top of page

Search Results

17 results found with an empty search

  • Simple vs. Complex Checklist | Brett J Federer Accounting

    A clear, fair way to define complexity. This checklist shows exactly what qualifies as a complex client — no surprises, no backtracking. Simple or Complex? A straightforward checklist to determine your pricing tier. Built to Keep Scope Fair Before diving into the checklist, here’s how I define scope — and why it matters. Some businesses are simple. Others aren’t. That’s not a judgment — it’s just structure. This checklist is here to draw that line clearly, so scope stays fair and pricing stays honest. It’s not about hours or effort — it’s about how much the financial system has to hold. The more moving parts, the more logic and structure it takes to keep things clean. If your setup meets two or more of the criteria below, it's considered Complex. No surprises, no games — just a clear, consistent way to match the system’s structure to its reality. If your company has more than one site or segment that I’ll be maintaining, each one is assessed and billed separately. This isn’t about how many locations you have on paper. It’s about how many parts I’m actually responsible for keeping structured. If everything runs the same and doesn’t require separate tracking, I treat it as one unit. But if I’m maintaining structure in more than one place — with different logic, books, entries, tags, or reporting — then each one is reviewed on its own. That way, the scope reflects the actual setup, not just how it looks on the surface. I’ve structured things this way because fairness matters. Just because a business has two sites doesn’t mean it should always be treated like two entities. If they’re small, run the same, and don’t need to be tracked or treated separately — even within entries, tagging, services, or reporting — I treat them as one. Because that’s what they are. Though, if I’m maintaining structure in more than one place — across different books, workflows, classifications, or reporting needs — then they’re scoped and billed separately, even if they sit under one company. It protects you from overbilling and me from overwork. Simple, clear, and built to hold. Checklist Pricing Tiers Your price is determined by a clear checklist — not a judgment call. Simple: 0–1 boxes checked of 10 → $3,000/month. Complex: 2–5 boxes checked of 10 → $4,000/month. Super Complex: 6-10 boxes checked of 10 → Custom Pricing based on your needed and structure. Designed only for rare outliers that meet nearly all criteria. The Complexity Checklist Each billable site is reviewed against this checklist to determine whether it qualifies as: Simple, Complex or Super Complex. Checkboxes Multiple Physical Sites You have more than one site I’m actively supporting, based on the rules in the paragraphs above. Distinct Business Segments You have more than one business segment I’m actively supporting, based on the rules in the paragraphs above. Intercompany Transactions Revenue, expenses, or balances flow between multiple entities and require reconciliation or clearing each month. Foreign Currency Involvement You transact in multiple currencies — in any way, shape, or form. Multiple Revenue Models or Timing Logic You earn revenue from more than one business model, each with different recognition or tracking needs Examples include: Subscriptions + Implementation fees Product sales + Subscriptions Lodging + Events Sales vs Membership Etc. Reporting by Class, Project, Client, or Business/Segment You need internal reporting that breaks out profit and loss across class, projects, clients, or business/segment. This means transactions must be tagged — as I have to review those tags each month, since I'm the one reporting on the results. Basic department-level groupings from the chart of accounts don’t count. Complex Accounting Topics (GAAP-based) You rely on specialized accounting areas that require structure I maintain — like revenue recognition, inventory costing, manufacturing workflows, lease accounting, or complex amortization schedules. This only applies if I’m responsible for applying or maintaining logic related to these areas. Examples include: Inventory costing Manufacturing workflows Lease accounting Complex amortization logic Etc. Contracts With Nonstandard Terms You have customer contracts with different billing terms, milestones, or revenue logic — as I'll need to account for those differences each month. Examples include: Contracts that include client-specific payment timing, revenue recognition rules, or billing conditions Manual logic for when revenue starts, how much gets billed, or how to interpret each deal Each contract requires review, tracking, or exception handling to stay aligned month-to-month Terms or conditions that affect close structure — like performance phases, billing caps, or unique deal flow timing Emerging Tech Business Models or Cost Structures Your company operates in a space with evolving or non-traditional financial models — such as AI, robotics, biotech, or hard tech — that create added accounting complexity each month. This isn’t about industry labels. It applies when your revenue or cost structure makes the close more complex, like: SaaS + hardware bundled pricing (e.g., Robotics-as-a-Service) AI tools with usage-based billing + subscriptions Capitalized software or engineering labor Significant R&D spending or capitalized labor Deferred revenue tied to future product releases Biotech or life sciences with milestone-based revenue Space tech, manufacturing-as-a-service, or layered platform + device ecosystems Grant-funded or investor-triggered development milestones Etc. Decentralized / Affiliate Structures (Organizational Sprawl) Applies when the organization operates through chapters, affiliates, or branches in a bottom-up model, where activity is initiated locally and must be rolled up at the national level. Even with strong central oversight, this setup creates structural complexity, since financial data from multiple sources requires standardization and consolidation before reporting. If you're not sure where you land, I’ll confirm during onboarding. Most scaling companies are considered "Complex" — and that’s perfectly normal. It simply means your business has more moving parts, and the financial structure needs to rise to meet that reality. When Complexity Changes If your business model evolves and you consistently meet — or no longer meet — the complexity threshold for two straight months, your pricing will update in month three. No surprises, no backdating. It’s a clear and fair way to ensure your pricing always reflects the real scope of work. Want to see how this structure would look inside your business? Click the trees below.

  • Financial Controller Services | Brett J. Federer Accounting – United States

    Financial controller services by Brett J. Federer Accounting bring financial clarity to startups across the United States. Start Your Growth Journey Structure now. Freedom later. Where financial structure becomes lasting stability. That’s where I come in. At Brett J. Federer Accounting, I work with scaling startups that already have a bookkeeper in place but still feel financially blind. Transactions may be recorded, but without structure or insight, those numbers don’t build confidence. That’s where I step in — taking ownership of the close, correcting inconsistencies, and shaping reporting that actually supports better decisions. You’re Past Bookkeeping — But Not Ready for a CFO. As a CPA and former Controller, I bring financial clarity without the overhead of a full finance team. Having worn almost every finance hat, I know the importance of focus. I don’t do tax or bookkeeping — and I don’t try to be everything at once. Instead, I center on what matters most for scaling: clean internal reporting, monthly cash clarity, and the kind of financial foundation that allows founders to grow with confidence. My focus is stepping into messy accounting departments and cleaning them up—through policies, reconciliations, analysis, automations, processes, etc. Once stable, I put the department on a structured, fixed-scope, fixed-price schedule that keeps monthly and quarterly closes running smoothly going forward. I don’t track like a bookkeeper. And I don’t overreach like a CFO. I provide the structured middle — clarity you can trust today, and stability that compounds into freedom tomorrow. Because structure now is what makes freedom possible later. What You Have What You Gain Messy Books Cash Runway Confusion Unclear Metrics Unreliable Numbers Founder Overload Clean Financials + = Where financial structure becomes lasting stability. Cash Clarity Decision Confidence Compounding Stability Peace of Mind How My Services Stack Up This was built for founders whose businesses have moved beyond basic recordkeeping. They already have a bookkeeper, but the pace of operations now requires more — something steady behind the numbers. Whether they’re managing a team in hospitality, scaling software, producing goods, delivering services, or reporting to investors, they need accounting to function like infrastructure — supporting decision-making, keeping operations aligned, and giving them clarity they can run with, because it’s not just a requirement anymore. It’s how they stay grounded. Who to Choose? Service Bookkeeper + AI Brett J Federer Accounting In-House Controller Fractional CFO Bank & Credit Card Reconciliations ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ AR / AP Management ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ Full Month-End Close ❌ ✅ ✅ ❌ Financial Statement Generation ❌ ✅ ✅ ❌ Cash Clarity Method™ ❌ ✅ ❌ ❌ System Efficiency Refinements ❌ ✅ ✅ ❌ KPIs & Graphs ❌ ✅ ✅ ❌ Custom Strategy / Board Presentations ❌ ❌ ❌ ✅ Cost 💲 💲 💲 💲 💲 💲 💲 💲 💲 💲 What You're Paying For Basic Data Entry, AI Automation Controller-Level Clarity Without the overhead Full-Time Employee Operational Finance Strategic Finance Partner High-Level Strategy When to Engage? Title Founding Stage Early Growth (Pre-Revenue) Scaling & Growth Seeking Investment Expanding Operations Preparing to Exit Bookkeeper + AI ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ Brett J. Federer Accounting ❌ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ Fractional CFO ❌ ❌ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ *The Cash Clarity Method™ is exclusive to Odoo and begins only after the Implementation & Onboarding Phase. AI Where it Works. Humans Where it Counts Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made financial processes faster—but speed alone isn’t enough. Clean, trustworthy numbers still require human oversight. The smartest companies aren’t choosing between AI and expertise. They’re blending both—using automation for efficiency, and people for judgment. 🔹 AI generates numbers—only humans ensure they make sense 🔹 AI streamlines the process—expert insight drives the outcome 🔹 Automation saves time—strategy ensures the right moves Financial blind spots happen when numbers are left unchecked. That’s why AI should assist—not replace—expert oversight. At Brett J. Federer Accounting, I use AI to streamline workflows, but your financial future is always reviewed by a real expert. Because smart financials aren’t just about numbers—they’re about structure, strategy, and growth, from sapling to forest. I only work with a few founders at a time -because clarity dies with chaos. Clarity scales best when focus is protected. Each client gets full attention and lasting clarity — and if it’s the right fit, there’s always space. Your Financials Should Feel Calm Financial Clarity Package The Financial Clarity Package by Brett J. Federer Accounting is built for founders who already have bookkeeping in place but need more than raw numbers. It follows a two-step structure designed to build order first, then sustain it — because clarity dies when it’s rushed. By investing in a thoughtful start, founders avoid endless cleanup cycles and instead gain a financial system they can actually rely on. Financial Clarity Package 🔹 One-Time Stabilization Implementation & Onboarding (Typically 3-9 Months, Billed Hourly) Implementation & Cleanup During this window, you can lean on me for whatever is needed to get the system stable — from untangling reconciliations to automating recurring tasks or setting up reporting templates. The goal is a clean, structured foundation so the monthly cadence runs without surprises. Cash Clarity Method™ For Odoo users, this framework bridges the gap most standard reports leave behind. It maps actual cash activity, giving you a true picture of where money moved versus where it was “supposed” to go. It’s built during onboarding and then maintained seamlessly in the monthly stage. 🔹 Monthly Close Clean Financials (Soft Close) Each month, your books are updated and reviewed to keep numbers current. These soft closes provide reliable visibility into performance, while leaving room for refinements if new information surfaces. This ensures you always have timely data without prematurely locking the books. Recurring Services (Fixed Cost, Fixed Scope) 🔹 Quarterly Close Clean Financials (Hard Close) At each quarter-end, a hard close is performed. Key accounts are reconciled, adjustments finalized, and the numbers locked. This produces the definitive non-GAAP financial package for leadership and board reporting — structured for clarity and prepared for internal use only. Board-Level Metrics (7) Management identifies seven key metrics — i.e. LARR, CARR, EBITDA margin, or custom drivers. These are set during Q1 and Q3 closes, creating consistent first-half and second-half views. Each quarter, the metrics are updated to show progress on what matters most. Trend Graphs & Visuals (3) Numbers only tell part of the story — visuals reveal the direction. Each quarter, leadership selects three areas to graph, with choices made during Q1 and Q3 closes so visuals remain consistent, comparable, and easy to interpret. Want to see how this structure would look inside your business? Click the trees below. Because clarity, like a forest, is built one strong root at a time. Fixed Price = Fixed Scope Once onboarding is complete, services move into a fixed monthly price with a fixed scope. This keeps things fair, focused, and balanced — on both sides. I don’t bill hourly once you’re in this stage, and I don’t tack on hidden fees. But that also means I’m not an on-call accountant. To protect the quality of the work — and keep things sustainable — I stick to a defined scope once monthly fees begin. If something new comes up that falls outside of that, I’ll flag it early. If it’s worth tackling, we can always scope it as a separate project. General Support Projects Rebuilds & Policies Projects Process Optimization Projects No pressure. No surprises. Just structure that works. Like a phone's automatic update, I make quiet changes that enhance performance. Every adjustment keeps the process running smoothly; it's easy as pie. During onboarding, I build refinements so your monthly close runs lean and consistent. Once in the monthly stage, I may make small self-initiated adjustments if they improve accuracy or efficiency. Larger changes, system updates, or automating bookkeeping tasks (AR, AP, data entry) are always handled as separately scoped projects. Pricing & Terms I believe in clean numbers — and clean pricing. Implementation & Onboarding Recurring Services $175/Hour Temporary price until books are stable enough for recurring services (Typically: 3–9 months) $3,000/ Month Simple Clients Fixed Cost, Fixed Scope OR $4,000/ Month Complex Clients Fixed Cost, Fixed Scope The not-so-‘Fine Print’ Additional terms may be outlined in your Engagement Agreement, which governs in the event of any conflict. 🔹 Cash Clarity Method™ The Cash Clarity Method™ is available only for clients on Odoo. It is built and customized during the hourly onboarding phase at the agreed hourly rate. If requested after onboarding, the buildout becomes a separate, one-time project with its own scope and fee, billed outside of the monthly package. 🔹 Simple vs. Complex? Your price is determined by a clear checklist — not a judgment call. Simple: 0–1 boxes checked of 10 → $3,000/month. Complex: 2–5 boxes checked of 10 → $4,000/month. Super Complex: 6-10 boxes checked of 10 → Custom Price Designed only for rare outliers that meet nearly all criteria. Pricing is determined based on your needs and structure. See the full checklist here → 🔹 Onboarding Billing Standards: All onboarding work is billed in 30-minute increments, rounded up. Maximum of 10 billable hours per client per day. Time is summarized at a high level (e.g., policy setup, workflow testing, documentation) to keep invoices clear and predictable. 🔹 Billing & Payment Terms: In the transition month, two invoices will be issued — one for final onboarding hours and one for the first fixed monthly package. Hourly onboarding is billed monthly, after the work is completed. Fixed monthly packages are billed at the start of each month, for the month ahead. Payment is due within 15 days (Net 15). Services may be paused for non-payment. Onboarding is temporary by design. Transition to a fixed monthly package is the standard once books are stable. Extension beyond the 3–9 month goal is rare and determined at my discretion. 🔹 Annual Rate Adjustment: Rates increase 5% every 12 months of billing to keep pace with inflation and system upkeep. The 12-month cycle begins with your first invoice (onboarding counts toward the 12 months). No surprises — just a steady way to protect value on both sides. 🔹 Client Responsibility: Clients are expected to provide timely cooperation and access to records. Delays may extend onboarding, but if information is withheld to prolong hourly billing, services will be paused. Persistent delays or unresponsiveness may result in paused service or early termination. 🔹 If it's Not for You: Services may be canceled by either party at any time — no advance notice is required. The full monthly rate is billed for the month in which cancellation occurs — the fee is not prorated or discounted, regardless of cancellation date. A termination fee equal to one month’s service is also charged upon exit — this is separate from your final month’s billing. Early Client Pricing Reserved for the first two aligned clients. To mark the firm’s launch, I’m offering an early onboarding rate for the first two aligned clients: $150/hour (normally $175/hour) Onboarding (Hourly): $150/hour for early clients. Continues until books are stable for recurring services (typically 3–9 months). All work during onboarding — including closes, reporting, refinements — is billed hourly at this rate. Savings of $25/hour can add up, especially in longer or more complex onboardings. Transition: After onboarding, standard recurring pricing begins. No discounts apply to monthly services. This offer is limited to the first two clients only — all others will begin at standard pricing All services and deliverables remain the same — this is simply a thank-you for being early. 🔹 How it works: Professional Testimonials I had the privilege of working closely with Brett in his role as Controller, and his contributions were instrumental to both our financial and operational success. What set Brett apart was not only his command of accounting and finance, but also his ability to design systems and processes that improved efficiency across the entire company. From an operations perspective, his impact was profound. He led the successful upgrade of our ERP system after years without updates, resolving complex data migration and process issues. He developed tools that gave leadership clear, real-time visibility into expenses and cash flow, including per-customer, per-warehouse expense tracking and a highly reliable forecast model. His automation work reduced our monthly close process from nearly two weeks to just a couple of days, enabling timely, accurate reporting and freeing up valuable resources. Brett also implemented practical, enforceable policies — from per diem and travel to sales tax and employee expenses — that made compliance simpler while improving accuracy and accountability. Each initiative he undertook was approached with a strong balance of financial rigor and operational practicality, and the results consistently exceeded expectations. Most importantly, Brett carried himself with professionalism and high standards, holding his department accountable while partnering effectively with operations and leadership. He leaves behind a stronger, more disciplined, and more efficient organization, and his contributions will continue to benefit us well into the future. I recommend Brett wholeheartedly to any company seeking a financial leader who can deliver not only accurate numbers, but also sustainable, well-designed operational improvements Dan Parks , PhD inVia Robotics, Inc. COO / Founder If research is needed, how it’s billed depends on the stage. Because you shouldn’t pay extra for reasonable research once you’re on recurring services. During onboarding, however, all work — including research — is part of the hourly scope. Most firms charge separately for research at all stages. I only do so during onboarding. Once you’re on a fixed monthly package, reasonable research tied to your close and reporting is included. However, if it: is unique to your company’s structure or model is a specialized accounting topic (e.g. ASC 606, inventory costing, amortization logic, etc.) is a platform-specific setup or integration issue (e.g. Stripe logic, software configuration, etc.) requires substantial, one-time research that is unusually time-intensive, even if related to agreed deliverables involves or relates to a custom setup outside the agreed deliverables —I’ll flag it early. If it makes sense to proceed, we can scope it separately as a paid project. General Support Projects Rebuilds & Policies Projects Process Optimization Projects This policy is designed to be fair—not endless. If the line between research and custom work starts getting blurry — I’ll recommend scoping a separate project to keep everything clean, respectful, and aligned. Financial Clarity, One Post at a Time 1 2 3 4 5 Build Structure That Frees You. I’ve designed this system for founders who want clean, consistent financials and the confidence to make decisions without second-guessing. ——— If that’s what you’re building toward, I’m here. Phone (805) 410-8647 Email Brett@BrettJFedererAccounting.com Connect LinkedIn Learn More

  • Cash Clarity Method™ | Brett J Federer Accounting

    Controller-grade cash clarity for founders—turn reconciled Odoo data into decision-ready insights without forecasts, fluff, or variance overlays. The Cash Clarity Method™ Controller-grade cash clarity for Odoo clients, built to show how your money actually moved. Available exclusively for Odoo clients — built to give founders real visibility without forecasts, dashboards, or fluff. Sometimes the numbers look fine — tidy Profit and Loss, sharp dashboards, solid-looking revenue — yet something still feels off. You’re not sure where the money actually went, whether things are getting tighter, or if you’re still on steady ground. GAAP-based financials and most dashboards weren’t designed to show detailed cash movement. They’re great for compliance and storytelling, but not always for clarity — especially for founders running the business, not just reporting on it. If your books are reconciled but decisions still feel uncertain, the issue probably isn’t the numbers — it’s the structure. The Cash Clarity Method™ changes that by turning reconciled books into a cash-based system that shows what actually happened. Built for operators — not just accountants. No forecasting. No variance analysis. Just clean, controller-grade answers — grounded in real activity. Scope The Cash Clarity Method™ is an optional add-on for Odoo clients, built during the Implementation & Onboarding phase (hourly) and then maintained as part of the monthly cycle. It offers a cash-based lens on operational activity — helping identify spending patterns, vendor shifts, and signs of financial pressure that may be missed in standard reports. Updated monthly after each accounting close is completed, the Cash Clarity Method reconstructs actual cash activity using reconciled Odoo data to deliver a decision-ready view of movement, trends, and a cash runway estimate based solely on historical cash activity — all without relying on forecasts, assumptions, or non-cash logic. Each tab serves a specific purpose: Executive Summary – Highlights key movements and directional trends in plain English Visuals – Charts spending patterns and potential timing pressure Formulaic Runway – Trailing Runway – Shows how long cash would last if recent spending patterns continued, based only on historical data (not a forecast). Monthly Splits – Breaks down activity by grouping, vendor, bank, or Analytic Account Account Splits – Categorizes activity by account type with subtotals Drilldown – Enables filtered, transaction-level review for internal validation Pivot Table – Supports flexible, self-serve analysis for advanced users Comparisons Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) are the standardized accounting rules all CPAs and accountants follow. While the Cash Clarity Method™ is a proprietary, internal cash-focused insights system — built from reconciled GAAP books to give founders operational clarity. Core Purpose Generally Accepted Accounting Principles Cash Clarity Method™ Accrual-based performance view ✅ ❌ Identifying vendor/client spend shifts ❌ ✅ Comparison between companies ✅ ❌ Real cash movement visibility ❌ ✅ External compliance & audits ✅ ❌ Month-end cash clarity for operators ❌ ✅ Long-term performance view ✅ ❌ Cash-based operational management ❌ ✅ Storytelling for investors/lenders ✅ ❌ Pricing Cash Clarity Method™ is billed hourly as part of the Implementation & Onboarding phase (typically 3–9 months). There is no fixed surcharge — hours are billed the same as other onboarding work. Once complete, the Cash Clarity Method™ rolls into the monthly cycle at your standard base rate. If implementation isn’t viable: All work performed is billed. You’ll always be invoiced for hours already completed, whether you continue with the Cash Clarity Method™ or decide to exit. Within 30 days of determining it’s not viable, you can: Continue onboarding hourly — I’ll simply remove the Cash Clarity Method™ from your ongoing monthly services. Disengage completely — termination fee–free, with no additional charges beyond payment for work already performed. Universal Disclosures No one loves reading disclosures — but they’re what keep everyone aligned, protected, and clear. Because transparency is core to how I operate, I’ve consolidated nearly all system-wide disclosures here so the rest of this webpage can focus on tab-specific details only. If new disclosures are added directly to the Cash Clarity Method workbook and this webpage is not yet updated, those workbook disclosures take precedence. The Cash Clarity Method is not a substitute for GAAP financial statements or formal attestation services. It provides supplemental, controller-grade insights based on reconciled accounting data. Outputs are based entirely on past reconciled data — no forecasting, no projections, no assumptions. Inputs are provided by the client or their bookkeeper via their Odoo file. I review for material accuracy and post adjustments as needed. Once closed, outputs reflect my best understanding based on the reconciled data available. Two files are used: one internal workbook maintained by me (not shared ), and one client-facing file updated monthly. The structure of both is my intellectual property. Refunds on vendor bills and customer payments are applied using a simplified logic due to system limitations in Odoo. Allocations may not perfectly reflect the original account splits but are restricted to the accounts in the original transaction. This is a standalone Excel-based system, built and maintained during Implementation & Onboarding (hourly) and carried forward into the monthly cycle. This is for internal management use only — not for investors, funding, or regulatory decisions. Final responsibility for interpretation and use rests with management. Having clarity gives you insights you can build upon. It saves you from guesswork & gives you peace of mind. One system, built for clarity — so you can trust what you see and act without hesitation. Executive Summary When time’s tight and decisions can’t wait — this is where you look first. You don’t always need a deep dive to spot what’s shifting. Sometimes you just need a clear pulse — one that tells you what changed, where the cash went, and whether you’re still on steady ground. That’s what this tab is built for. The Executive Summary tab condenses key insights from across the Cash Clarity Method™ into one readout: estimated runway, month-over-month cash shifts, top vendor movements, and quick-hit commentary on revenue, COGS, and OpEx. Every number is pulled from actual cash activity — not projections, not forecasts — and automatically updates based on the date you select. Every insight is written in clear, plain-English sentences designed for founders — no accounting jargon, no guesswork. You’ll know what changed, what drove it, and how it compares to last month or last year — all at a glance. This isn’t about reporting for reporting’s sake. It’s about giving you a high-signal snapshot of where things stand, so you can spot risks early, see progress faster, and move with confidence. What’s Included Net Cash Change Runway and Operating Cash Outflows Runway estimates both based on trailing cash activity Ending bank balance for the selected period Month-over-month cash movement and change analysis Year-over-year cash comparison and variance Revenue trends vs prior month and prior year Largest shifts in cost of goods sold and operating expenses (account level) Top 3 account level changes (by dollar or percentage) Simple estimated runway extension calculator based on current Net Cash Change Excutive Summary Specific Disclosures Runway estimates are illustrative only, based on trailing actual cash activity, and are not predictive. All figures, including runway calculations, are formula-driven with no manual overrides or professional judgment applied. For methodology, see the Formulaic Runway section. Any reported spikes or drops should be reviewed in full context. The below screenshots are from sample data and not live data. The screenshots below use sample data, not live data. Visuals Sometimes the numbers are technically there — but the picture still doesn’t click. Your reports might list every transaction, sort by vendor, even reconcile to the bank. But when you're trying to spot trends, seasonality, or sudden shifts, reading through raw rows rarely gets you there. It’s like staring at a dense paragraph when what you need is a headline. That’s what the Visuals tab is built for. Not to replace the structure — but to surface what it's already telling you. It’s a visual overlay on clean, controller-grade data, designed to help your brain process it faster. Whether you're looking for month-to-month cash outflows, vendor trends, or which category drained the most this quarter, this tab turns movement into signal. There’s no fluff here — just real, reconciled cash movement mapped across the views founders ask for most. And because it’s all formula-driven off the Historical Data tab, there’s zero guesswork. Just scroll, scan, and spot what matters. What’s Included Ending Bank Balance (15-month trend) Customer Receipts (15-month trend) Cost of Goods Sold (15-month trend) Operational Expenses (15-month trend) Cash Outflows by Category – Last Month Cash Outflows by Category – Quarter to Date Cash Outflows by Category – Year to Date Cash Outflows by Category – 15-Month Total Visuals Specific Disclosures All graphs are automated from reconciled cash data — no manual overrides Trends are illustrative and may shift as historical data is updated Formulaic Runway How long can we keep this up? It’s one of the most important questions a founder can ask — but the hardest to answer when you’re deep in daily operations. Sales are moving, vendors are being paid, the bank balance looks decent — and yet it’s not clear whether the business is stabilizing or slowly bleeding out. That’s where the Formulaic Runway tab comes in. Instead of forecasting, it uses a trailing average (weighted or simple) to estimate how long the current pace of spending and receipts could be sustained — then frames it as: “If nothing changes — how long will the cash last?” While not a forecast, it can help surface directional shifts earlier — especially when reviewed consistently over time. The tab gives you two perspectives: • Operating Cash Outflows Runway: This strips out inflows to stress test how long operations could fund themselves with no new cash coming in. • Net Cash Change Runway: This includes all movement — operational spend, customer receipts, even financing — to show the average months remaining at the current full pace. Both calculations use trailing averages based on selectable timeframes (3, 6, 9, 12, or 15 months). Each average can be set to simple or weighted, depending on user selection. Both are fully formula-driven. And both serve the same goal: Clarity on whether the current pace is sustainable — or quietly accelerating toward a cliff. What’s Included This tab estimates how many months of cash remain based on recent spend trends. It’s meant to give high-level visibility — not predict the future. No assumptions, no modeling — just clean math off real, reconciled cash movement. To do that, it calculates two separate trailing estimates, each showing a different lens on spend pace. Both are based on a trailing weighted or simple averages over a selected period of time and are 100% formula-driven — with no GAAP logic, accrual timing, or manual inputs. Operating Cash Outflows Runway Goal: Estimate how long operations could self-fund if all inflows stopped, based on trailing spend pace. What It Represents: A stress test of true operating spend — ignores all inflows (customer, investor, etc.). What's Included: Weighted or Simple Average of the past [3,6,9,12,15] months of COGS + OpEx + G&A. Net Cash Change Runway Goal: Estimate how many months of cash remain at current trailing inflow/outflow pace. What It Represents: Tracks net movement of total cash — includes all inflows and outflows What's Included: Weighted or Simple Average of the past [3,6,9,12,15] months of total net cash change (COGS, OpEx, Investor funding, customer receipts, etc.). Formulaic Runway Specific Disclosures This report is non-GAAP and based entirely on actual, reconciled cash movement. Results are based on a trailing average (3,6,9,12,15 months). All metrics are 100% formulaic, derived from reconciled past data thus there is n o smoothing, and no manual overrides. No forecasting, no projections, modeling, or assumptions are applied. These metrics are for internal pacing awareness only — not for investor updates, funding models, or formal reporting. All calculations rely on the fully reconciled Historical Data tab. Inaccurate or incomplete bookkeeping will affect results. All weighted percentages are derived automatically through built-in formulas. The screenshots below use sample data, not live data. Monthly Splits You know the numbers add up — but sometimes the story still feels incomplete. The totals reconcile, the bank accounts match, and everything appears in order — yet the flow of money doesn’t sit right. It’s not that the data is wrong; it’s that you’re looking at it through a single, fixed angle. Shift the lens, and those same numbers can reveal patterns you couldn’t see before — patterns that make movement clearer and easier to interpret. The Monthly Splits tab gives you that shift. It reshapes reconciled cash activity into a month-by-month breakdown, filtered through whichever view matters most — a specific vendor, a single bank account, or an analytic account in Odoo. The underlying totals never change; what changes is how they’re organized. By presenting the same data in a different structure, trends become easier to follow, outliers stand out faster, and the flow of cash is easier to confirm. The goal isn’t to reinterpret the numbers — it’s to make them easier to see, understand, and act on. What’s Included Totals per split selected, with beginning and ending balances shown for each month A monthly breakdown of reconciled cash activity, based on your selected split: Analytic Account Name (if enabled in your Odoo file) Bank / Credit Card Name Groupings Vendor / Customer Name Monthly Splits Specific Disclosures Analytic Account split may return blank if not configured in Odoo Totals are tied directly to the Historical Data tab to ensure completeness, consistency, and auditability with no overrides. If all company card activity is recorded under a single credit card account in Odoo without separate journal types or GL accounts for each cardholder, individual card names cannot be identified because that detail is not present in the source data. The screenshots below use sample data, not live data. Account Splits This is where structure meets substance. Every insight in the model comes from somewhere — and this tab shows you exactly where. The Account Splits tab is the foundation: a clean, categorized view of actual cash movement, mapped to the chart of accounts you already use. Nothing here is modeled, forecasted, or smoothed. Just real cash activity, sorted into familiar financial structures. Each section organizes cash movement into clear account groups — Receipts, Cost of Goods Sold, Operating Expenses, Balance Sheet activity, and more. You can see both the category totals and the account-level detail beneath them, with figures matching the Historical Data tab exactly. That consistency makes this a dependable reference whenever something looks off. It’s also the go-to when a number in the Visuals, Executive Summary, or Formulaic Runway tabs doesn’t add up. The Account Splits view traces every total back to its original account, so every amount is both visible and verifiable — making it faster to confirm accuracy and make course corrections when needed. What’s Included Monthly cash activity organized by your chart of accounts Category-level groupings (e.g. Receipts, COGS, OpEx, etc.) with full account-level detail beneath each Subtotals by section, aligned to the Historical Data tab Beginning and ending cash balances per month Monthly movement summaries — Net Cash Change and Operating Cash Outflows (see Formulaic Runway section for details) Account Splits Specific Disclosures This tab is not GAAP-compliant and does not follow formal presentation standards, even if some groupings resemble a P&L or cash flow structure Customer receipt logic is determined by account-level posting behavior and may vary in presentation based on how revenue is recorded. Section totals reconcile directly to the Historical Data tab to preserve auditability and consistency The screenshots below use sample data, not live data. Drilldown Self-Explore Historical Details This tab provides a full view of reconciled cash activity at the transaction level, with filters to focus on the details that matter most. Up to eight filter options are available so you can narrow down results to match your specific query. The goal isn’t to interpret the data, but to make it searchable, sortable, and transparent whenever a deeper look is needed. To make analysis easier, the tab includes two identical drilldown tables that function independently. This allows for side-by-side comparisons using different filter sets, so you can review activity across vendors, months, or internal categories without losing your place. Filters can be adjusted at any time, and the underlying data updates automatically to reflect matching entries. What’s Included Two independently controlled drilldown tables for side-by-side analysis Full transaction-level visibility based on reconciled cash activity Direct linkback to categorized data from the monthly close (via Document # column) Live filtering across any combination of fields (Mix & Match): Focus On – limits the view to top/bottom transactions or largest changes by dollar amount (e.g., Top 10, Largest 5 Changes, etc.) Year Month Grouping Account Analytic Account Customer / Vendor Name Bank / Credit Card Name Drilldown Disclosures No additional disclosures apply to this tab beyond the universal disclaimers above. The screenshot below uses sample data, not live data. Pivot This tab exists for power users who want to explore the categorized data freely. It doesn't contain any formulas, commentary, or analysis — just a live pivot table tied to the same monthly transaction set already shown in the primary views. The layout is dynamic. Users can toggle filters or expand/collapse row groupings to customize how they view activity. While the default is grouped by department and account, this structure can be easily modified using standard Excel pivot tools. This is not a required tab for understanding the Cash Clarity Method™ outputs — it’s simply included for those who prefer alternate ways of working with numbers. What’s Included Pivot table built on categorized transaction detail Default structure: Rows grouped by Department and Account Name Values shown as Net Amount (+ Inflows / – Outflows) Ability to: Expand/collapse row groups Reorganize data as you see fit Sort and/or filter as you see fit Export or copy views as needed Pivot Specific Disclosures No additional disclosures apply to this tab beyond the universal disclaimers above. The screenshot below uses sample data, not live data. Build Structure That Frees You. I’ve designed this system for founders who want clean, consistent financials and the confidence to make decisions without second-guessing. ——— If that’s what you’re building toward, I’m here. Phone (805) 410-8647 Email Brett@BrettJFedererAccounting.com Connect LinkedIn Learn More

  • Financial Clarity Package | Brett J Federer Accounting

    Monthly reporting built for internal clarity, not tax prep. Includes insights, clean financials, key metrics, and cash visuals — built to match how you actually run the business. Financial Clarity Package Built to keep the numbers clean — so you don’t have to. Financial Clarity Package by Brett J. Federer Accounting The Financial Clarity Package is built for companies moving beyond early growth and scaling into something larger. At this stage, bookkeeping alone can’t keep pace, and AI dashboards may surface more data but rarely deliver the clarity leadership needs. What’s missing isn’t effort or information — it’s a financial structure strong enough to grow with the business. That structure comes from rhythm, not more reports. Once the system is stabilized, each monthly close keeps numbers current, and each quarterly close finalizes them with the accuracy and discipline boards expect — turning monthly visibility into quarterly certainty. Implementation & Onboarding Scaling businesses can’t afford to build on shaky numbers. Before a monthly or quarterly rhythm can hold, the system itself needs to be stabilized. That’s what Implementation & Onboarding provides — a focused window of cleanup and setup that clears the path for financial clarity to take root. Implementation & Cleanup Reconciliations untangled, errors resolved, tasks automated. Within a controller’s scope, this covers what’s needed to stabilize the system — building a foundation leadership can trust and setting the stage for a consistent monthly and quarterly rhythm. Cash Clarity Method™ (for Odoo users) This framework fills the gap Odoo reports leave behind. It maps actual cash activity by GL Account, showing where money truly moved. Built during onboarding and carried forward each month, it gives founders clarity dashboards alone can’t capture. By the end of Implementation & Onboarding, the numbers rest on a stable foundation. That stability doesn’t just reduce surprises — it ensures each future close builds on solid ground and gives leadership confidence the system will keep pace with growth. This phase is billed hourly and typically runs 3–9 months, though it can extend longer if needed at my discretion. Monthly Close (Soft Close) Once the system is stable, the focus shifts to rhythm. The Monthly Close is where the numbers are updated, reviewed, and refined so leadership always has a clear view of performance without prematurely locking the books. Monthly Updates Each month, the financials are reviewed and adjusted to stay current. This ensures issues are caught early, visibility isn’t lost, and leadership receives a steady flow of clarity to keep the system steady in downturns and resilient during growth. System Efficiency Refinements Part of the monthly close is making sure the process runs smoothly. Small adjustments that improve accuracy or prevent bottlenecks are folded in — such as refining workflows, fixing mappings, or tightening reports. Exception Flags Material variances, unusual entries, or compliance risks are flagged directly as identified, so they don’t get lost in the numbers. Not a standing deliverable, but a safeguard to ensure important issues are surfaced clearly when they arise. Built-In Flexibility Because monthly closes are soft, they avoid the rigidity of locking numbers too early. This flexibility allows refinements when new information surfaces while still giving founders the consistency of a structured cycle. By keeping the numbers both current and adaptable, the Monthly Close balances discipline with flexibility. Leadership gets timely data while preserving the option to refine, ensuring that every quarter builds on a reliable foundation. Once in this phase, the work is provided on a fixed-scope, fixed-price basis going forward. Quarterly Close (Hard Close) Quarterly closes are where the numbers move from visibility to certainty. The monthly rhythm keeps everything current, but the quarterly close is when financials are finalized, reconciliations are completed, and the results are packaged in a way that leadership, boards, and investors can depend on. Clean Financials Each quarter ends with a full close where key accounts are reconciled, adjustments posted, and the books locked. The result is a consistent non-GAAP package leaders can rely on for internal visibility and decision-making — not external reporting. Board-Level Metrics (7) Management selects seven key metrics aligned with current priorities, set each half-year and carried forward for consistency. With leadership setting the focus areas, reporting highlights what matters most without the noise. Trend Graphs & Visuals (3) Numbers only tell part of the story — visuals bring focus and surface red flags without requiring leadership to dig into every detail. Each quarter, leadership selects three areas to highlight with graphs, making shifts and seasonality clear at a glance. Quarterly closes cut through noise, giving leadership clarity on what’s working, what’s shifting, and what needs attention. The reporting stays consistent, organized, and decision-ready. Once in this phase, the work is provided on a fixed-scope, fixed-price basis going forward. When onboarding begins in the final month of a quarter, there’s a built-in grace period to get systems and reconciliations in order. In that case, the first full quarterly close begins with the next quarter. From there, quarterly metrics and visuals are set in Q1 and Q3, so leadership always gets a consistent first-half and second-half view of the year. Onboarding Schedule You’re the expert at what you do. Let me keep the financials stable so you can keep building. Behind every clean report is one consistent system — built to scale with you, not slow you down. Details Implementation & Cleanup (During Onboarding; Hourly, typically 3–9 months) Before a monthly or quarterly rhythm can hold, the system itself has to be stabilized. Implementation & Cleanup is that window: controller-level work focused on untangling, correcting, and building structure so the numbers can stand on solid ground. This phase is intentionally broad. Within a controller’s scope, it can include: Reconciliations and corrections – fixing balances, clearing errors, and repairing historical records when material issues surface. System stabilization – resolving mapping issues, cleaning up software setups, or refining automations so reporting runs cleanly. Infrastructure setup – documenting policies, tightening controls, and recommending structural adjustments when needed (with management approval and enforcement). Reporting foundation – standardizing templates and cadence so reporting is consistent, reliable, and decision-ready. ERP Conversion stabilization – repairing accounting-side issues from poor ERP conversions (e.g., misaligned accounts, balances, or reporting gaps). This work is limited to financial structure only — not IT development, system coding, or operational process design. The goal is to restore a workable foundation for accounting and reporting; further refinements are handled internally. The scope isn’t endless — it stays within controller-level accounting and process work — but it’s flexible enough to cover what’s required to move the business from shaky to stable. The outcome isn’t audit-ready books, but a foundation strong enough to support fixed-scope, fixed-price work without constant exceptions or rework. Any policy or process adjustments I recommend are limited to controller-level structure. Bookkeeper workflows remain in place unless changes are needed to protect clarity, accuracy, or the integrity of the close. In those cases, adjustments are presented for management approval and must be enforced internally. Most clients complete Implementation in 3–9 months, though the timeline may extend if deeper historical or structural issues surface. Once complete, the system shifts into rhythm: monthly closes, quarterly deliverables, and reporting that leadership can rely on without second-guessing. Any monthly or quarterly closes performed during this Implementation & Cleanup period are also billed hourly until the system is stabilized. Cash Clarity Method™ (for Odoo users only) (Built During Onboarding; Maintained Monthly Afterwards) Standard Odoo reports stop at dashboards — they don’t show where cash actually moved. The Cash Clarity Method™ fills that gap by mapping real cash activity by GL account, giving founders a clear, accurate picture of where money came from, where it went, and what’s left. Built during onboarding and carried forward each month, the Cash Clarity Method™ turns reconciled data into a practical management tool that dashboards alone can’t capture. It’s not designed for auditors or investors — it’s built for founders who need clarity they can actually run the business on. Learn more about the full Cash Clarity Method™ → Monthly Close (Soft Close) (Delivered Monthly) At Brett J. Federer Accounting, the value of monthly updates isn’t just that numbers are refreshed — it’s that the discipline of reconciling every month forces accuracy into the system. By recording material entries monthly, leadership sees financials that stay up to date enough to guide decisions, rather than trailing until quarter-end. This rhythm makes it possible to track trends, measure progress, and spot issues while they’re still small. Because these are soft closes, the books aren’t frozen. That flexibility matters: adjustments can be made if late information surfaces, and refinements can be layered in without rerunning a full quarter. Instead of chasing perfection each month, the focus is on keeping numbers close enough to reality that leadership can make timely, confident calls. Formal financial statements, however, are only issued at quarter-end. And when exceptions are identified during the monthly process — whether a variance, an unusual entry, or a compliance red flag — they’re surfaced directly rather than buried in a future quarterly package. This way, issues are addressed in stride, not discovered after they’ve already compounded. The result is a cycle that keeps books reliably current, creates space for refinement, and steadily builds the foundation needed for the quarterly close to deliver with accuracy and finality. System Efficiency Refinements (Reviewed Monthly — Implemented When Needed) Small refinements are built into the monthly close to keep systems lean and reliable. When bottlenecks, outdated steps, or automation opportunities are identified, they’re folded in to improve accuracy and consistency — without waiting for a separate project. Refinements apply only to the processes I own directly. If it’s part of the monthly close I handle, I’ll refine it as we go. If it belongs to another role (like bookkeeping, compliance, or systems outside the close), it’s scoped separately. These adjustments are limited in scope but add up over time, creating faster closes, clearer reporting, and fewer distractions — while staying within defined guardrails. By embedding continuous improvement into the package, you get a process that strengthens steadily, without extra projects or unexpected scope creep. Quarterly Close (Hard Close) (Delivered Quarterly – Internal use only; non-GAAP) Each quarter, Brett J. Federer Accounting provides an organized, repeatable set of financial reports prepared from reconciled records, focusing on the accounts that most materially impact clarity and decision-making. They’re structured enough to be repeatable, yet flexible enough to highlight what matters without drowning you in unnecessary detail. Where the monthly close provides speed and visibility, the quarterly close delivers structure and clarity. Balance Sheet A management-level snapshot of assets, liabilities, and equity in one place, prepared from reconciled records. Provided for internal reference only, not as a representation of financial position. Profit & Loss (2x) Includes two current-year views: year-to-date and month-over-month. Together, they let you track performance trends, spot swings early, and see progress without digging into raw entries. Cash Flow Statement Breaks down the movement of cash across operations, investments, and financing — compared month over month — to illustrate how historical money moved during the period. Additional Note: These reports are prepared from the records provided and are not intended to detect fraud, errors, or irregularities. While I do not perform audit or review procedures, if something unusual is identified during preparation it will be communicated promptly. Together, the monthly and quarterly cycles create a balanced rhythm: monthly closes keep decisions fast and consistent, while quarterly closes provide the structural depth to move forward with confidence. These reports form the backbone of your internal reporting process. Board-Level Metrics (7) (Delivered Quarterly) Quarterly reporting is where raw numbers turn into insight. A well-chosen set of metrics gives leadership a sharper view of the business, showing not just what happened but whether performance is holding steady, improving, or showing signs of strain. These aren’t canned dashboards or generic KPIs — they’re selected by management to reflect the company’s actual goals, ensuring the lens is always tied to what matters most. What’s included: Seven Board-Level Metrics Leadership selects seven metrics that best align with current priorities. These remain consistent within each half of the year to keep results comparable and reliable. Additional Note: If leadership requests a metric outside the financials I generate, it can be calculated using the inputs provided. However, no reliance is placed on those figures since the underlying sources have not been validated — they are reported as calculated values only. Quarterly reporting is not about producing more pages — it’s about discipline and focus. By distilling performance into a limited set of signals, leadership can see what’s stable, what’s changing, and where action may be needed. To protect comparability, chosen metrics remain fixed for half-year periods. Leadership can review and adjust them twice a year, after Q1 and after Q3, if priorities shift. Trend Graphs & Visuals Trend Graphs & Visuals (3) (Delivered Quarterly) Visuals have a way of cutting through numbers, making trends impossible to ignore. Instead of overwhelming leadership with dashboards, the Financial Clarity Package limits graphs to three per quarter — chosen by leadership to reflect current priorities. This restraint turns each graph into a clear signal, rather than background noise, and keeps reporting useful even as markets shift or AI tools churn out endless charts. How they work Three graphs are included each quarter Leadership selects the focus areas Selections are refreshed at Q1 and Q3 closes Recommended to keep choices consistent so trends build a stronger data story over time Additional details Graphs are only produced when there is enough history to provide clarity. Custom graphs require at least two data points and are shown on a forward-looking basis only (no backfilling). If a chosen graph has just one data point, it is replaced with a default graph drawn from the face of the financials. Default graphs may include a 12-month backfill, provided the data is clean. The default set includes: Revenue (total) by month Cash (total) by month Gross Profit by month Operating Expenses (total) by month Net Income (total) by month These defaults ensure leadership always receives clear, continuity-driven visuals each quarter. This approach turns visuals into a disciplined signal layer: consistent enough to track trends, flexible enough to adapt priorities, and lean enough to avoid noise. Leaders see a clear story quarter after quarter, supported by defaults that guarantee continuity even when new metrics don’t yet have history. In an era where AI tools can flood dashboards with endless charts, this structure keeps reporting focused, comparable, and decision-ready. Pricing & Terms I believe in clean numbers — and clean pricing. Implementation & Onboarding Recurring Services $175/Hour Temporary price until books are stable enough for recurring services (Typically: 3–9 months) $3,000/ Month Simple Clients Fixed Cost, Fixed Scope OR $4,000/ Month Complex Clients Fixed Cost, Fixed Scope The not-so-‘Fine Print’ Additional terms may be outlined in your Engagement Agreement, which governs in the event of any conflict. 🔹 Cash Clarity Method™ The Cash Clarity Method™ is available only for clients on Odoo. It is built and customized during the hourly onboarding phase at the agreed hourly rate. If requested after onboarding, the buildout becomes a separate, one-time project with its own scope and fee, billed outside of the monthly package. 🔹 Simple vs. Complex? Your price is determined by a clear checklist — not a judgment call. Simple: 0–1 boxes checked of 10 → $3,000/month. Complex: 2–5 boxes checked of 10 → $4,000/month. Super Complex: 6-10 boxes checked of 10 → Custom Price Designed only for rare outliers that meet nearly all criteria. Pricing is determined based on your needs and structure. See the full checklist here → 🔹 Onboarding Billing Standards: All onboarding work is billed in 30-minute increments, rounded up. Maximum of 10 billable hours per client per day. Time is summarized at a high level (e.g., policy setup, workflow testing, documentation) to keep invoices clear and predictable. 🔹 Billing & Payment Terms: In the transition month, two invoices will be issued — one for final onboarding hours and one for the first fixed monthly package. Hourly onboarding is billed monthly, after the work is completed. Fixed monthly packages are billed at the start of each month, for the month ahead. Payment is due within 15 days (Net 15). Services may be paused for non-payment. Onboarding is temporary by design. Transition to a fixed monthly package is the standard once books are stable. Extension beyond the 3–9 month goal is rare and determined at my discretion. 🔹 Annual Rate Adjustment: Rates increase 5% every 12 months of billing to keep pace with inflation and system upkeep. The 12-month cycle begins with your first invoice (onboarding counts toward the 12 months). No surprises — just a steady way to protect value on both sides. 🔹 Client Responsibility: Clients are expected to provide timely cooperation and access to records. Delays may extend onboarding, but if information is withheld to prolong hourly billing, services will be paused. Persistent delays or unresponsiveness may result in paused service or early termination. 🔹 If it's Not for You: Services may be canceled by either party at any time — no advance notice is required. The full monthly rate is billed for the month in which cancellation occurs — the fee is not prorated or discounted, regardless of cancellation date. A termination fee equal to one month’s service is also charged upon exit — this is separate from your final month’s billing. Discounts Discounts For Hospitality Founders Cash flow in hospitality can swing wildly — strong bookings one month, followed by steep payroll, supply, or vendor outflows the next. Founders often operate with great intuition but little structure around how money is actually moving. That’s where controller-grade financial discipline adds stability without slowing down your business. I offer a reduced onboarding rate of $150/hour (normally $175/hour) for aligned operators in the hospitality space — including: Boutique hotels or inns Luxury vacation rentals Design-forward short-term rentals Founder-led retreat properties Experience-based lodging concepts Upscale hospitality startups still in early or growth stages Intimate or design-led wedding venues with a clear brand and elevated guest experience While I don’t specialize in hospitality yet, I’m selectively building experience through aligned client work. The discount reflects that focus. The standards don’t change. This offer doesn’t apply to landlords, REITs, AirBnB operators, restaurants, or CapEx-heavy real estate portfolios (i.e. real estate investors, developers, or property operators). Note: This discount cannot be combined with Early Client Pricing but follows the same structure. Early Client Pricing Reserved for the first two aligned clients. To mark the firm’s launch, I’m offering an early onboarding rate for the first two aligned clients: $150/hour (normally $175/hour) Onboarding (Hourly): $150/hour for early clients. Continues until books are stable for recurring services (typically 3–9 months). All work during onboarding — including closes, reporting, refinements — is billed hourly at this rate. Savings of $25/hour can add up, especially in longer or more complex onboardings. Transition: After onboarding, standard recurring pricing begins. No discounts apply to monthly services. This offer is limited to the first two clients only — all others will begin at standard pricing All services and deliverables remain the same — this is simply a thank-you for being early. 🔹 How it works: Build Structure That Frees You. I’ve designed this system for founders who want clean, consistent financials and the confidence to make decisions without second-guessing. ——— If that’s what you’re building toward, I’m here. Phone (805) 410-8647 Email Brett@BrettJFedererAccounting.com Connect LinkedIn Book a Call

  • Services | Brett J Federer Accounting

    I build clean, controller-grade financial systems for growing companies — from monthly reporting to one-time cleanup, policy builds, and process design. Calm. High-level. Clear direction. Structure Over Chaos. Clarity Over Complexity. Most founders don’t realize they need a Controller — until the numbers stop making sense, even with a bookkeeper in place. That’s where I come in. I run the close, build clean internal reporting, and surface what matters financially — without pulling you into the weeds. Policy design, ledger cleanup, and control structure are all available — but only when scoped intentionally as a special project. The core service stays calm and focused — so your systems scale without chaos, noise, or constant handholding. Who This Is For Funded or bootstrapped startups or scaling businesses Teams with an in-house bookkeeper or Accounts Payable Specialist Founders tired of double-checking everything Businesses that need financial clarity — not dashboards, coaching, or chaos Who This Is Not For Overly cost-sensitive founders Teams still building basic operations or AR/AP Businesses looking for tax prep, CFO guidance, or coaching Anyone hoping for full-stack finance — that’s not what I do Why a Controller — and Why Now? Most founders don’t realize the real problems start after bookkeeping is in place. The numbers technically tie, but nothing feels clear. A controller bridges that gap — turning data into structure, surfacing what actually matters, and ensuring financial signals don’t get lost in the noise. It’s not about adding meetings or dashboards. It’s about building a system that runs quietly in the background so your team isn’t flying blind or buried in chaos. This isn’t tax. It’s not coaching. It’s not CFO strategy. It’s structure — and structure is what scales. The Structure Behind the Service Structure Comes First Before anything else, structure comes first. That means one consistent close, organized reports, and financials you can trust month to month. I build structure into the financials — not your team’s workflows. You keep operating as usual — though I may request adjustments if something impacts clarity, accuracy, or the integrity of the close. Every Client, Same Foundation Every client receives the same Financial Clarity Package — built around a consistent monthly and quarterly cadence. This structure ensures you always know what’s changing, what matters, and what’s stable — without the noise. Monthly (Soft Close): Management-level soft close for visibility. Provides directional clarity, but not a full close. These numbers are for management use only and may be adjusted at the quarterly hard close. Quarterly (Hard Close): Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss (2x: YTD and MoM), and Cash Flow Statement (historical only). Reporting is consolidated into a structured quarterly view, giving leadership a reliable big-picture snapshot each quarter. Board-Level Metrics (7): Leadership selects seven metrics, fixed for six months (revisited after Q1 and Q3). This consistency keeps results comparable. Metrics outside the financials I prepare can be calculated from inputs provided, but are not validated. Trend Graphs (3): Three graphs are delivered each quarter, with focus areas set for each half-year (refreshed after Q1 and Q3). Custom graphs are forward-only and require at least two data points; if only one is available, I’ll substitute a graph from my default set. See the default set here → System Efficiency Refinements: Small refinements are included in the monthly close when they fall inside my scope (like tightening a process I directly own). If refinements touch other roles (bookkeeping, compliance, or systems outside the close), they’re scoped separately as add-on projects. All reports are prepared for internal management use only. They are non-GAAP, not audit or review, not a representation of financial position, and not designed to detect fraud or irregularities. What’s Not Included Income tax services Bookkeeping / AR / AP Forecasting / CFO-level work Coaching These aren’t gaps — they’re guardrails. They let me focus on what I do best: giving founders financial structure that holds up under pressure. For Hospitality Founders I offer a reduced onboarding rate of $150/hour (normally $175/hour) for aligned operators in the hospitality space. While I don’t specialize in this area yet, I’d like to — and this discount reflects that focus. The standards don’t change, but the rate applies only to the onboarding hourly period and is subject to availability. See full details here → Where You Can Go From Here Your foundation — clean financials, structured reporting, and clarity you can rely on month to month. The Cash Clarity Method is designed to fill the gap in the standard Odoo reporting packages and is thus only available to Odoo users. Financial Clarity Package Cash Clarity Method Once you’re on the monthly cycle, structure can scale further. These projects can then be added as needed to strengthen policies, rebuild systems, or streamline processes: General Support Projects Rebuilds & Policies Projects Process Optimization Projects Build Structure That Frees You. I’ve designed this system for founders who want clean, consistent financials and the confidence to make decisions without second-guessing. ——— If that’s what you’re building toward, I’m here. Phone (805) 410-8647 Email Brett@BrettJFedererAccounting.com Connect LinkedIn Learn More

  • About | Brett J Federer Accounting

    I built this firm for founders who want financial structure that lasts — not just fixes. Calm, clear, and quietly built to hold. Where financial structure becomes lasting stability. Read More The Architect Behind the Calm I'm Brett J. Federer — a CPA, former Controller, and the founder of a firm designed for startups that have moved past the scramble but aren’t ready for a CFO. I built Brett J. Federer Accounting for a specific kind of founder: The kind who wants clarity without the noise, structure without the overhead, and confidence in their numbers without having to double-check the math themselves. You’ve got a bookkeeper. You don’t need hand-holding. What you need is clean, accurate internal use financials and someone who can quietly build the systems that keep your business stable as you scale. That’s where I come in. Built for Founders Past the Scramble I work with startups and scaling businesses that have traction — funded or bootstrapped — who’ve outgrown basic bookkeeping and need true financial oversight. This was built for founders who: Have an in-house bookkeeper or AP specialist Are growing fast enough to feel financial blind spots Don’t need a full-stack finance team — just structure that holds If your financials feel messy even though the work is "getting done," you're not alone. That gap between what’s entered and what’s actually useful is real — and it’s what I’m built to fix. Financial Clarity Without the Overhead I'm not a CFO. I don’t lead fundraising calls, build board decks, or sit in on exec meetings. I also don't just track transactions and move on. I sit squarely in the middle — where clean structure lives. What I bring: Monthly soft close for management visibility Full quarterly hard close (Balance Sheet, P&L (2x), and historical-only Cash Flow Statement) Clear, consistent reporting without bloated dashboards Cash flow reporting that illustrates historical movement of funds — for clarity, not forecasting A system you can rely on — not a spreadsheet held together with duct tape All reports are prepared for internal management use only. They are non-GAAP, not audit or review, not a representation of financial position, and not designed to detect fraud or irregularities. You’ll never wonder if something got skipped. You’ll know it’s done — organized, structured, and on time. Why Founders Trust Me When it comes to numbers, trust doesn’t come from a pitch — it comes from process. I’ve spent over a decade designing systems, closing books, and catching issues before they explode. Founders trust me because: I don’t overcomplicate what should be simple I quietly own the close — no chasing, no micromanaging I build reports that show what matters, not what looks fancy I respect their time, their headspace, and their bandwidth You won’t get flooded with calls or dumped with dashboards. You’ll get calm, clarity-driven signals you can actually act on. Why I Built This Firm I didn’t start this firm just to work for myself. I started it because after years in the trenches, I knew exactly which parts of the job were worth carrying forward — and which ones I was done with. What I kept are the pieces that actually move the business forward: organized internal reporting, historical cash flow visibility, and financial systems that hold under pressure. That’s what this firm is built around. I learned that clarity the hard way. At a high-growth, AI (Artificial Intelligence)-powered Software as a Service (SaaS) and Robotics as a Service (RaaS) startup that raised through Series C and C‑1 rounds, I ran the entire accounting stack solo — from accounts payable and receivable to payroll accounting, bank reconciliations, sales tax filings, revenue recognition (ASC 606), forecasting, audit prep, and investor reporting. I’ve been the one tying it all together, often with limited tools and high expectations. Before that, I was operating at the enterprise scale — a global food company with teams across North America and around the world. That’s where I built and implemented a fully paperless accounting system, taking over 40 employees digital across all North American locations using a framework I designed and rolled out myself — a shift the team came to call “Brett’s Paperless Project. I’ve been in the weeds, across industries, and under pressure. Deep enough to know what breaks — and what holds. And now, I focus on building what holds. Structure now. Freedom later. Focused by Design The reason this model works is it’s built with boundaries. This model intentionally excludes: Income tax services Bookkeeping Accounts Recievable / Accounts Payable Forecasting / CFO-level work Coaching These aren’t gaps — they’re guardrails. They let me focus on what I do best: giving founders financial structure that holds up under pressure. Beyond the Numbers I’m not here to scale an empire. I work with a select group of founders at a time — because clarity dies in chaos. I live in a place that’s dry and hot most of the year — but I’ve always felt most at peace surrounded by trees, or near the ocean. There’s something about being in nature that re-centers me. It's quiet. Structured. Honest. It’s why I love Maui, especially Wailea. It’s why I’m drawn to spas, forests, and anything that slows the world down. That longing for calm isn’t just personal — it’s what shaped this firm. Every system I build is meant to create that same feeling: space, clarity, and confidence you can breathe in. Request a Call

  • Contact | Brett J Federer Accounting

    Ready to see if it’s a fit? Share a bit about your business and I’ll follow up with next steps. Contact Me Have questions or need financial clarity? Whether you’re looking for structured reporting, streamlined processes, or controller-level insights, I’m here to help. Fill out the form below, and I’ll get back to you soon. Brett@BrettJFedererAccounting.com (805) 410-8647 | Linkedin First Name Last Name Company Email What accounting software do you use? * Xero Odoo NetSuite Quickbooks Online Quickbooks Desktop Other (Please explain below) Do you already have a bookkeeper or equivalent? * Yes No We're hiring one Other (Please explain below) Key Pain Points You're Hoping to Resolve What prompted you to reach out? Send Thanks for submitting! Opening Hours Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 9:30 am – 5:00 pm PST 9:30 am – 5:00 pm PST 9:30 am – 5:00 pm PST 9:30 am – 5:00 pm PST 9:30 am – 5:00 pm PST Available Earlier Upon Request

  • General Support Projects | Brett J Federer Accounting

    Flexible, project-based accounting services — including ad-hoc retainers, short-term accounting support, and monthly historical forecast syncing to keep your financials accurate and current. General Support Projects These projects are designed to extend the structure already in place. They’re only available once you’re on the monthly cycle, where the foundation is stable, and at that point they’re scoped separately as add-ons. If something similar is needed during onboarding, I can build it then — but it’s billed hourly as part of implementation, not as a standalone project. Start Now Ad-Hoc Retainer Flexible by design. Structured by default. Start Now Short-Term Accounting Support Bridging gaps without losing structure. Start Now Sync Historicals Into Your Forecast Historical forecast kept current monthly. Build Structure That Frees You. I’ve designed this system for founders who want clean, consistent financials and the confidence to make decisions without second-guessing. ——— If that’s what you’re building toward, I’m here. Phone (805) 410-8647 Email Brett@BrettJFedererAccounting.com Connect LinkedIn Learn More

  • Accounting Policy Architecture | Brett J Federer Accounting

    I design custom accounting policies for complex areas like revenue, inventory, and amortization — structured clearly, documented cleanly, and built to last. For complex areas like Revenue Recognition (ASC 606), Inventory Costing, Amortization of specialized assets (e.g., robotics, R&D), internal controls (e.g., P-Card and expense systems), or other technical accounting topics, this project delivers a formally documented accounting policy with tested logic and structured support for internal or external review — built to fit your real operations, not just theory. Phase 1: Policy Testing, Drafting Scope & Pricing These projects are designed to extend the structure already in place. They’re only available once you’re on the monthly cycle, where the foundation is stable. At that point, this project is billed as a fixed add-on at $6,000 per policy. If something similar is needed during onboarding, it can be built then — but it’s billed hourly as part of implementation, not as a standalone project. Policies are structured under GAAP guidance, with materiality considerations appropriate for the client’s operations, as allowed under GAAP's materiality standards. This is a management-owned policy. Final approval and interpretation remain with your internal team or auditor. All work is performed based on the information available at the time of drafting. Policy development is based solely on the information and operational structure provided during drafting. Anticipated or future changes outside of this scope are not incorporated unless explicitly discussed and agreed upon during the time of drafting. Accounting Policy Architecture What’s Included Testing based on a reasonable sample of your actual transactions and workflows to ensure the policy fits real-world scenarios Full population testing or extensive variations may be billed hourly. Iterative draft development and management review opportunities throughout the process. Policy documentation scoped to your GL and workflows. Targeted meetings with management or internal finance to refine the draft. Delivery of a fully tested policy draft that is ready for internal or external sign-off. What’s Not Included Support for external audit or board approval processes after delivery (billed separately — see Phase 2). Policy implementation work (handled separately in Phase 3). Forecasting or scenario modeling related to the policy implementation Ongoing revisions after final delivery unless related to a material correction requested within 30 days. Updates required due to business model changes, new transactions, or operational shifts after draft delivery Concludes Upon Delivery of a fully tested policy draft — prepared through an iterative review process and ready for internal sign-off. Though formal sign-off is not required for Phase 1 to conclude. Material corrections (errors or misinterpretations relative to the agreed scope) are included at no additional cost if requested within 30 days of delivery. In the event formal sign-off is delayed or not obtained, my role concludes upon draft delivery. Note: All policies remain management-owned. My role is to support testing, structure, and implementation based on agreed-upon scope; final approval and interpretation remain the responsibility of your internal team and/or auditor. Phase 2: Audit / Board Support & Adjustments Scope & Pricing These projects are designed to extend the structure already in place. They’re only available once you’re on the monthly cycle, where the foundation is stable. At that point, this project is billed at $200 per hour. If something similar is needed during onboarding, it can be built then — but it’s billed hourly as part of implementation, not as a standalone project. Covers support related to formal external sign-off processes, including presentation prep, audit support, and post-meeting revisions directly tied to the Phase 1 policy draft. This is limited support based on the Phase 1 draft — not a full redrafting or re-scoping engagement. All work is performed based on the information and operational structure available at the time of Phase 1 delivery. Policy development is based solely on the information and operational structure provided during drafting. Anticipated or future changes outside of this scope are not incorporated unless explicitly discussed and agreed upon during the time of drafting. What’s Included Presentation preparation and formatting support related to the Phase 1 policy (if needed). Attendance and hands-on assistance during board meetings, audit calls, or external review discussions related to the Phase 1 policy (upon request). Post-meeting revisions tied directly to the Phase 1 policy draft. What’s Not Included Creation of new or materially different policy drafts beyond Phase 1 scope (requires a new engagement). Retroactive adjustment for business model changes, new transactions, or operational shifts not reflected in Phase 1 drafting. Ongoing support after scoped Phase 2 deliverables are completed, unless separately re-engaged. Forecasting or scenario modeling related to the policy implementation. Updates required due to business model changes, new transactions, or operational shifts after draft delivery. Concludes Upon Completion of requested external support services (e.g., board presentation, audit discussions, post-meeting revisions) related to the Phase 1 policy. If 30 consecutive days pass without material activity toward external sign-off after the last support service was provided, support services will conclude unless a re-engagement is agreed upon. I will make reasonable efforts to provide a courtesy reminder as the 30-day mark approaches. Phase 3: Implementation Scope & Pricing These projects are designed to extend the structure already in place. They’re only available once you’re on the monthly cycle, where the foundation is stable. At that point, this project is billed as a fixed add-on at $3,500 per policy. If something similar is needed during onboarding, it can be built then — but it’s billed hourly as part of implementation, not as a standalone project. Covers the application of the Phase 1 policy draft into your systems, including journal entries, reconciliations, and workbook configuration based on available historical data. Support is limited to the finalized Phase 1 policy — no re-scoping or new policy development is included. All work is performed based on the information and operational structure available at the time of Phase 1 delivery. Policy application is based solely on finalized Phase 1 documentation. Changes to business models, systems, or operational structures after Phase 1 may require a new engagement. What’s Included Journal entries and reconciliations tied to the finalized Phase 1 policy (including any adjustments made during Phase 2, if applicable). Workbook buildout or configuration aligned to the Phase 1 documentation (if applicable). Limited to application of up to 24 months of historical adjustments (if needed). Internal walk-through to explain setup and usage, if requested. Support with system tagging, mappings, or basic logic reconfiguration as needed to apply the finalized Phase 1 policy, if required. Including any adjustments made during Phase 2, if applicable What’s Not Included Creation of new or materially different policies (requires a new engagement). Forecasting, projections, or scenario modeling beyond historical application. Retroactive adjustment for business model changes, new transactions, or operational shifts not reflected in the finalized Phase 1 policy. Ongoing maintenance or future updates to reconciliations, journal entries, or workbooks after delivery. Concludes Upon Completion and posting of all scoped journal entries and reconciliations tied to the finalized Phase 1 policy. Including any adjustments made during Phase 2, if applicable. If 30 consecutive days pass without material client-side activity related to this policy (e.g., data sharing, system access, necessary feedback), support services will conclude unless a re-engagement is agreed upon. Note: All policies remain management-owned. My role is to support testing, structure, and implementation based on agreed-upon scope; final approval and interpretation remain the responsibility of your internal team and/or auditor. Build Structure That Frees You. I’ve designed this system for founders who want clean, consistent financials and the confidence to make decisions without second-guessing. ——— If that’s what you’re building toward, I’m here. Phone (805) 410-8647 Email Brett@BrettJFedererAccounting.com Connect LinkedIn Learn More

  • Ad-Hoc Retainer | Brett J Federer Accounting

    Need help outside the monthly scope? This optional retainer covers ad-hoc support — billed hourly, clearly scoped, and only when needed. Because not every system fix fits in a box This project exists to support one-off needs that extend the structure already in place — not to replace staff or take on ongoing operations. It offers flexible access to controller-level support without requiring a new engagement for every request. Scope & Pricing This project is only available once you’re on the monthly cycle, where the foundation is stable. At that point, it’s billed separately at the rates shown here. If a similar cleanup is required during onboarding, it will be addressed then — billed hourly as part of implementation, not as a standalone project. $1,000/month retainer for 5 hours Hours are scoped in advance and tracked internally Unused hours do not roll over from month to month Requests estimated over 5 hours are scoped separately as flat-fee projects Ad-Hoc Retainer What’s Typically Covered Formatting or refining internal reporting for board-readiness (non-GAAP) Adding a custom metric or graph to monthly insights One-off support during bookkeeper transitions (not training or management) Reviewing a vendor or platform transition Other one-off requests aligned with controller-level responsibilities What’s Not Included Consolidated financial reporting or entity-level rollups Interim controller duties or embedded support Any recurring operations ownership or staffing backfill Any onsite work (this service is 100% remote) Anything that is already covered in a different Project or service Projects That Require Separate Scoping Insurance renewal packages, responses, or Request For Information (RFIs) Note: I do not advise on coverage levels, policy terms, or insurance decisions — and I do not sign off on any policies. Multi-entity control framework builds Internal audit prep or controls testing templates Rebuilding approval logic or paperless workflows Other one-off requests aligned with controller-level responsibilities that are estimated to be over 5 hours per month. Build Structure That Frees You. I’ve designed this system for founders who want clean, consistent financials and the confidence to make decisions without second-guessing. ——— If that’s what you’re building toward, I’m here. Phone (805) 410-8647 Email Brett@BrettJFedererAccounting.com Connect LinkedIn Learn More

bottom of page