Small Business Financial Resources
Helpful guides, tools, and insights from your partners at Des Moines Bookkeeping & Payroll
Tools & Checklists
Practical resources designed for Iowa businesses
DIY vs. Outsourcing Calculator
Estimate the potential time and cost savings of outsourcing your bookkeeping and payroll tasks versus handling them in-house. Make an informed decision about what's best for your business.
Use the Calculator →Iowa Business Compliance Checklist
Stay organized with a comprehensive checklist of common recurring state and federal filing requirements for Iowa businesses. Never miss an important deadline again.
View the Checklist →Employee vs. Contractor Quiz
Answer a few questions based on IRS guidelines to help determine if a worker might be classified as an employee or an independent contractor.
Take the Quiz →Iowa Business Entity Guide
A comprehensive guide to the different business structures available in Iowa, with detailed tax implications and formation requirements for each entity type.
Read the Guide →Bookkeeping Basics for New Businesses
Learn the essentials of setting up and maintaining accurate bookkeeping systems for your business from day one. Establish a solid financial foundation for your new venture.
Read the Guide →Tax Deadline Calendar
Keep track of important federal and Iowa tax deadlines throughout the year. An essential tool for staying compliant and avoiding penalties. (Coming Soon)
Coming SoonCash Flow Projection Tool
Plan your business's future financial health with our interactive cash flow projection tool. Anticipate potential cash gaps and make strategic decisions. (Coming Soon)
Coming SoonSmall Business Financial Guides
Practical advice for managing your business's finances effectively
Bookkeeping Basics for New Businesses
Learn the essentials of setting up and maintaining accurate bookkeeping systems for your business from day one. Establish a solid financial foundation for your new venture.
Read the Guide →Small Business Payroll Explained
A complete overview of setting up, running, and managing payroll compliantly for your growing team. Understand tax responsibilities and reporting requirements.
Read the Guide →Managing Cash Flow Effectively
Discover practical strategies and best practices for maintaining healthy cash flow for operational stability and growth. Learn to anticipate and address common cash flow challenges.
Read the Guide →Understanding Financial Statements
Learn how to read and interpret key financial reports like the Balance Sheet and Income Statement to gauge business health and make informed strategic decisions.
Read the Guide →Choosing the Right Financial Software
A comprehensive comparison of popular accounting and payroll platforms suitable for various small business needs and budgets. Find the right tools for your specific situation.
Read the Guide →Iowa Business Entity Guide
An overview of common business entity types (LLC, S-Corp, etc.) and their financial implications for Iowa businesses. Make informed decisions about your company's structure.
Read the Guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about our bookkeeping and payroll services
We primarily serve small to medium-sized businesses based in Iowa across various industries, including service providers, retail shops, e-commerce businesses, trades, local restaurants, professional services, and more. Our flexible approach allows us to tailor our services whether you're just starting out or have been established for years.
Our clients typically have annual revenues between $100,000 and $5 million, though we work with businesses of all sizes. We're especially experienced with service-based businesses, contractors, professional services, retailers, and nonprofit organizations.
We are proficient in major cloud accounting platforms like QuickBooks Online and Xero. We can work with your existing software or help you choose and set up the best platform for your specific business needs.
For payroll services, we typically work with Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll, and ADP. We also have experience with various industry-specific tools and can recommend the right technology stack based on your business type, size, and operational complexity.
Our pricing is based on the specific services you need, the volume of transactions, payroll complexity, and the overall scope of work. We offer fixed monthly packages starting at $299, as well as custom quotes for businesses with unique requirements.
We believe in transparent pricing with no surprises. During our initial consultation, we'll discuss your needs in detail and provide a clear pricing proposal. Please contact us for a free consultation and personalized quote tailored to your business.
We utilize secure, cloud-based tools for communication and document sharing. Typically, this involves access to your accounting software and potentially a secure client portal or shared drive, ensuring your financial data is protected.
All our systems use industry-standard encryption and security protocols. We're committed to maintaining the confidentiality and security of your business information and follow best practices for data protection and privacy compliance.
Absolutely! We frequently help businesses clean up past bookkeeping records to get them accurate and up-to-date. This is often a starting point before transitioning to ongoing monthly services.
Our cleanup process typically involves reconciling accounts, organizing transactions, correcting errors, and ensuring your financial records accurately reflect your business activities. We'll work with you to develop a plan that addresses your specific situation and brings your books into good order.
While we don't directly prepare or file business tax returns, we work closely with CPAs and tax professionals. Our bookkeeping services ensure your financial records are accurate and organized for tax preparation.
We can prepare your books for tax filing, generate all necessary reports, and collaborate with your tax professional. If you don't currently have a tax preparer, we're happy to recommend trusted partners in our network who specialize in various business structures and industries.
Communication frequency depends on your package and preferences. Typically, we provide monthly financial reporting and updates. For our Growth and Pro package clients, we schedule regular review meetings (quarterly or monthly) to discuss your financial position and answer questions.
We're always available via email for questions or concerns, and urgent matters are addressed promptly. Our goal is to provide the right level of communication to keep you informed without overwhelming you with unnecessary details.