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Olive Tree Growth Partners

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Good questions.
A clearer beginning.

You don’t need every answer before we talk. Here is what to expect as we begin tending your financial garden.

Book your introductory call

OUR THREE-STEP PROCESS

From the first question
to a plan for growth.

  1. 01

    Book your Root System Review

    Choose a time for an introductory call. Answer the preliminary questions in the booking form so we can learn about your business and the challenges you want to solve.

  2. 02

    Meet for a complimentary Right Fit Call

    We discuss your situation, your goals, and what needs attention. You learn how we work. Together, we decide whether our services are a good fit.

  3. 03

    Receive a custom proposal

    Your proposal explains the scope of work and investment. Once you accept and complete the engagement documents, we schedule a kickoff call with you or your team.

Getting started

How do I get started?

Book an introductory call through our Cal.com calendar. The booking questions help us prepare. Our three-step process is simple: book your Root System Review, meet for a complimentary Right Fit Call, and receive a custom proposal if we are a good fit.

What is it like to work with you?

We listen to your priorities first. Then we agree on the work, responsibilities, and investment. We use a secure client portal to collaborate, answer questions, and share financial reports. Your support is shaped around your business.

What types of businesses do you work with?

We work with service-based businesses across the United States, with a particular focus on industries with demanding compliance requirements. We specialize in Bookkeeping for Law Firms as we understand The Bar requirements of IOLTA/Trust accounts. We understand the importance of accurate financial records, strong internal controls, and clear accountability when every detail matters. Whether you run a law firm or another service-based business, we tailor our bookkeeping, CFO advisory, and internal solutions to your operations and financial goals.

How much do your services cost?

Your needs, goals, and scope determine the investment. We discuss your situation and provide a custom proposal so you can see what is included before deciding.

Do I have to use all three services?

No. We can discuss bookkeeping, Smarter Internal Systems, or CFO advisory on their own. We start with the problem you need to solve and identify the support that fits.

Does booking a call commit me to services?

No. The introductory call is a chance to discuss your needs and decide whether we are a good fit. Service work begins under a separate agreement.

Bookkeeping, trust accounts & growth

How do I know when it is time to hire a bookkeeping professional?

If your books keep falling behind, balances do not match your statements, or bookkeeping takes time away from serving clients, it may be time for support. A bookkeeping professional records and organizes transactions, reconciles accounts, and prepares financial reports. At Olive Tree Growth Partners, we review your starting point and recommend cleanup and/or monthly bookkeeping to give your business stronger financial roots.

Can you help clean up my QuickBooks if I am months behind?

Yes. We start by reviewing your QuickBooks file, account statements, and the last period that was reconciled. Then we agree on the cleanup needed, which may include missing or duplicate transactions, incorrect categories, and unreconciled balances. Once the records are current, monthly bookkeeping can help keep them that way. We agree on the scope and investment before work begins.

What is a three-way IOLTA or trust account reconciliation?

It compares three records for the same date: the trust bank statement, adjusted for outstanding checks and deposits in transit; the trust account balance in your bookkeeping records; and the combined balances of all individual client trust ledgers. The totals should agree, and differences need investigation. We help law firms maintain these records and support compliance with their applicable state bar requirements. Attorneys retain responsibility for safeguarding client funds.

Why does my business show a profit when there is little cash in the bank?

Profit and available cash measure different things. Using the accrual method, you can record income before a client pays. Loan principal payments, equipment purchases, and owner distributions can also reduce cash without reducing profit by the same amount. We review your reports, unpaid invoices, payment obligations, and cash forecast to help explain the gap. For law firms, client trust funds are not available operating cash.

How do I know if my business can afford to hire or grow?

Start with a cash flow forecast and the full cost of the decision. A new hire may involve wages, payroll taxes, benefits, training, and software before additional revenue arrives. We help you compare realistic scenarios, assess margins and cash reserves, and plan for slower collections. For law firms, we also examine utilization, realization, and collection rates. CFO advisory turns those numbers into a plan you can monitor as your business grows.

Your books & financial direction

Do I need to clean up my books first?

No. We offer cleanup services alongside ongoing bookkeeping. We can review your starting point, organize your accounts, and discuss the work needed to bring your records up to date.

How will I know what is happening in my business?

You retain access to your books. Monthly financial reports help you understand the activity in your business. You can ask questions through our agreed communication channels. CFO advisory adds deeper analysis and guidance for management decisions.

What is the difference between bookkeeping and CFO advisory?

Bookkeeping maintains your financial foundation through transaction records, reconciliations, and financial reports. CFO advisory looks deeper into cash flow, margins, costs, and goals. We use those insights to help you plan and track your next steps.

Can you help me prepare for tax time?

Yes. We offer year-end and cleanup support to organize your financial information and prepare reports for your tax professional. The scope depends on the condition of your records.

Do you prepare tax returns?

We do not provide federal tax preparation internally. We can work with your tax professional and help provide a clean set of books. We can also connect clients with tax professionals.

Can I keep my tax professional?

Yes. Ongoing bookkeeping and your tax professional’s tax work can support each other. We maintain the financial records and reports your tax professional needs.

Systems, AI & working together

Where do Smarter Internal Systems start?

With a discussion about the work that is slowing you down. We look at responsibilities, internal controls, repeated tasks, and handoffs. Then we identify where a clearer workflow, a standard operating procedure, automation, or an AI solution could help.

Will AI make decisions without my approval?

We define approval points and responsibilities as part of the scope. Financial decisions and sensitive actions need appropriate human oversight. We discuss what the system can do and where your team stays in control.

Do I need to be located in Las Vegas?

No. Olive Tree Growth Partners is a virtual firm based in Las Vegas, Nevada. We serve businesses across all 50 states using cloud bookkeeping and secure collaboration tools.

Where will you do the work?

We work virtually. We agree on the software access and information needed to support you. You do not need to provide office space or arrange onsite visits.

How can I contact you?

Submit our Contact Us form or book an appointment with Shelly.

THE EXPERIENCE OF WORKING WITH US

“Always very nice, easy to work with, and the best at what she does.”

Kevin Salo

PLANT TODAY. PROSPER TOMORROW.

Have a question that is specific to your business?

Bring it to our first conversation. We’ll listen, discuss your options, and see whether we are a good fit.

Book a call with ShellyBring your questions. Start with a conversation.