Business Buddy

Bookkeeping that works alongside a client's own accountant is how Business Buddy describes its service. It is an independent firm in North Dakota serving individuals, small companies and non-profit organizations, and it also handles payroll, notary work and fiscal agency under one roof.

Bookkeeping for owners and non-profits

For businesses, the firm keeps the books straight through the year, makes sure bills are paid on time, and prepares records so that tax season is less of a scramble. It can set up a new business, clean up the accounts of a company that has never had professional help, build the reporting systems an owner needs, and create budgets and projections for planning. It also helps with sales tax and with integrating existing systems or tightening a bookkeeping process with proper checks and balances.

Non-profits have dedicated bookkeepers who understand their particular needs. They can track the split between program and administrative expenses, arrange the chart of accounts so that annual filings such as the 990 and 1042-S are easy for the organization's CPA to complete, and work with that CPA through the yearly audit. The firm says this suits both experienced executive directors and start-up organizations looking for advice.

Payroll

Business Buddy argues that few firms offer payroll and bookkeeping together. Its payroll service includes direct deposit, state and federal tax reporting, and quarterly and year-end filings. It says it enrolls each client directly with the tax agencies, so that tax payments move straight from the client's bank to the agency when due, and the client keeps access to the money for longer than with providers that hold funds. Pricing is flat rate, according to the firm.

Fiscal agent services

A fiscal agent accepts and oversees grant funds on behalf of a non-profit or government agency. Without one, the lead applicant would receive the money directly, which can lead the Internal Revenue Service to treat the grant as the applicant's personal income. The firm describes its role as protecting the agency's accounts and controlling outlays, including coordinating hiring practices, paying travel expenses and reconciling budget reports, and preparing documents the funder asks for to show the grant is used as required.

Notary public

The firm's notaries hold their commission from the North Dakota Secretary of State. They act as impartial witnesses on important documents such as property deeds, wills and powers of attorney, checking the identity of each signer, that they are signing willingly and that they understand what the document says.

Resources

The firm also publishes links to federal and state government resources and new-hire forms for employers, and lists its civic and community affiliations.