Frequently Asked Questions

Our team understands that each grant has unique tracking requirements and restrictions. We’ll work with you to ensure costs are allocated correctly to the appropriate program and funding source.

We will guide you through the entire grant cycle, including generating budgets for grant proposals and ensuring timely, accurate filings. Of course, everything we do is in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

We are deeply familiar with the audit process for non-profit organizations. In fact, several of our team members were auditors earlier in their careers. We understand what auditors are looking for. That’s why, throughout the year, we’re organizing your accounts, so we’re prepared for your annual audit and any state or federal compliance audits. We strive to make the audit as pain free as possible by taking the lead with your audit firm. That way, you have more time to focus on your agency’s mission.

We can deliver budgets at multiple levels — at the agency level, the program level and the grant level. We can provide a multitude of monthly reports comparing budget to actuals to ensure that program managers always have the information they need to understand how their respective programs are performing.

Managing restricted funds comes down to creating and implementing systems that ensure all restrictions are documented and addressed at every stage. We’ll help you manage net assets with donor restrictions, so they comply with all grant stipulations, and we’ll oversee GAAP reporting for your organization’s audits.

With ARI, you will not only work with a staff or senior accountant, you will work with an experienced CFO who is well versed in the unique aspects of your non-profit organization. At your request, a member of your ARI team will attend meetings with your finance committee and/or board of directors and will address any questions or concerns that arise.

We have non-profit clients that retain an in-house bookkeeping resource and clients that rely on us for everything, including bookkeeping support. We will work with you to determine the solution that best fits your needs.

With ARI, you get a team of accountants — with years of collective experience, so you reduce risks related to turnover and eliminate a potential single point of failure.

Yes, we offer that as part of our monthly services. This includes drawdowns from federal agencies and invoicing and reporting state granting agencies.

Our fees are based on the complexity of your business, your transactional volume and our ability to automate and streamline systems and procedures. Most clients find that engaging us results in cost savings.

We operate on a flat monthly fee. This enables you to accurately forecast and budget your cash flow. For special services or one-time projects, we bill at an hourly rate and always provide an estimate before starting.

Our average full-service fee ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 per month but can vary based on many factors. Read this blog to see what factors influence cost.

No. We charge a flat monthly fee. This enables you to accurately forecast and budget your cash flow.

And, if you ever want to terminate our engagement, all we require is 30-days’ written notice. And the same goes for us. If, for some reason, we determine ARI is not a good fit for your organization, we will provide you with at least 30 days’ written notice.

Our typical lead time is 30 to 60 days from the time we have a signed engagement letter from you. This allows us time to compile our team and develop a transition plan. For further details on our transition process, read this article.

We commit to responding to emails or phone calls within 24 hours, but you will find that we typically respond much faster. We need to understand everything that is going on with your business and, to do so, requires constant communication.

We transfer data in a variety of ways. We strive to find the most efficient, most secure method that works for both your organization and ARI. This may include using ShareFile, or having direct access to your bank statements, credit card statements and/or payroll service. Check out this article to find out how we provide multi-layered data security.

We typically do not go onsite to perform accounting work. Of course, we’re always available to meet with you upon your request or to attend Board meetings or management team meetings. However, by working in a central location, we eliminate travel time and have access to state-of-the-art technology and accounting systems.

We will assemble a team that is assigned to your engagement. The size of the team will be determined by the size, volume, and complexity of your organization. This group effectively becomes your accounting department and will strive to understand every aspect of your business, including your organization’s goals.

Although results can vary, many of our clients have saved 25% to 40% by outsourcing their accounting function to us.

Here are some examples of how we save you money:

• We assemble a team of individuals with redundant knowledge so there is never a single point of failure with respect to staffing.
• You avoid all of the associated direct and indirect costs associated with having an employee, including payroll taxes, health insurance, worker’s comp insurance, benefits, paid time off, training expense, management time, office space and IT requirements. And, you don’t have to spend time recruiting and hiring when you have employee turnover.
• The fees you pay to a CPA firm to review your financial statements and conduct audits are often less because your books and accounting records are clean and delivered on time.
• By implementing technology and creating efficiencies, your team has more time to focus on your business
• You have accurate, reliable and timely financial reports at your fingertips, allowing you to make more informed business decisions that can influence your bottom line.

Discover other benefits of outsourcing your accounting function.

The vast majority of our clients use QuickBooks online. We do have clients on other platforms including Sage, Black-Baud, Financial Edge, MRI, and Timberline. We also use a variety of property management software systems such as Yardi.

We are based in Glastonbury, Connecticut and the majority of our clients are in the New England region. However, because of our reputation and the outstanding client service we provide, we have extended our reach beyond New England. With the help of technology, we see no limitations in where our clients can be located.

Yes, if you are trying to determine if outsourcing your accounting is the right choice for you, there is never a cost for a consultation with us. We go through a detailed eight-step process to understand your organization, your current situation, and your accounting needs. This allows us to recommend the best strategy to move forward. Read this article to discover more about our process.

If you are looking for a short-term solution to manage your accounting function or you have a special project you need to complete, ARI is likely not the right firm for you. At ARI, we look for longer-term engagements in which we can truly provide value by serving as your experienced accounting professional

Yes, according to our engagement agreement, we can attend your monthly, quarterly or annual finance or Board of Directors’ meetings, either in person or virtually, based on your needs. For many clients, we also present annual budgets to their management team and answer questions that arise.

No matter what size your company, you need HR expertise to effectively manage in today’s rapidly changing environment.

When you’re navigating various responsibilities like employee training, termination, hiring, and employee relations, you may not need a full-time person; rather, a qualified, outsourced HR consultant can make CHRO- (chief human resources officer) level expertise affordable for your business.

Many small- to mid-sized organizations typically have someone who is “handling” HR duties in addition to many other responsibilities. In some cases, this responsibility falls to the company owner or executive.

ARI can be a cost-effective resource to ensure your organization complies with state and federal laws and regulations, maintains ongoing communication with employees and implements best practices around HR processes and procedures.

Outsourcing the HR function also provides consistency, which can reduce liability, improve company culture and employee morale, and enrich overall communication within your organization.

ARI will assume your organization’s administrative HR burden, thereby enabling owners and managers to focus on their core responsibilities.

We will do a full review of your handbook, employee files, benefits, policies and procedures, and  onboarding/offboarding processes, as well as an evaluation of your recruiting process,  compensation structure, and performance management process as needed. We first ensure your compliance and then suggest best practices.

And, we stay up to date on constantly changing laws to ensure your organization remains in compliance. Having a seasoned HR professional on your side is a great way to reduce legal risk.

Here is a list of important things you need to know to ensure your organization is HR compliant.

We are accessible to our clients via phone, email, virtual meetings, or onsite visits whenever needed. We understand that situations arise in the workplace that require immediate attention and we are ready to jump in. Harnessing today’s technology, it is easy to be present even if we are not physically in your facility.

Recruiting top talent with the correct skill set and who fits your organization’s culture can be challenging and time consuming. In small-to mid-sized organizations, much of the recruiting process falls on the manager’s shoulders preventing them from doing the work they were hired to do. ARI will assist in evaluating your recruitment process every step of the way, from when your position is approved until your new hire begins employment, recommending any improvement throughout the process.

Whether you are a business owner, Executive Director, CEO, or manager, your time is not best utilized by posting job openings, reviewing resumes, scheduling phone screens/interviews, preparing interview questions, checking references, and conducting background checks. ARI will handle all of the details related to recruitment process, leaving managers free to interview only the most qualified candidates. Check out Five Best Practices to Acquire Top Talent in 2024.

Our team will help onboarding of new employees to ensure their first days, weeks and months are a positive experience, minimizing turnover expenses and positioning them to succeed in your organization. Read our blog to find best practices for onboarding and offboarding employees.

No. We charge a flat monthly fee. This enables you to accurately forecast and budget for our services.

And, if you ever want to terminate our engagement, we only require 30-days’ written notice. And the same goes for us. If, for some reason, we determine ARI is not a good fit for your organization, we will provide you with at least 30-days’ written notice.

If you are looking for a short-term solution to manage your human resources function or you have a special projecy you need to complete, ARI is likely not the right firm for you. At ARI, we look for longer-term engagements in which we can only truly provide value by serving as your outsourced HR partner.

Our typical lead time is 30 to 60 days from the tie we have a signed engagement letter. This allows us time to coordinate our team and develop a transition plan. For further details on our transition process, read this article.

We commit to responding to emais or phone calls within 24 hours, but you will find that we typically respond much faster. Since multiple HR team members work on your account, we eliminate the “single point of failure” to ensure your urgent matters are promptly addressed.

Determining the cost of outsourcing your HR function depends on several factors. ARI operates on fixed monthly fee for all ongoing HR engagements. This fee is based on each client’s specific HR needs, the level of support they expect, the number of ARI team members working on the account, and the size of the organizations. Many of our clients find they can outsource their HR function to us and realize a cost savings.

Our full-service fee ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 per month but can vary based on manay factors.

Read this blog to see what factors influence cost.

On average. we have found that, if your organization has more than 200 employees, an outsourcing model may not be ideal because the amount of work that is required on our end and the resulting cost. For larger organizations, having a dedicated in-house HR professional may be the most cost-effective way to ensure all of your HR needs are addressed in a timely manner.

If you are simply looking for someone to complete one or two stand-alone HR projects, for example, drafting your employee handbook or conducting a one-time compliance audit, we are probably not the right firm for you.

At ARI, we thoroughly invest the time to understand your organization and cultivate a collaborative business partnership. Our value increases exponentially the longer we work with you. That’s why we prioritize clients who are seeking an HR partner for the long-term.

Because we serve multiple clients at any given time, we do not have the capacity to assign a dedicated resource to work onsite at each of our clients’ locations on a full-time basis. And, frankly, the cost to our clients would be exorbitant if we were to do so! With many clients, we agree upfront on a schedule to be onsite based on their needs. And, of course, we will go onsite to address any issues that arise unexpectedly, such as to conduct an investigation or address an employee relations issue.

You might be surprised to learn that our bookkeeping services are very reasonable, and the cost remains the same from month to month, so it’s easy for you to budget.

Over the years, we have helped thousands of small business owners share their financial information with us. ARI has processes in place that make getting started simple and hassle-free.

Find out more information, here.

Definitely. In fact, with ARI, you will have more control. Your accounting software can be hosted on our secure server, so you can access your accounts anytime. And, each month, you’ll receive an easy-to-follow summary that helps you understand the state of your business financials.

What’s more, you will have one point of contact – a financial professional who will help you interpret the health of your business each month. He or she is always just a phone call away – ready to answer your questions or discuss your concerns.

No. We charge a flat monthly fee. This enables you to accurately forecast and budget your cash flow.

And, if you ever want to terminate our engagement, all we require is 30-days’ written notice. And the same goes for us. If, for some reason, we determine ARI is not a good fit for your organization, we will provide you with at least 30 days’ written notice.

Dealing with governmental agencies is stressful for all small business owners. Tax laws are not something most people are well versed in — and they change frequently. Leave the responsibility of filing these forms to us. Then, you can rest easy knowing your taxes are filed on time and, more importantly, that they are filed accurately.

This is one area where our clients quickly realize the benefits of having an experienced accounting professional on their side. If this happens to you, simply forward the notice to your team lead and he or she will determine how best to handle it.

Our fees are based on the complexity of your business, your transactional volume and our ability to automate and streamline systems and procedures. Most clients find that engaging us results in cost savings.

We operate on a flat monthly fee. This enables you to accurately forecast and budget your cash flow. For special services or one-time projects, we bill at an hourly rate and always provide an estimate before starting.

Our average full-service fee ranges from $600 to $1,000 per month but can vary based on many factors. Read this blog to see what factors influence cost.

Our typical lead time is 30 to 60 days from the time we have a signed engagement letter from you. This allows us time to compile our team and develop a transition plan. For further details on our transition process, read this article.

We commit to responding to emails or phone calls within 24 hours, but you will find that we typically respond much faster. We need to understand everything that is going on with your business and, to do so, requires constant communication.

We transfer data in a variety of ways. We strive to find the most efficient, most secure method that works for both your organization and ARI. This may include using ShareFile, or having direct access to your bank statements, credit card statements and/or payroll service. Check out this article to find out how we provide multi-layered data security.

We typically do not go onsite to perform accounting work. Of course, we’re always available to meet with you upon your request or to attend Board meetings or management team meetings. However, by working in a central location, we eliminate travel time and have access to state-of-the-art technology and accounting systems.

We will assemble a team that is assigned to your engagement. The size of the team will be determined by the size, volume, and complexity of your organization. This group effectively becomes your accounting department and will strive to understand every aspect of your business, including your organization’s goals.

Although results can vary, many of our clients have saved 25% to 40% by outsourcing their accounting function to us.

Here are some examples of how we save you money:

• We assemble a team of individuals with redundant knowledge so there is never a single point of failure with respect to staffing.
• You avoid all of the associated direct and indirect costs associated with having an employee, including payroll taxes, health insurance, worker’s comp insurance, benefits, paid time off, training expense, management time, office space and IT requirements. And, you don’t have to spend time recruiting and hiring when you have employee turnover.
• The fees you pay to a CPA firm to review your financial statements and conduct audits are often less because your books and accounting records are clean and delivered on time.
• By implementing technology and creating efficiencies, your team has more time to focus on your business.
• You have accurate, reliable and timely financial reports at your fingertips, allowing you to make more informed business decisions that can influence your bottom line.

Discover other benefits of outsourcing your accounting function.

We strive to provide a comprehensive monthly reporting package to you in accordance with the agreed-upon dates of our engagement. As part of the transition process, we will determine what day of the month you need your monthly package. In most cases, these are delivered between the 15th and the 22nd of each month.

The vast majority of our clients use QuickBooks online. We do have clients on other platforms including Sage, Black-Baud, Financial Edge, MRI, and Timberline. We also use a variety of property management software systems such as Yardi.

We are based in Glastonbury, Connecticut and the majority of our clients are in the New England region. However, because of our reputation and the outstanding client service we provide, we have extended our reach beyond New England. With the help of technology, we see no limitations in where our clients can be located.

Yes, if you are trying to determine if outsourcing your accounting is the right choice for you, there is never a cost for a consultation with us. We go through a detailed eight-step process to understand your organization, your current situation, and your accounting needs. This allows us to recommend the best strategy to move forward. Read this article to discover more about our process.

If you are looking for a short-term solution to manage your accounting function or you have a special project you need to complete, ARI is likely not the right firm for you. At ARI, we look for longer-term engagements in which we can truly provide value by serving as your experienced accounting professional.

No, we do not perform audit services or prepare annual tax returns. Although many of us have worked in auditing firms, we choose to specialize in outsourced accounting and HR services. However, we work with trusted partners to whom we refer our clients for these types of services.

Included in our monthly service fee are the preparation of property tax declarations and sales tax returns. We will also work with you to develop a comprehensive budget, as necessary.

You can find a detailed list of all of our services here.