CSI Accounting & Payroll

Sixty years of working for small businesses from Minneapolis is how CSI Accounting & Payroll frames its history. The firm serves small and medium-sized companies across the United States and builds its offer around one main product: a monthly accounting service that combines bookkeeping, financial statements, regular advice and the annual tax return under a single point of contact.

Monthly accounting and year-round tax planning

CSI argues that tax work goes better when it is not left to the last minute. Under its monthly service an accountant follows the client's expenses through the year, which helps with documentation at tax time and can reveal deductions the owner did not know about. Because bookkeeping, statements and the return all sit with one provider, the firm says there is less room for miscommunication between vendors and a lower chance of costly mistakes.

Keeping records accurate and current

The firm treats up-to-date books as more than a filing exercise. It points out that falling behind can bring penalties, and in the worst cases the loss of a business. When a new client's records are not current, CSI says it first performs the back work, also called back taxes, so that its system can then keep everything in shape going forward.

Payroll handled by specialists

CSI added payroll in 2009 to go with its accounting and tax services. The firm's line is that payroll is simple until it is not. It says outsourcing it helps remove penalties for late filing, files and pays payroll taxes on the client's behalf, keeps the employer compliant, and can obtain tax credits. It adds that its payroll software gives better reporting and cuts processing time, and that bundling payroll with accounting saves working with several vendors.

Which businesses suit the service

CSI says its services are not right for every business. It looks for small or medium-sized companies that are based and operating in the United States, whose owner lives in the country, and who want to outsource accounting or payroll, stay compliant, and value clear communication, accuracy and timeliness. A quiz on its website helps owners judge whether monthly accounting is the right option, and a pricing tool gives an estimate before the first call. Consulting and compliance guidance complete the range, and the firm contrasts its direct access to knowledgeable staff with larger providers that it says put quantity ahead of quality.