, reviews or other attest services.