Are you considering outsourced accounting for your nonprofit or social enterprise? ​

If so, here are some of the most frequently asked questions asked of our team at Blue Fox. Most of our clients asked these questions at first so we wrote them down for your reading pleasure. If you prefer to ask us directly (as in speak to a human person), please click the button below and we'll be in touch!

i have questions

Why should I outsource my accounting function?

Accounting work isn’t rocket science, but it does require a certain skill set and personality. We believe that nonprofits and social enterprises who outsource their accounting function can fundamentally shift the way they operate. Click here to download our '10 Reasons to Outsource Your Nonprofit Accounting" infographic. And, here's a summary:

• Virtual accounting services offer you the opportunity to:
  • Keep costs predictable & manageable, even in a growth phase
  • Save on payroll expenses (accounting staff)
  • Stop worrying about the books
  • Streamline internal processes and leverage technology
  • Create useful, meaningful data to inform your organization’s fundraising, direction, and strategy
  • Leverage your leadership and time for the big picture and leave the bean counting to the professional
• The real question is: why NOT outsource your accounting function?

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​Is my company a good fit for Blue Fox?

Ideal Blue Fox clients are typically nonprofits, social enterprises, or for profit companies that have a positive impact on the world. Budgets typically range from $500,000 to $10,000,000. Perhaps most importantly, our clients are open to cloud-based technology and innovative approaches to solving internal back office problems.

​How long does it take to transition from our current staff/bookkeeper to Blue Fox?

Transition time varies from client to client, but we can have you up and running in as little as 3-5 business days. 

Where’s the Blue Fox office? 

Thanks to the magic of the interwebs, our office is everywhere there’s internet. These days, accounting and financial work nicely lends itself to a cloud-based, virtual environment. So, your Blue Fox team works closely together online from our respective locations. (Hello, home office deduction!) The bonus to clients is that because we don’t have a high overhead business, your fees are lower than they would be if you were paying a traditional firm.

What’s a virtual accountant?

A virtual accountant provides bookkeeping, accounting, payroll, and related services using internet-based technology. Innovative accounting firms across the US are embracing the virtual accounting model more and more each year. But for the record, we were here first. ;)

Where are your clients located?

We humbly serve clients across the US (and a few across the pond in Europe). And naturally, we’ve got a ton of clients in our home state of Florida. Here what our clients have to say about our services via recent testimonials. 

How do you maintain client relationships if you never MEET in person?

This is an easy one: we love people. We love our clients. And we are passionate about supporting their impact on the world. So, we work hard to build and maintain relationships that are authentic, not sales-y. We work hard to gain and keep our clients’ trust. We do that through regular and continued contact via video conference, phone calls, emails, and texts. We want to be more than just your most trusted advisor – we want to be your friend.

What tools/platforms do you use to do virtual accounting work?

Each client is unique so the tools/apps/platforms in use vary. Click here to view a our complete tech stack. 

Is my data safe?

Yes! We take data security incredibly seriously. That’s why we only partner with companies that offer bank-level encryption for your data and provide guarantees for such.

How many people will be working on my account?

Usually 1-2 people cover each client account. In the beginning, 1 person will be your primary point of contact during the onboarding and initial setup process. Sometime around the 90 day mark, we’ll introduce you to a 2nd person who’ll eventually be your new go-to Blue Foxer. 

What can I expect during the onboarding process?

Sunshine and rainbows! (That's what our clients say, anyway!) Look, we know how painful a staff or technology transition can be – we can see your anxiety from here. But not to worry, our team handles onboarding with fox-like cleverness, agility, and ease. There are no guarantees in life, but we can guarantee that the onboarding process will be one of the smoothest you’ve ever experienced. We map out the steps for you well in advance, prepare your team as needed, and do whatever we have to do in order to deliver for you on day 1 of our engagement. For an overview of our onboarding process download our New Client Onboarding Guide. 

How do you calculate your fees?

We are committed to transparency, so we want everyone to understand that our monthly fees are generally based on 3 things: transaction volume, analysis and consulting time requested, and client complexity. So, if you rarely need a consultation and you only have a couple of bank accounts in play, your fee will be lower than, say, the client that wants a weekly video call and has multiple accounts and credit cards requiring our attention.

We do NOT nickel and dime clients and charge for our time for every random/ad hoc phone call, email, etc. We feel that kind of policy actually prevents clients from getting in touch and asking for help. We’re not like most firms – laser-focused on the billable hour. We’re in it for the long haul, to be helpful and add real value to your team every day.

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What does your monthly retainer fee include? 

Our fee for our business and nonprofit clients is all-inclusive. Your fee includes:

• Subscription fees for software/apps that we implement on your behalf (We get wholesale pricing on tools like QuickBooks so we like to pass that on to you!)
• Our time for delivering services to you as outlined in our engagement letter/statement of work
• Add-ons as requested – think: custom financial reports or virtual representation at board meetings

Can we cancel our service at any time?

​Absolutely. We kindly ask for 30 days notice, though. And if not, we reserve the right to charge you for the month that you cancel.

Do you offer services to individuals? 

You bet! Here again we can provide everything from executive coaching on financial management topics to individual tax prep to financial planning. 

Why do your clients call you their Virtual CFO?

Simple: because that’s what we are. According to good ol’ Wikipedia, a CFO (Chief Financial Officer) has “primary responsibility for managing the company's finances, including financial planning, record-keeping, and financial reporting.” We just added “Virtual” because, you know, we do it all on the interwebs.

How often can I contact you with questions and how do I contact you?

Contact us at any time, for any reason. No question is too big or too small, especially in the beginning when we’re just starting to work together. During the onboarding process, you’ll be provided with Blue Fox contact information so that you can always reach us!

Can I book your time periodically for one-on-one financial consulting? 

Absolutely! Individuals and executives alike consult with our Chief of Client Happiness, Chantal Sheehan on all kinds of subjects. Whether you want to talk about a revenue model, a cash flow issue, a new hire, or a QuickBooks issue, she’s here for you! Book a consult anytime!

How fast can a Blue Fox run?

No idea. But a red fox can run about 30 miles per hour. Other fun facts about the fox are here, courtesy of our PETA UK friends. (Faux-fox-fur only people!!)