Author Archive

Our Discounted Business Forms

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September 3, 2010 at 2:04 pm

We provide discounted printing services for small businesses, including

Checks, Invoices, and Forms for QuickBooks, Peachtree, RealWorld, Passport, AccPac, Microsoft, and other Business Systems

Computer and Manual Contractor, Proposal, Invoice, and Estimate Forms

Business, Holiday and Christmas Cards

Year End W-2 and 1099 Forms

Visit our online catalog http://desmidtconsulting.btobsource.com

We are currently offering 1000 standard laser / inkjet one part Checks, Invoices, Statements, and Purchase Order Forms for Accounting Software for first time orders for $99. Add a black and white custom logo to most checks and business forms free of charge.

Contact us if you require assistance finding the proper form for you business or software, or if you have questions. We also offer free product samples.

Place your orders online or through the telephone; most orders ship in 3 business days.

Ask us for help – this is what we do.

Visit our website www.desmidtconsulting.com

813-938-3608

Thank you,

Peter DeSmidt,

Business Advisory Services | Tags: accountant, accounting, bradenton, brandon, business consultant, Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, clearwater, controller, desmidt, florida, florida consulting, Peter DeSmidt, quickbooks, QuickBooks Pro Advisor, riverview, sarasota, st petersburg, tampa

Our Training and Support Services

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August 24, 2010 at 7:13 am

As a Microsoft Great Plains Consultant, Microsoft Small Business Manager Consultant, Passport Business Solutions Consultant, Real World Software Consultant, QuickBooks Professional Advisor and Peachtree Account Care Professional, we can provide you with complete training, support and accounting services, allowing you to get the most from your accounting department investment, including:

•Customizing Chart of Accounts
•Designing Financial Statements
•Tracking Vendors and Customers
•Entering Invoices and Processing Payments
•Reconciling Bank Statements
•Handling and Paying Sales Taxes
•Designing and Printing Invoices
•Managing Inventory
•Processing Payroll and Paying Taxes
•Defining Job and Project Cost Elements
•Creating and Customizing Reports
•Using Data Files in Spreadsheets
•Software Configuration
•Customized Small Business Training
•Customized Accounting Software Training

Training can be handled in your office or in a classroom setting. Contact us to discuss different training and support options for your company.

Ask us for help – this is what we do.

Visit our website www.desmidtconsulting.com

813-938-3608

Thank you,

Peter DeSmidt,

Our Consulting and Business Services

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June 28, 2010 at 3:31 pm

Business Consulting

Even the most qualified managers can benefit from competent, objective feedback. We can help your company’s management team develop long-term objectives and specific strategies to facilitate your business’ future growth and success.

We can provide your business with small business consulting, virtual, interim and temporary accounting and CFO services, business and financial planning, CEO and COO support, project management, cost control services, strategic planning, business valuations, business start up advice, lease purchase analysis, and outsourced accounting services.

Supply Chain Consulting

Global studies suggest that many executives rate supply related risks as the top threat to revenue. We can help you minimize risks related to supply interruptions, security threats, weather threats, labor disputes and customer demands.

We instruct our clients on how to identify, manage and monitor supply chain risks resulting in process improvements and improved efficiency.

Strategic Consulting

Strategic planning is a management process for evaluating your current business, determining your strategic direction, and road mapping your strategic plan into practical actions. A strategic plan explains why an organization exists, what it is trying to accomplish, and the tactics it will take to achieve its goals and objectives.

We will develop the business planning and financial modelling necessary to formulate a forward-thinking, evidence-based strategic plan. We can help you develop your strategic direction and then focus on specific actions to put your plan into action.

Risk Management

Risk can be positive when it applies to value creation and risk taking for reward. Let us mitigate your unnecessary risks so you can focus on adding value to your organization.

We utilize the appropriate financial instruments in a timely manner to reduce your credit and market risk. We will use time proven actions to ensure that your company is properly positioned to identify, minimize and manage risk.

Profitability Management

Profitability Management involves integrating the pricing objectives of often conflicting functional areas of the organization into a comprehensive plan to effectively set and capture prices.

We can help you attain the greatest value for your pricing strategy by developing an optimal pricing strategy, implementing effective pricing processes, measuring and controlling price at the transactional level and integrating technology with the processes utilized for your pricing strategy.

Cost Reduction

We implement and expedite cost-savings initiatives for all types of organizations. We combine a data-driven procurement strategy with market proven purchasing techniques to provide significant cost savings to our customers.

We specialize in using financial information to identify those areas of the business that provide the greatest opportunity for expense reduction and cost savings resulting in improved value for the organization.

Policies and Procedures

Many businesses fail because they have the right strategies but are unable to put them into practice because of failures in the processes necessary to implement those strategies. Whether your business processes are broken or in need of improvements we can help you break through your execution problems.

By analyzing existing processes, identifying bottlenecks and redesigning or improving the processes we can significantly reduce costs and improve satisfaction for all stakeholders in your organization.

Systems Consulting

When considering the installation of an accounting software system, you want to be certain to get the one that’s best for your business.

We can provide your business with needs analysis, accounting systems design, chart of accounts design, software selection assistance, software installation, implementation and setup, financial statement design, file conversion, training, support, and guidance.

Management Consulting

We can help your business identify areas negatively affecting profitability and growth and develop solutions that are practical and technically sound. In addition to acting as a sounding board for management, we provide comprehensive, flexible strategies that address the issues affecting your business.

We can provide your business with product line profitability analysis, inventory and purchasing control, employee benefits planning and analysis, operations and office procedure documentation and advisory services.

We have over 40 years of Accounting, Management and Systems experience. Contact us for a free initial telephone consultation to discuss the immediate and long term benefits that we can offer you.

Ask us for help – this is what we do.

Visit our website www.desmidtconsulting.com

813-938-3608

Thank you,

Peter DeSmidt,

Testimonials for DeSmidt Consulting Inc.

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June 17, 2010 at 12:12 pm

“Peter DeSmidt of DeSmidt Consulting Inc. has been extremely useful with his knowledge and expertise in the area of managerial Accounting. His solid understanding of our Accounting software system has helped keep our company going strong in these hard economic times. We would highly recommend him as a reliable addition to your business consultant staff.”

Stuart W.

“Peter DeSmidt of DeSmidt Consulting Inc. provided services to us for a period of 5 years. He has performed all tasks in an efficient and cost effective manner and has always met required timelines and accuracy expected from a professional service provider.”

Ivan B.

“Peter DeSmidt has provided Accounting services to us, on a part time contract basis since 1997. Peter’s strengths include his ability to work with limited supervision, to multi task at an organized and detailed level, to perform research at a comprehensive and thorough level, and to be able to see a project through to completion and on time. We appreciate the services he provides to us.”

Dan G.

“Peter DeSmidt has provided Accounting services to us, on a periodic basis, since 2000. We find Peter to be a reliable, highly organized and detailed oriented Accountant. His primary role as a subcontractor, to our company, was the gathering and analysis of financial data, journal entries, and the preparation of our monthly financial statements. We anticipate using his skills again in the future as the need arises.”

Richard B.

“Peter DeSmidt has been a consultant to us since 1999. We utilized his services often and he was particularly invaluable during our crunch periods. Through his extensive experience, Peter has demonstrated strong analytical skills coupled with a strong knowledge of overall Accounting procedures. He learns quickly, and pays exceptional attention to detail. I recommend Peter’s services to any firm that desires a seasoned Accountant who can make a significant contribution.”

Cynthia F.

“Peter DeSmidt of DeSmidt Consulting Inc. sold us our Accounting software upgrade. He installed the software, did file conversions, set up multi companies and has provided us with telephone, as well as, onsite support. The software is working very well and he appears to have a very good knowledge about our system. We appreciate what he has done for us and will continue use of his services in the future.”

Shirley A.

“I want to take the time to thank you for all of your help over the past weeks. It has been quite a strain to get all of our computers to function properly after the software upgrade, but with your help it has been easier. I cannot thank you enough for your courteous manner and quick response to our every question and difficulty.”

Beth D.

“Last year we recognized a need to upgrade our Accounting and management information systems. Based on your recommendations, which were endorsed by our Accounting firm, we implemented the new software and hardware. We have been extremely pleased with the results. The system performs as planned and fully meets our needs. There have been things which we had to learn which only served to confirm the value of your assistance. You took each item and quickly provided an explanation or solution that worked in every case. Your being available, listening carefully and thinking through each question made the system implementation a real pleasure despite the work. We really know you were part of our team. We look forward to a continuing relationship with DeSmidt Consulting Inc. whenever we need professional help in computer hardware, software, Accounting or management information systems.”

Josiah B.

“Peter DeSmidt of DeSmidt Consulting Inc. sold us our integrated Accounting software. He installed the software and has provided us with requested training and periodic Accounting and systems services. Before, we were using an outside Accounting firm to prepare our monthly financial statements. Through his efforts, he produces our financial statements internally, by our requested completion dates. With this we have saved hundreds of dollars per month and our statements are available approximately ten days sooner that before. We appreciate what he has done for us.“

Michael S.

“This is a note of thanks for all of your help over the past 18 months. We would never have been able to implement our computer Accounting system without your help or being able to consistently produce reliable and timely financial statements. I am an entrepreneur, without an extensive accounting staff and you have provided me with an invaluable service at a very fair price. I will be happy to recommend your company’s service to other small business owners.”

Jim B.

“Peter DeSmidt of DeSmidt Consulting Inc. sold us our Accounting software. He installed the software and has provided us with requested training and periodic Accounting and systems services. The software is working very well and he has a very good working knowledge level about the software. Through his efforts, and in conjunction with our software, he produces our financial statements internally. We appreciate what he has done for us and I would recommend his services to any small business that is seeking to automate their Accounting function.”

J. T. L.

“Peter DeSmidt installed, implemented and set up our financial reports on our software Accounting system. Through his efforts, he has saved us thousands of dollars per month in Accounting time and we are able to produce our financial statements weeks earlier than we were able to do with our previous system. We appreciate what he has done for us.”

Robert D.

Attention Moving and Transportation Company Owners and CEO’s

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June 14, 2010 at 2:07 pm

Are you getting your Financial Statements when you require them ?

Do you receive P&L Projections ? Break Even Analysis ? Statement Of Cash Flows ?

Do you need help with how to set up Storage Billings ? Commissions ? Billing Codes ?

Do you understand your Vehicle Profitability Reports ? Job / Crew Profitability Reports ?

Are you familiar with Compensation Reviews ? Paying Payroll Taxes ?

Do you need help getting ready for next year ? New Software Selection ?

Do you have your Budgets and Forecasts in place for next year ?

Do you need help getting caught up with Bank Reconciliations ?

Are you getting the best insurance coverage for your money ?

Are quotes and estimates being prepared to your satisfaction ?

Are you getting the most from your Microsoft Office software ?

These Are Difficult Times !! We Can Help !!

We have over 40 years of Accounting, Management, and Systems experience; including over 10 years of experience with Moving and Transportation Companies, Moving Software, and QuickBooks and Peachtree systems. We provide Accounting and Controller services, for small businesses, including Moving and Transportation companies. Our Accounting and Controller services can include setting up software hosting, online software, and software internet access.

What’s Available for Moving and Transportation Company Software

There are a variety of Software products available for Moving and Transportation Companies. Each may have a variety of types of features, including, optionally:

Van Line Interfaces

Sales and Bookings

Invoicing and Recurring Invoicing

Employee Management

Job and Operations Scheduling

Payroll Processing

Lead Tracking and Handling

Contact Management

Calendars

Salaries and Commissions

Dispatching

Storage and Storage Billing

Accounting and Financial Statements

Customer Relationship Management

Job Scheduling and Reporting

Claims Management

Estimates and Quotes

Multi Companies

Credit Card Processing

Not all systems provide all services, especially accounting and financial reporting. Some systems are internet based, some client – server based, some systems are subscription based services, some come with hosting options, and some with remote access. Some systems integrate with QuickBooks, or similar, and some do not.

What We Can Do

1 We can meet, and discuss, with you and your staff, to learn what makes your operation run, and how a new system – or your current system – can improve your daily and ongoing operations.

2 We can help you shop for the best software, for your business, by analyzing and critiquing the different products available – and making a recommendation for your business.

3 We can work with the software suppliers on installation, training, support, conversion, history, coverage, and interfaces.

4 As we are a QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor, we can set up, and install a QuickBooks system, if required, for integrating with your moving and transportation software, and provide training, support, and ongoing Accounting and Controller services.

5 We can provide ongoing Accounting, Financial Statement, Payroll and Income Tax support, on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis.

6 We can be your right hand interface – liaison person – focused to get your new or current system off of the ground.

We have over 40 years of Accounting, Management, and Systems experience; including over 10 years of experience with Moving and Transportation Companies, moving software, and QuickBooks and Peachtree systems. Contact us for a free initial telephone consultation to discuss the immediate and long term benefits that we can offer you and your business.

Ask us for help – this is what we do.

Visit our website www.desmidtconsulting.com

813-938-3608

Thank you,

Peter DeSmidt,

Peter DeSmidt is now an Intuit QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor

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June 10, 2010 at 9:43 am

Peter DeSmidt completed his educational requirement and is now an Intuit QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor.

This will provide additional services and skills to his customers and clients.

Small and medium-sized companies that are not in a position to hire a full-time Accountant or Controller are often the companies that would benefit the most from the expertise of an experienced Intuit Certified ProAdvisor Accountant and Controller.

We can take complete responsibility for the financial side of your business, or we can function purely as your part-time Accountant or Controller, managing your existing accounting and bookkeeping staff. Every business and situation is different.

We can work with your accounting and bookkeeping staff, attorneys, bankers, insurance brokers and tax preparers at a fraction of the cost of a full time employee.

Outsourcing your Accounting, to us, will reduce and control your internal operating costs, allow you to gain access to extensive additional capabilities, and allow you to focus on managing your business.

We are seasoned professionals and have the experience, expertise, education and qualifications to be your virtual / on-going Accountant or Controller.

The types of services that we can provide include:

QuickBooks Training, Setup and Support
QuickBooks Payroll Services
Monthly Accounting and Controller Services
Accounts Payable and Receivable Management
Financial Statement Preparation
Cash Flow Analysis and Management
Inventory Management and Control
Fixed Assets Reporting
Bank Reconciliations
Tax Return Preparation
Payroll Tax Compliance
Variance Analysis and Reporting
Activity Based and Job Costing
Revenue and Expense Analysis
Staff Training and Utilization
Business Consulting and Guidance
Accounting Systems and Controls
Financial Analysis and Reporting
Risk Management and Controls
Strategic Planning and Consulting
Cost / Revenue Benefit Analysis
Budget Preparation and Reporting
Financial Forecasting and Modeling
Treasury / Cash Management
Negotiations for Financing and Operations
Reorganizations, Mergers and Acquisitions
Develop and Analyze Business Plans
Software Selection and Implementation
Software Training and Support
Preparation of Policies and Procedures

We are headquartered in the Tampa Bay area; the majority of our work is handled remotely, yet, we are able to talk and work with you on a periodic basis.

We have over 40 years of Accounting, Management and Systems experience. Contact us for a free initial telephone consultation to discuss the immediate and long term benefits that we can offer you.

Ask us for help – this is what we do.

Visit our website www.desmidtconsulting.com

813-938-3608

Thank you,

Peter DeSmidt,

Small Business | Tags: accounting, cfo, controller, employee benefits, employee performance, florida, florida consulting, hire top talent, human resources, interviewing, performance management, Peter DeSmidt, quickbooks, QuickBooks Pro Advisor, tampa

How to hire top talent

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May 13, 2010 at 12:29 pm

As we approach, and continue with the economic rebound – we need to take a close look at our interviewing, hiring and human resources operations. As you review these steps and procedures, evaluate your own company’s hiring processes to see where you stand.

1 Get everyone on the hiring team to agree on what the real needs of the job and the company are.

2 Make your printed and internet job postings more about the career, and future growth, not necessarily compensation.

3 Have your new employee training and orientation program, either formal or informal, in place, before you start your interviewing process.

4 Develop a mentoring system, for the new employee to work with a person, who is not their supervisor.

5 Develop a “success profile” and a “path to success” guide, rather than using a job description.

6 Expand your network and referral program, to put the word out, before you start posting job opening ads.

7 Rather than listing requirements in your job opening ads, focus on describing opportunities within your business.

8 Create a printed performance review and disciplinary procedures manual.

9 Find a reputable company for conducting new employee background checks.

10 Make the interview time definitely worth the candidates’ time.

11 Specifically define the duties of the position, in writing, before you start your job posting process.

12 Make any necessary changes to the workplace and work space before you start your interviewing process.

13 Don’t have too many hands in the recruitment process, as that tends to make the recruitment process too step and sequence oriented.

14 Insure that your job interviewers have sufficient training, and know how, to address performance management and human resource issues, before interviewing new candidates.

15 Insure that your employee benefits are up to industry standards and the levels that you can afford and justify.

Companies that can hire the best and meet the future requirements of the business will be the companies that survive best in these post recession times.

Ask us for help – this is what we do.

Visit our website www.desmidtconsulting.com

813-938-3608

Thank you,

Peter DeSmidt,

Small Business | Tags: Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, customer service, employee benefits, employee performance, employees, florida consulting, performance management, Peter DeSmidt, policies and procedures, quickbooks, QuickBooks Pro Advisor, strategic network, strategic plan, supply chain, tampa

When the economy rebounds, will your small business be ready ?

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November 24, 2009 at 4:48 pm

As we approach the economic rebound – we need to take a close look at our past, current and long term operations.

1 Arrange to upgrade your key employees through education, cross training, performance reviews, mentoring and internal promotions.

2 Develop additional depth in leadership using your key employees.

3 Develop realistic performance expectations, for key positions, before you are required to fill an open position.

4 Insure that your job interviewers have sufficient training, and know how, to address performance management issues, before interviewing new candidates.

5 Insure that your employee benefits are up to industry standards and the levels that you can afford and justify.

6 Bring your policies and procedures books and manuals up to speed on current processes and current thinking.

7 Build your strategic influence network of contacts – including your Accountant, Attorney, Advisors, Technology People and Investors.

8 Insure that you have your supply chain in place, and phase out and replace any vendors that may not be meeting your expectations.

9 Pick up on upgrading customer service and customer satisfaction.

10 Insure that you have your 2010 budget, forecast, and strategic plan in place, now.

Companies that can ramp up operations, to meet upcoming requirements, will be the companies that survive best in the post recession times.

Ask us for help – this is what we do.

Visit our website www.desmidtconsulting.com

813-938-3608

Thank you,

Peter DeSmidt,

2010 business advisory thoughts and tasks

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November 24, 2009 at 3:21 pm

1 Establish policies and procedures before you require them; determine what is needed, get input from your key employees, your accountant, and your professional advisors and consultants. Communicate, review and revise policies and procedures on a regular basis.

2 Define your ideal client – what business is your ideal client in, where are they located, what is their position and role in the organization, what type of person are they, what the problems they want solved are and what is their current situation.

3 Prepare your budget for the new year – start by coming up with a realistic sales revenue target, estimate your cost of goods sold – both percent and dollar amount, forecast fixed expenses and variable expenses, by line item, based upon past history and future anticipation, break the annual budget into quarters and months and input it into your accounting system.

4 Plan for better cash flow – have a budget and a forecast, the forecast is an ongoing revisable tool, keep an eye on and control all spending, push for earlier customer payments, keep inventories to the minimum, consider going without a salary, or deferring payment, to maintain a positive cash flow, add employees cautiously, consider leasing rather than purchasing and sell unnecessary assets.

5 Keep current with employee performance reviews – strive for consistency and fairness, encourage employees to evaluate themselves, be honest and straight forward about poor performance, follow up on performance reviews and always document this communication.

6 Focus on customer service – make a commitment to great customer service, get to know your customers better, make sure that your employees know that effective – efficient customer help is the standard, know your product completely, keep your promises, thank customers for their referrals, don’t lose the personal human touch and protect your existing customer and client base.

7 Strengthen your vendor relationships – consider your vendors as a part of your team, show appreciation for their good customer service, pay on time – and if you can’t then communicate and work with your vendors.

8 Focus on building business, especially in these down times – install or beef up your customer referral programs, get to know all of your customers and know what they purchase, multi task your marketing campaigns and tie in your promotions to the timing of customer requirements.

9 Learn more about your current financial statements, including the statement ratios, inventory turnover, days’ sales outstanding, and the solvency ratios.

10 Consider hiring a business consultant – the answer to your problem and issue may not be obvious, the problem that needs fixing most is not your specialty, the consultant can bring a wealth of expertise, experience and information and the consultant can focus without taking time from your daily workload and tasks.

Ask us for help – this is what we do.

Visit our website www.desmidtconsulting.com

Thank you,

Peter DeSmidt,

Advantages of outsourcing your Accounting utilizing your QuickBooks or Peachtree

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August 23, 2009 at 5:30 pm

Your small and medium-sized company is often not in a position to hire a full-time bookkeeper or an accountant. Your company would benefit the most from the expertise of an experienced Accountant or Controller.

We let your bookkeeper do their work and perform their duties, using QuickBooks Online or QuickBooks Pro or Peachtree or ePeachtree then we perform the Accounting and Controller duties. We can take responsibility for the financial side of your business, or we can function purely as your part-time Accountant and Controller, managing your existing accounting and bookkeeping staff. Every business and situation is different. We can work with your accounting and bookkeeping staff, attorneys, bankers, insurance brokers and tax preparers at a fraction of the cost of a full time employee. We are seasoned professionals and have the experience, expertise, education and qualifications to be your virtual / on-going Accountant or Controller.

As you may be aware, one third of new small businesses fail in the first two years and one half fail within four years. Poor financial management is the main reason most small businesses become failures. Often business owners want to maintain complete control of their business or they are afraid that outsourcing the bookkeeping and accounting functions would be too expensive, or both.

You need to realize that outsourcing the bookkeeping and accounting functions can save you both time and money. This will also allow you to focus more on your business, and would give your small business a better chance at survival.

The Benefits of Outsourcing Your Bookkeeping and Accounting using QuickBooks or Peachtree include:

Lowering your costs and increasing the quality of your staff.

Reducing your overhead, headaches and worries.

Allowing you to focus on what you do best – managing your company.

Saving your company time and effort.

Adding a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Allowing you to gain access to extensive additional capabilities and services.

Building a more efficient bookkeeping staff.

Allowing you to take advantage of the latest technology.

You, or your staff, can perform payroll, billing, invoicing, collecting, payments, accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank transactions, bank reconciliations, inventory control, etc.

We can then perform, all or in part:

*Monthly Accounting and Controller Services

*Accounts Payable and Receivable Management

*Financial Statement Preparation

*Cash Flow Analysis and Management

*Fixed Assets Reporting

*Bank Reconciliations

*Tax Return Preparation

*Variance Analysis and Reporting

*Revenue and Expense Analysis

*Staff Training and Utilization

*Business Consulting and Guidance

*Accounting Systems and Controls

*Financial Analysis and Reporting

*Budget Preparation and Reporting

*Financial Forecasting and Modeling

*Software Training and Support

*Preparation of Policies and Procedures

We utilize QuickBooks Online, Basic and Plus, QuickBooks Pro, QuickBooks hosting options, e Peachtree, Peachtree Web and other remote access technology tools. We can help you decide on the best solution – even if you currently have the software.

We are located in Tampa, FL and have over 40 years of Accounting, Management and Systems experience. Contact us for a free, no obligation, and initial telephone consultation to discuss the immediate and long term benefits that we can offer you.

Ask us for help – this is what we do.

Visit our website www.desmidtconsulting.com

Thank you,

Peter DeSmidt,

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