Map the finance roles before comparing bundles
Acuity publishes bookkeeping, controller, tax, and CFO services. indinero describes accounting, tax, and CFO support through a finance-as-a-service relationship. Use those public descriptions to identify candidates, then compare the actual ownership map in each proposal.
Name the person responsible for preparation, review, professional tax work, and management advice. The same company can supply several roles, but the engagement should still distinguish them. This is especially useful when your internal finance lead will retain part of the work.
Service models at a glance
| Provider | Published service model | Scope to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Acuity | Modular outsourced finance services | Bookkeeping, controller, tax, and CFO services |
| indinero | Finance-as-a-service relationship | Accounting, tax, and CFO support |
References: Acuity: published services; indinero: published services
Ask how an accounting policy is approved
Use a transaction such as an annual customer prepayment or a material supplier deposit. Ask which records are required, who decides the treatment, and how the policy is documented. Software settings should follow the approved conclusion rather than substitute for it.
Request support for the resulting balance at month-end. Ask how the team handles a changed contract, a refund, or an unusual correction. Confirm that the reviewer is included in the proposed service rather than available only under a separate project.
Follow the year-end adjustment process
Request a clear tax handoff covering the approved trial balance, asset records, payroll, ownership activity, and unresolved items. Identify who reviews the return and approves adjustments. Confirm which changes are posted back to the permanent ledger.
The next year's opening balance should not depend on which file someone happens to download. Agree version control and communication between the tax and accounting teams. If another adviser is involved, define the interface explicitly.
Compare cost and implementation
State your systems and whether a migration is acceptable. Ask about access, exports, integration setup, and separate software charges. Compare cleanup, recurring services, specialist projects, and internal preparation effort over a full year.
Before choosing, review a sample close and the response process for accounting questions. Retain policies, schedules, assumptions, and unresolved matters. Select the arrangement that provides the level of review and coordination your company's transactions require.
Sources
Requirements and product details can change. Check the linked guidance for the facts that apply to your situation.
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General information, not personalized accounting, tax, legal, or investment advice. Have the appropriate qualified professional review decisions that depend on your circumstances.