Onboarding Frequently Asked Questions

Onboarding Frequently Asked Questions

Setup & Discovery

  • A: To build a solid foundation, I’ll need your foundational legal and tax documents, including your EIN, business structure (LLC, S-Corp, etc.), and a copy of your most recent tax return. I’ll also request a "Current State" look at your books, such as your existing Chart of Accounts or any spreadsheets you’ve been using.

  • A: I prioritize security by requesting read-only access to your bank and credit card accounts. This allows me to view statements and transaction data without ever having the ability to move funds. For your accounting software (QuickBooks Online), you will invite us me an "Accounting Firm" user.


  • A: Absolutely. Part of Phase 1 "Discovery" includes a catch-up or cleanup phase if your records are behind. I’ll perform a diagnostic review to identify and fix errors, ensuring your ongoing monthly bookkeeping starts with a "clean slate."

Execution & Standardization

  • A: I believe in consistent, clear communication. You’ll receive a monthly financial packet after I finish reconciling your accounts. I am also available for "quick questions" via our preferred communication channels, ensuring you never feel "left in the dark" about your numbers.

  • A: At a minimum, you will receive a Profit & Loss Statement (Income Statement) and a Balance Sheet. However, at Lucent Gem, I provide more than just the numbers—we include a summary of Actionable Insights, highlighting trends like changes in your cost of goods sold or your current cash reserves.


  • A: Yes, but I can make it easy! I’ll help you set up digital tools (like Hubdoc or QBO's receipt capture) so you can simply snap a photo and toss the paper. Digital records are essential for tax compliance and audit protection.

Ongoing Review & Advisory

  • A: Yes. During Phase 3 "Annual Close-out," i  deliver a final, accurate set of books directly to your tax professional. This ensures they have everything they need to file your return quickly, often saving you money on CPA fees because the data is already or

  • A: As your business grows, your needs change. I offer Quarterly Deep Dives to review performance against your budget and discuss "System Optimizations"—like adding new software or switching to a more robust payroll system—to keep your business running smoothly.


  • A: Yes! As part of our annual services, I prepare the necessary documents (like 1099-NEC forms) for your contractors and vendors to ensure you remain compliant with IRS filing requirements.