Bookkeeping
Sound bookkeeping is the foundation of every successful business. It allows owners to be in compliance, spot opportunities, and make informed decisions. At Ascend, we use the latest technology and software to ensure that your financial records are up-to-date and accurate, making tax preparation, loan reviews, and other business needs a walk in the park. Our customizable monthly bookeeping service offerings include:
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Transaction Categorization
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Bank Reconciliations
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General ledger
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Monthly Financial Statements
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Asset & Depreciation Management
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Closing Entries
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Amortization & Debt Schedules
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Accounts Payable
Pricing
One of the most compelling aspects of our business model is that our services cost significantly less than a salary or full-time employee, yet we provide the same high quality of service at a much more affordable price point. All of our bookkeeping services are charged at a monthly fixed fee depending on the scope of service.
Core Accounting Solution
Starting at
$500
Core Base Plan Includes:
Monthly Bookkeeping
Monthly Financial Statements
1099 Tracking
Monthly Meeting
Price influencers include transaction volume, account complexity, number of bank accounts, and business revenue
Fractional CFO
Our customized Fractional CFO services take financial planning off your to-do list so that you can focus your time and effort on your strenghts. With the expertise of Ascend, you gain valuable knowledge about the health of your business, empowering you to make decisions with confidence. Services include:
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Accounting Staff Supervision
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Budget & Forecast Management
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Cash Flow Forecasting
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Processes & Controls
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Strategic Advice
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Exit Strategy
Pricing
Please schedule a call with us to discuss a customized pricing plan.
Business Valuations
Knowing the value of your business is essential for informed decision making. We provide business valuations for a variety of situations including:
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409a Compliance
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Divorce Proceedings
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Gift Tax and Estate Planning
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Mergers & Acquisitions
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Partnership Buyouts
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Strategic Planning
Valuation Methodologies
Valuations are often said to be a mix between art and science. Although the process for valuing a company is based on financial principles (the science), the varying degree of methodologies and forecasting earnings makes the process more nuanced (the art). Below are the most commonly used valuation methodologies. At Ascend, we routinely use a combination of these approaches to triangulate the value of a business. Depending on factors such as company size, industry, and reason for the valuation, we may also use methodologies outside of those listed below.
Public Company Comparables
Evaluates similar companies' current valuation metrics and applies them to the company being valued
Pros:
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market efficiency serves as a sensible indicator of value
Cons:
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No two companies are alike, and as such, valuations should not be identical either
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market volatility can have a profound effect on valuation
Discounted Cash Flow (DCF)
Values a Company by projecting its future cash flows and then using the Net Present Value method to value the firm
Pros:
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Values individual cash streams
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Not heavily influenced by current market conditions
Cons:
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Sensitive to modeling assumptions, particularly growth rates, profit margin, termnial value, and discount rate
Precedent Transactions
Evaluates past M&A transactions to value a comparable business
Pros:
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Realistic valuation since past transactions were completed at defined multiples
Cons:
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Rare to find a "pure-play" direct comparable
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Past market conditions could have influenced acquisitions
Leveraged Buyout (LBO)
Values a Company by projecting its future cash flows and then using the Net Present Value method to value the firm
Pros:
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Establishes "floor" valuation determining what a financial buyer may be willing to pay for a company
Cons:
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Sensitive to modeling assumptions, particularly operating and financing assumptions
Process
01.
Gather Information
We want to understand the purpose for the valuation, know the nature of your business, and the size of your company. The valuation approach can differ based on the intended purpose and size of the business.
02.
Price Quote (Valuation services starting at $3,000)
Depending on the complexity of the valuation, we will prepare a quote for the valuation report.
03.
Gather Data
The valuation process requires data collection for the company being valued. At a minimum, we ask that 3 to 5 years of the Company's historical tax returns or financial statements be provided. Company projections and market/industry reports should also be provided, if available.
04.
Valuation Analysis
Using the relevant data gathered, our team of experts will conduct an analysis using the appropriate and relevant valuation methodologies.
05.
Valuation Report
We use a documented process to support all valuations. We will provide a comprehensive and defensible appraisal report outlining our assumptions, data used, and conclusions about the value of the business.