Heather, the owner of the successful accounting firm Optimum Accounting, knows how crucial effective client management is. But she’s not just any accountant. Heather is a champion for small businesses, deeply aware of their need to master cash flow management. She understands this is often the key to whether a new business thrives or folds. With this in mind, she’s always looking for the best tools to help her clients succeed.
That is why she’s added FINSYNC, an all-in-one accounting platform, to her toolbox. It is just another way she’s committed to helping businesses flourish.
As we dive deeper into her interview, we will explore Heather’s journey, her decision-making process, and the transformative role that FINSYNC plays in successfully managing her accounting firm.
What do you enjoy the most about being an Accountant?
I like taking care of people; it is in my nature. Saving these businesses from themselves is an expertise I value. I also enjoy complicated numbers and troubleshooting big problems.
What is the biggest challenge you face with your business?
My biggest challenge is industry-wide when owners don’t listen to their bookkeepers and accountants, do what they want, and expect us to clean it all up. Or the client who hasn’t filed taxes in five years can also be a challenge. But we work through them, and it is never as bad as what people fear.
What is the biggest challenge your business customers/clients face today?
Most clients are feeling the pinch of inflation, especially my clients who are in the food industry. The prices for food supplies are just ridiculous right now, and they are really feeling it. High prices are affecting everyone, though. Cash flow is a big problem with many of my clients, and everyone is getting creative.
How did you hear about FINSYNC?
I became a WaFd Bank customer back when they provided PPP loans. I had established a relationship with Robin and sent 30 of my clients to WaFd. When I was introduced to FINSYNC, I was at my wit’s end with Quickbooks. Now, I just referred my third client to the FINSYNC platform.
How many business customers/clients do you have that are using the FINSYNC platform?
Three and two of them run payroll. I plan to migrate at least 12-15 clients to FINSYNC by the end of the year.
I appreciate that FINSYNC helps listen to what the end users see. Sometimes, coders have grand ideas that don’t materialize well in practice.
What feature of FINSYNC do you find most helpful for your client’s businesses?
One of my clients is an electrician, and once he got set up, the job costing tasks made sense. I appreciate that if we have to run the Payroll job costing, we can, but if we need to run it on the fly and just put in 80 hours, we can do that too. I appreciate that FINSYNC handles all of the taxes and reporting automatically.
I also appreciate your local customer service. I don’t like it when a support agent sounds like they are reading from a script. That doesn’t happen at FINSYNC. These are the major plus points for myself and my clients.
In your experience, what types of businesses or industries are best suited for FINSYNC?
I can see all of the industries using FINSYNC effectively so far.
In what ways do your business customers benefit from using FINSYNC?
The support has been great, and I have always been able to reach out to them for any issues that might arise. As I bring more people over, I will utilize this much more, I am sure.
The job costing feature is used and appreciated by owners from all industries.
Also, while I was in the setup process for payroll, it was so nice to be able to send your support team an email and tell them exactly where I was hung up. They are always right there to give me what I need.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a small business starting out today?
If you don’t know how to set up your books, invest in a bookkeeper. It is well worth the money spent to get your books set up correctly from the get-go. You will save yourself a ton of money and lots of headaches. You won’t shed so many tears. In fact, just call me. I’ll get you on the right path, teach you what you need to know, and save you from yourself.
FINSYNC Accounting Partner Program
We understand accounting professionals’ critical role in a business’s success. This is why we have designed the FINSYNC Accounting Partner Program. Where a dedicated Account Manager will help you achieve your firm’s goals. FINSYNC’s platform consolidates all financial operations into an all-in-one system, ensuring smooth financial management while connecting businesses with the right financial experts.