How we work
A clear process from messy books to useful answers.
We start by understanding what is not working. Then we set the scope, collect access securely, clean up the numbers, and build a monthly rhythm you can rely on. The goal is simple: you should always know what is happening, what we need from you, what the numbers mean, and what comes next.
The short version
Four things should never feel mysterious.
What is happening
You get a clear timeline, named owners, and a visible list of open items. No wondering whether the month is moving.
What we need
Requests are specific, assigned, and sent through secure systems. You know what is blocking the work and why.
What we found
Reports lead with the answer. We flag what changed, what needs attention, and where the books still need cleanup.
What comes next
Every useful report ends with the next question, decision, or action—not a pile of numbers left for you to decode.
The order of the work
Clean books first. Advice second.
A forecast built on unreliable books is still unreliable. We start with the ledger, reconciliations, and monthly close. Once the numbers can be trusted, tax planning, cash forecasting, and CFO help become more useful.
- Clean up what is behind.
- Close the month on a repeatable schedule.
- Explain what changed and why it matters.
- Add planning only when the foundation supports it.
Six stages
A steady path from first call to monthly clarity.
The details vary by business. The sequence does not. Each stage has a purpose, a clear handoff, and an answer the next stage needs.
01 · Review
Books & Cash Review
We listen for the real problem: late books, unclear cash, tax surprises, reporting pressure, or a decision the numbers are holding up.
02 · Scope
A plain-English plan
The proposal says what we will fix, what you will receive, what is out of scope, and what the first 90 days should accomplish.
03 · Onboard
Secure access
We set up the portal, collect system access securely, connect the operating tools, and agree on the close calendar and communication rules.
04 · Clean up
Make the numbers trustworthy
We reconcile accounts, correct what needs attention, document open items, and build the first useful management-prepared reports.
05 · Close
Create the monthly rhythm
Recurring work follows a checklist. One person prepares it, another person checks it, and the report explains what changed.
06 · Decide
Use the numbers
When tax planning or CFO support is in scope, clean books become the base for cash forecasts, hiring scenarios, and bigger decisions.
Clear responsibility
What we own—and what we coordinate.
We own the recurring work in our lane.
- Bookkeeping, reconciliations, and monthly close.
- Management-prepared reports and plain-English summaries.
- Cash forecasts, scenarios, and decision support where scoped.
- Tax-planning support and draft preparation where scoped.
- Secure access, documented review, and a named engagement lead.
Licensed and specialist work stays with the right provider.
- Audits, reviews, compilations, and CPA opinions.
- IRS representation and formal legal or tax opinions.
- Return signing or regulated work that requires a CPA or Enrolled Agent.
- Legal, investment, valuation, broker-dealer, or fiduciary services.
- Other specialist work outside the engagement scope.
In plain English: Slate and Summit is not a CPA firm. We do not perform audits, issue CPA opinions, or represent clients before the IRS. We handle the recurring books, reporting, tax-planning support, and CFO work in our scope, then coordinate with licensed or specialist providers when their role is required.
The monthly experience
A report should lead to a useful conversation.
You do not need more financial archaeology. You need a steady view of what changed, what it means, and which decision needs attention next.
- A current view of cash, profit, and major expense changes.
- Open questions and missing items stated plainly.
- Tax watch items when tax planning is in scope.
- Segment-specific numbers that match how your business operates.
- A “what this means” summary and the next decision to discuss.
Frequently asked
Direct answers about the process.
What happens on the first call?
We ask about your current books, tax process, cash visibility, software, team, and the problem that made you reach out now. The goal is to identify the real issue and whether we are the right fit.
Do you start CFO work right away?
Only when the books support it. If the numbers are behind or unreliable, the first job is cleanup and a dependable monthly close. Forecasts and decision models become useful after that foundation is in place.
How do you collect files and system access?
Through secure systems. We do not ask you to email passwords, tax documents, bank details, or other sensitive information. Access is controlled by role, and we show you how to send records safely.
Who reviews the work?
One person prepares recurring work and another person checks it before delivery. Open questions are documented, assigned, and carried into the client conversation.
What should the first 90 days accomplish?
Secure access should be in place, cleanup priorities should be clear, the close rhythm should be established, and you should have the first useful management-prepared reports. Tax planning or cash forecasting may also begin when included in scope.
Next step
Start with the question your numbers are holding up.
Tell us what is late, unclear, or getting harder to decide. We will explain where we can help, what should happen first, and when another provider is the better fit.
Slate and Summit is not a CPA firm and does not perform audits, reviews, compilations, or IRS representation.