How Chronicle Works Alongside Your CPA—Without Crossing Lanes

A client who needs help with monthly bookkeeping shouldn’t have to wonder what that means for their relationship with their CPA. At Chronicle Bookkeeping Solutions, we handle ongoing bookkeeping and operational reporting. The client’s CPA remains their resource for tax planning and filing, and we direct those questions back to them.

For a CPA considering a bookkeeping referral, that distinction matters. You need to know what support your client will receive and where your work begins.

What bookkeeping work does Chronicle handle for shared clients?

Chronicle maintains financial records and prepares operational reports that business owners can use throughout the year.

Our ongoing work includes keeping records current week to week, reconciling accounts monthly and providing financial statements. Those statements give clients a way to look at business activity between tax appointments, with help understanding what the numbers show.

For clients who need additional support, services such as historical cleanup, accounting software setup or accounts payable and receivable may be available as part of an agreed scope. We’ll establish what’s included with the client rather than assume every business needs the same level of service.

Our explanation of what a bookkeeper does for a small business offers more detail on the work that can support current records and monthly reporting.

Where does Chronicle’s work stop and the CPA’s work begin?

Chronicle directs tax planning and filing questions to the client’s CPA. We don’t prepare income tax returns or replace the CPA’s tax advice.

For example -a shared client buys equipment and asks how the purchase will affect their taxes. Chronicle can record the transaction and help provide the relevant bookkeeping information. The tax question goes back to the CPA, who can advise the client based on their circumstances.

That distinction also helps the client know whom to call. We can discuss what the purchase means for the business’s recorded expenses or cash flow, while the CPA addresses its tax treatment. If a question involves both areas, the answer may require input from each professional.

Other bookkeeping firms and CPA practices may divide services differently. For a shared client, we’ll establish responsibilities at the beginning rather than rely on assumptions about job titles.

How can a bookkeeper and CPA coordinate throughout the year?

A shared understanding of responsibilities helps prevent unanswered questions and duplicated work. The right arrangement depends on the client’s needs and the CPA’s preferred way of working.

For example, a CPA may want to discuss which reports are useful, how questions about unusual transactions should be raised, or how requested adjustments will be communicated. Any access to client records or exchange of information should be agreed upon with the client and handled through appropriate channels.

Current records can support both operational reporting and tax work. The IRS explains why businesses need records to prepare financial statements and support the items reported on tax returns. Keeping those records organized gives the CPA a starting point; it doesn’t eliminate the CPA’s need to ask questions or make tax determinations.

What can a CPA expect from a referral relationship with Chronicle?

A referral relationship works best when the client knows which professional to contact for each need. Chronicle can take responsibility for the bookkeeping services in the client’s agreement, while the CPA continues to lead the tax engagement.

If a client comes to us with a tax planning or filing question, we’ll direct them back to their CPA. When the CPA needs bookkeeping information, we can discuss what’s needed and coordinate with the client’s authorization.

If you’re considering a bookkeeping partner for your small business clients, contact Chronicle to arrange an introductory conversation. We can discuss your clients’ needs and how responsibilities would be handled before making a referral.