These weren't good accountants for me in the couple of years I used their services. They didn?t give guidance ? not even a reminder about quarterlies! They are inefficient and behind the times and finally, they were UNPROFESSIONAL.
#1) NO GUIDANCE: This January, a few days after quarterlies were due, something reminded me about quarterlies, when contacted I find out that they had sent the quarterly info with my regular financials through the postal service several months before and assumed I'd see it. This was not typical nor expected and no, we didn?t notice it. They were rude with a member of my staff, asking her if we open our mail. (In fact, we often don't since ALL our bills are viewed and paid online. They were fully aware of our preference for online communication but hey, I completely dropped it. I should know when quarterlies are due.)
#2) BEHIND THE TIMES AND EXPENSIVE: They hand enter everything which is inefficient ? with guaranteed errors versus importing csv files for example. All my accounting data was given to me as pdf files and I was told they are unable to convert it to csv files ? something I frankly do not believe. They may not know how but it is possible and it?s MY DATA. Finally, the cost seemed pretty dang high too but I guess if they are taking my bank data and printing it out and then re-entering it into their program... that could take some time.
#3) ZERO PROFESSIONAL COURTESY WHEN DISMISSED: Once I politely and carefully told them I was switching to an accountant with more familiarity with eCommerce, the ONLY subsequent communication was to ask for the money I owed them. That's it. I was told once I paid, that they would mail the return to me and I should sign it and return it to them so they can file it electronically. My new accountant alerted me to the fact that my corporate return was due 3/15 (silly me I thought all returns were due in April but hey, I'm not an accountant!) It was suggested that I have Mullins & Timmerman file an extension to give the new accountants time to look over it. I then found out to my horror they had filed it electronically the day before it was due and ***WITHOUT*** MY KNOWLEDGE NOR MY SIGNATURE, explaining, ""Being that today is the 14th and you had paid via telephone, we went ahead and filed the return this afternoon at 4pm as we figured you filed the envelope away and forgot to bring the electronic filing form back to us."" Yes, that's a quote from an email from Mullin's & Timmermann. I think this is a big no no but hey, I'm not an accountant! They have not explained why it had to be filed a day early, without my knowledge or permission when I have been one phone call or email away the entire time. In response to my new accountant?s suggestion to, ""Have them give you 1st quarter estimate amount as well as an extension payment amount to cover you. All of the data is in their system and should be easy for them to turn around. Then I will take over for 2nd quarter etc."" they wrote, ""Once your new CPA ""picks it apart"" she will have to file an amended return. She can also prepare your extensions for your personal and trust return and calculate the estimate that you need.""
IT WAS A GOOD DECISION TO LEAVE I FOUND: I wasn?t certain it was a good idea to change accountants? I liked the girls I talked with there (I rarely spoke to Mr. Mullin?s) and everyone makes mistakes sometimes right? At least now I know without a doubt that it was a good decision to change accountants! I?m just sorry they had to be like this. I don?t understand why it couldn?t have been a smooth transition ? everyone has their strengths and weaknesses and trust me, Mullin?s and Timmermann know NOTHING about eCommerce businesses.
more