Real People, Real Solutions, that’s our guarantee at Fortiviti. As the business landscape has changed and more and more companies are turning to technology and AI to provide services, Fortiviti has continued to stick by this guarantee. Yes, we work to create efficiencies, and yes, we use technology and automation. However, we do all this while you still get to work with a real person. You have a direct contact. You know who is handling your account.

As the news broke of the company Bench.co shutting down last week, I was reminded of our guarantee and why we serve our clients the way we do. Every client of Fortiviti is assigned to a CFO or controller to manage their business finances. Controllers schedule weekly calls with their clients and monthly financial reviews. We provide real people and real solutions, so our clients can focus on their business growth. We become a part of our clients’ teams. We invest in learning the industry, understanding the customers, and implementing systems to provide better service. This dedicated service, investment in our people, and implementation of systems requires a higher fee level than other providers, but also allows us to provide a higher level of service. When Bench.co was first entering the accounting scene, they were offering bookkeeping for $8 per hour. As a professional accountant it was obvious to me that this was too good to be true. But, it’s not always easy to see the value of a good accounting service until you experience the disruption of poor service. We have had many prospects over the years that have requested a proposal of services, decide that the cost is too prohibitive, and then return a year later with a bigger mess to clean up due to the cheaper service that they contracted with. While it is understandable that cost is a factor in any business decision, it should not be the only factor. When contracting with any service provider, make sure you know what you’re getting, how you access your business data, and who you’re working with.

 

Nothing is more stressful for a business owner than to realize that your books are a mess, you have no access to your information, AND, it’s tax time!! After the initial news broke, Bench.co has since been acquired by Employer.com, but the disruption creates stress and unease for Bench customers. At Fortiviti, we understand this apprehension, which is why we’re offering a free 2024 close out to any former Bench customers who sign on as a Fortiviti client by January 31^st.  If you’re looking for a real accounting solution, with real people, who strive for not just efficiency, but accuracy, relevancy, and consistency, reach out today.  

 

Written by: Shauna Huntington