Common Questions
Transparency is key. Let’s begin with common questions that arise when people consider
working with us.
A Boutique Firm. Different by Design.
What distinguishes you from other CPAs firms?
We prioritize accessibility, clear communication, and a human touch. You’ll work directly with your CPA—your single point of contact—without layers of staff or delayed responses. We limit the number of clients we accept to deliver uncompromised service quality, prompt inquiry responses, and genuine partnership.
What are your fees and billing structures?
We primarily utilize a fixed-fee model based on a clearly defined scope of services—X fee for Y services—providing transparency and predictability.
Hourly billing is rare and used only in exceptional cases. We believe hourly billing is outdated and frustrating for Client and Firm alike.
What is your “bread and butter” service?
Controllership services for small businesses and non-profits. We can function as your complete accounting and tax department: bookkeeping, compliance, planning, forecasting, and seamless coordination with your own people.
Result? A deep integration, focusing on the totality of your goals from an accounting perspective.
What types of clients do you serve?
We work with small businesses, non-profits, POAs and HOAs, and individuals with business ownership interests.
Small businesses include professional and trade services, wholesale distribution, retail goods, clubs, and studios.
Non-profits include charitable, social and sports clubs, and chambers of commerce.
We routinely engage in assisting clients with software selection and implementation relative to sales management and accounting needs. If it impacts your financial records, it must be part of the financial software equation!
Do you accept all prospective clients?
Not all prospective clients will be engaged. We partner with clients committed to long-term, collaborative relationships. We have client relationships dating back to 2005 (the start of Greg Bennett’s accounting career), and the typical relationship is now 6+ years. Our turnover is virtually non-existent due to strong upfront engagement processes.
We are serious about client services and relationships.
What is the process for becoming a new client?
1) Submit our Prospect Inquiry Form. Share your needs and goals and other information relevant to your pursuit of a CPA.
2) We review alignment. We evaluate how your requirements match our experience, service model, and current capacity.
3) We’ll contact you promptly. You’ll hear from us, including potential next steps.
We intentionally limit new clients per service category to protect service quality. Waitlists may apply.
Do you offer year-round services, or are you focused on once-per-year tax compliance?
Absolutely year-round—we’re your ongoing accounting, advisory, and planning partner. Tax compliance is just one small piece of what needs to be a larger picture and strategy. We believe proactive, continuous engagement is the only meaningful approach.
Yes, we handle some compliance-only work but we are not churning out thousands of annual (and historical) returns. We are here to help clients all year long, not once a year.
What is your typical response time for inquiries and service matters?
Most inquiries receive a response the same or next business day, but it also depends on the scope of services a client selects and urgency of the topic. Our high-touch, limited-client model ensures responsiveness.
Do you offer in-person, virtual, or hybrid services?
All services are performed in Petoskey and are predominately virtual in nature. For clients located in Northern Michigan, we are willing to meet in-person at a location of their choosing. A key difference is if we do meet in-person, we come to you. And all services are performed in the United States, by U.S. citizens. There is zero foreign outsourcing.
Can you advise on business entity selection and associated tax implications?
Absolutely. A well-informed decision is critical. Ignore social media “advice” on entity selection and question a professional that wants to blanket classify your business as a corporation. You first need to understand the benefits, ramifications, and purpose behind each approach.
Do you offer services pertaining to software selection, implementation, and integration with accounting systems?
Yes! We recognize the critical function software plays in business operations and the impact it can have on meaningful accounting. Poor software choices can cripple a business, and is incredibly costly.
We advise on selection, oversee implementation, and maximize integration with your accounting software. Never rely solely on IT and software vendors. Many CPA firms skip this service—we do not, and Greg Bennett (owner of Cornerstone) has 20+ years experience bridging software with accounting functions.
What is your standard turnaround time for tax return preparation and filing?
Once all required information is provided to us, tax returns are prepared on a first-in, first-out basis. Required items:
- Signed engagement letter
- Prepaid preparation fee
- All supporting documents uploaded to TaxDome
To ensure timely filing, all information must be received at least 45 days before the filing deadline.
Do you only work with established businesses and non-profits?
We work with clients at every stage—from concept to $20M+ revenue operations with 40+ multi-state employees. We’ve helped entrepreneurs and non-profits build financial foundations from idea to scale. Today, our focus is mostly on operations of up to $3 million gross revenue.
Ready to experience focused service?
If you value a real partnership with your CPA who will deeply understand your needs, we’d love to explore the opportunity.