You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers.
From onboarding to reporting, here’s what agencies and small businesses need to know about working with Frontier Accounting.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Frontier Accounting
What types of organizations do you specialize in?
We primarily work with early childhood education (ECE) agencies in California that hold CCTR and CSPP contracts. We also support service-based small businesses that need bookkeeping, accounts payable/receivable management, and fractional controller services.
Do you only work in California?
Our specialty is California agencies because of our deep expertise with state contracts, fiscal reporting, and compliance. However, we also serve service-based businesses across the US that need reliable bookkeeping and controller support.
Do you only work with non-profits?
No. We support both non-profit and for-profit organizations. Many of our clients are non-profits, but we also work with LLCs, S-Corps, and other service businesses.
Services & scope
What services do you provide?
Our services fall into five main categories: onboarding and systems setup, bookkeeping, accounts payable and bill pay, financial reporting and compliance, and controller and advisory.
Do you file income taxes?
We do not advertise income tax preparation as a service. In select cases we may provide tax services by referral. Our primary focus is bookkeeping, compliance reporting, and controller-level support.
Do you submit state fiscal reports on our behalf?
We prepare and enter the data into your state reporting portal. For compliance reasons, your agency makes the final submission.
Can you handle both accounts payable and accounts receivable?
We manage bill intake, categorization, and bill pay through a bill pay platform like Ramp. While we don’t provide sales invoicing services, we do record, reconcile, and report on receivables such as tuition or program income.
Do you offer payroll services?
We don’t run process payroll directly. Instead, we integrate your payroll system with your accounting software and ensure transactions are properly allocated and reconciled.
Process & onboarding
What does the onboarding process include?
We review and clean up your existing books, configure your accounting system and chart of accounts, and connect supporting platforms like payroll, tuition management, and bill pay tools. The goal is a clean, connected system that flows smoothly from day one.
How long does onboarding take?
Most clients complete onboarding in 2–4 weeks, depending on the size of the organization and access to records.
How much effort will onboarding require from our team?
We handle the heavy lifting. You’ll provide access to your systems, bank accounts, and vendor portals, but our goal is to minimize the burden on your staff.
Pricing & value
How do you structure your pricing?
We create tailored packages after a discovery call. Each proposal includes three levels of service that combine a advisory focused and full service + advisory approach, so you can choose what fits your needs and budget.
Is a fractional controller more cost-effective than hiring staff?
Yes. Hiring a full-time accountant, controller, or CFO can cost far more once salary, benefits, and turnover are considered. Frontier Accounting provides controller-level expertise for a fraction of the cost.
Do you require a long-term contract?
No. We work on a month-to-month basis. Our goal is to provide so much value that you’ll want to stay long term.
How much on average does it save me to hire you instead of hiring in-house?
Most agencies and small businesses save tens of thousands of dollars per year. A full-time controller or senior accountant can cost $80,000–$150,000 plus benefits and overhead. Frontier Accounting provides controller-level expertise and bookkeeping support for a fraction of that cost, with the flexibility to scale services up or down as needed.
Reporting & compliance
What reports will I receive?
Each month, you’ll get a tailored financial reporting package, which will include financial statements, as well as key performance indicators and metrics displayed in easy to digest graphics and visuals. As much as we love financial statements, we know that they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. We aim to deliver financial reports that provide understandable insights into your business.
Can you prepare us for an audit?
Yes. We coordinate directly with your auditors, provide documentation, and ensure your books are audit-ready.
What happens if my books are behind or messy?
That’s common. We clean up your books during onboarding to ensure everything is accurate before ongoing services begin.
Do you help with budgeting?
Yes. We assist with annual budget creation, forecasting, and ongoing adjustments.
Working with your team
What if I already have an internal bookkeeper?
We can complement your existing staff by providing controller-level oversight, reconciliations, and reporting. Many agencies keep their bookkeeper and add Frontier Accounting for compliance and higher-level support.
Do you replace my CPA firm?
Not necessarily. We often work alongside your current CPA firm who prepares your tax returns or performs your audit. We work with that firm directly to ensure that they receive accurate and timely information. Our clients often see a reduction in tax preparation or audit fees because the other CPAs don’t have to do as much bookkeeping during the tax and audit process.
What if my agency is small? Will I still benefit?
Yes. Even smaller ECE agencies face the same compliance requirements. With Frontier Accounting, you get the expertise of a controller without the overhead of a full-time hire.
What if I’m not in the early childhood education industry?
We also serve service-based small businesses. While our niche is ECE, our bookkeeping, reporting, and advisory services apply across industries.
Tools & integrations
What accounting software do you support?
We work with clients who use Quickbooks Online as their accounting platform. If you’re not currently on Quickbooks Online but are open switching over, we are usually happy to handle migration for you.
Can you integrate multiple systems together?
Yes. A key part of our onboarding process is making sure your accounting, payroll, tuition management, and bill pay platforms are connected so data flows smoothly.
Results & Outcomes
How does Frontier prevent year-end surprises?
We track net reimbursable expenses and contract earnings monthly, provide projections, and help you adjust throughout the year. That way, you don’t receive a surprise bill from CDSS/CDE at the end of the year asking for contract funds to be returned.
What are the risks of not having proper accounting support?
Agencies often face withheld funding, unexpected repayment of contract funds, missed reimbursements, and messy audits. Small businesses may lose cash flow visibility, miss financing opportunities, or make poor financial decisions.
What does success look like with Frontier?
Clean, reconciled books each month, audit-ready reports, clear cash flow projections, and leadership that can make decisions with confidence instead of guesswork.
Ready for month-to-month clarity and no year-end surprises?
P.S. Not an early childhood education agency? We also support small businesses!
Specialized accounting for California early childhood education agencies and service-based businesses. We keep your books clean, your reporting clear, and your cash flow protected.
