Sterck Kulik O'Neill Accounting Group, Inc. Frequently Asked Questions

(415) 433-4500
150 Post Street, Suite 350
San Francisco, CA 94108
Geoffrey Kulik (L) and Charles Sterck are directors at Sterck Kulik O’Neill Accounting Group.
Q: Do you charge for initial consultations?
A: "No. At our initial session, we’ll talk with you to determine your needs and figure out how we can best help you fulfill them. You’ll be offered an engagement letter that details the work we’ll do and its estimated price before you incur any costs."
Q: Do you insist on handling all aspects of my company’s accounting?
A: "No. We believe it’s best for one firm to handle all your company’s accounting needs, but often a client will call us for a specific job, like tax preparation or handling succession issues for a family business that’s being turned over to the children."
Q: Can you work with my company if our goal isn’t growth?
A: "Yes, we want to help you achieve ‘financial success’ however you define it. For example, if you’re a family business and don’t want to take on the increased workload that comes with growth, that’s fine. We’ll work with you to help you maintain your current level of revenue without increasing your personal workload."
Q: Can you help my company with strategic planning?
A: "Absolutely. We can help clarify your company’s identity and assist with vision sessions to align your staff toward your business goals."
Q: How do you keep in touch with your clients throughout the year?
A: "We ask our clients to call us throughout the year anytime they have questions. We’re happy to discuss their financial issues with them and we don’t charge them for these short conversations."
Q: I recently received a letter from the IRS. What should I do?
A: "First, carefully read the letter so you know exactly what you’re dealing with. Some letters from the IRS bring good news—they could be giving you money back because you made a mathematical error. Other messages are meant to correct your errors and ask for a small check. Even if the IRS says they’re going to do a full-blown audit of your tax return, it’s very important to read the notice immediately so you don’t miss any deadlines. When you don’t respond to the IRS, they act on the worst-case scenario."
Q: Can I talk confidentially with a Certified Public Accountant?
A: "CPAs have an ethical responsibility to keep your financial, business and personal information private. Our firm doesn’t even provide the names of our clients without first receiving their permission."
Q: Will I work with the same accountant throughout the year?
A: "Most of our clients work with the same team members throughout the year to ensure continuity and good communication. However, if your CPA is on vacation or otherwise unavailable, other professionals in our firm are happy to help. Our whole team is dedicated to the satisfaction of every client."