How We Work With You
A Partnership Built on Your Needs
At Dean Dorton, our outsourced accounting services extend far beyond a single transaction; they form the foundation of a long-term relationship. We’ve spent over 100 years refining how we support businesses, and we’ve learned that the best partnerships start with understanding what you actually need.
Industry-Focused Teams
Your business isn’t generic. Neither is our approach. Our specialists work exclusively within specific industries, from healthcare to family offices, bringing deep knowledge of the challenges you face and the opportunities you’re pursuing.
Real-Time Financial Clarity
Access your financial data anytime, anywhere. We prioritize getting you the insights you need when you need them, and not a minute too late.
Scalable by Design
Whether you’re a growing a service-based business or a real estate firm managing complex investments, our resources scale with your business. We adapt as you evolve.
Comprehensive Infrastructure
From accounting team maintenance to implementing modern software, we handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on running your business.
Flexible Support That Fits Your Business
SERVICE LEVELS
Solutions Matched to Your Needs
Every business has different accounting requirements. Explore our service levels to find the right fit for your organization.
What to Expect: Our Process
Days 1-90: From Assessment to Full Operations
Transitioning to outsourced accounting services should be thoughtful and strategic instead of reactive. We’ve built a clear, proven process that takes you from initial assessment to fully operational, typically within 90 days.
Initial Assessment: SWOT Analysis
We start with an honest conversation about where you are right now: what’s working, what’s frustrating you, and what you actually need to move forward. Maybe you’re dealing with constant turnover, or you’re struggling with a Frankenstein system of platforms that barely work together. Whatever brought you here, we want to understand it. Our goal is to add value regardless of where the conversation leads. We’ll help you see your options clearly and understand what a sustainable solution looks like for your specific situation. If it’s the right fit, this assessment becomes the foundation for building a program tailored to your business needs.
Scoping & Onboarding Timeline
Once we’re aligned, we establish clear milestones for your first 30, 60, and 90 days. The timeline depends on your situation, including how much planning time we have, how much cleanup is needed, and the complexity of your current setup. This phase can be messy, and that’s perfectly fine. The process includes training, shifting of accounting responsibilities, and often significant cleanup work. We’ve done this hundreds of times and we know how to navigate the complexity efficiently and competently.
System Alignment
We believe in using the right tools for the job. That means working with modern, cloud-based systems like Sage Intacct, QuickBooks Online, Bill.com, Ramp, and Expensify. If your current setup is holding you back, we’ll help you transition (yes, that includes untangling cobbled-together, multi-platform systems). The most important thing is for your team to be fully committed to making the switch successful.
Ongoing Partnership
After onboarding, you’ll work with a dedicated team of specialists. Our team-based model ensures continuity of service and diverse expertise from multiple accounting experts. We review and adjust annually, with contracts renewed with revised pricing to reflect any changes in scope or service level.
REAL RESULTS FROM REAL CLIENTS
Beaumont Family Dentistry: Real-Time Data, Accurate Reporting
Beaumont Family Dentistry is a full-service dental practice serving Lexington, Kentucky and surrounding communities for over 35 years. With three locations and advanced technology, they needed accounting systems that could keep pace with their growth.
Dean Dorton’s AFO services delivered real-time financial data and accurate reporting, giving Beaumont the clarity they needed to make confident business decisions.
WHY DEAN DORTON?
The Advantages of Working Together
Choosing Dean Dorton as your outsourced accounting services partner offers numerous benefits:
Real-Time Financial Access
Your data, your schedule. Access critical financial information whenever and wherever you need it.
Role-Specific Flexibility
From controller consultations to complete department outsourcing, we build around your specific requirements.
Cloud-Based Expertise
We’re proficient in the latest financial tools and platforms, ensuring your accounting function stays modern and efficient.
Robust Financial Controls
Accuracy and compliance are non-negotiable. Our comprehensive oversight keeps your finances secure and audit-ready.
Experience Across Business Sizes
We’ve worked with organizations at every stage, from emerging businesses to established enterprises. That breadth informs the tailored guidance we provide.
Transparent, Fixed-Fee Structure
Know what you’re investing upfront. Our pricing is designed to fit your budget with no surprises.
Proven Data Security
Your financial data is protected by the security infrastructure of the cloud-based accounting systems we use (all enterprise-grade platforms) and the Microsoft suite within which our team operates.
Investment & Pricing
Outsourced accounting is an investment in your business’s financial health and operational efficiency. Our pricing is based on the specific accounting functions you need and the hours required to deliver them, multiplied by our blended hourly rate.
We’ll provide detailed, transparent pricing during our initial assessment. Our contracts are renewed annually with revised pricing to reflect any changes in scope or service level.
Outsourced Accounting Services Frequently Asked Questions
Which accounting software do you support?
We work with modern, cloud-based platforms including Sage Intacct, QuickBooks Online, Bill.com, Ramp, and Expensify. We don’t use proprietary software; instead, we purchase licenses to industry-standard tools that give you flexibility and control.
What if we’re currently using different software?
If you’re open to switching to one of our core platforms, we’ll help you make that transition smoothly. This system alignment is an important part of our onboarding process and ensures our staff are properly trained on the platforms we know inside and out. It also gives us the opportunity to rewrite your processes for maximum efficiency. We prioritize modern systems because they offer real-time access, better security, and collaboration that older desktop platforms simply can’t match.
Why don’t you work with older systems like QuickBooks 2002?
Modern cloud-based systems offer real-time access, better security, stronger controls, and easier collaboration. Older desktop systems simply can’t deliver the level of service and insight your business deserves. Our insistence on current technology ensures you get the full value of our outsourced accounting services.
What are the terms of the contract?
Our contracts are renewed annually with revised pricing based on your evolving needs and scope of services.
How quickly can we get started?
After our initial assessment and scoping, most clients are fully operational within 90 days. It may take longer for some clients. The timeline depends on the complexity of your current setup, how much cleanup is required, and the extent of training and transition needed.
Will I work with one person or a team?
You will be supported by a dedicated team. This approach gives you continuity of service, diverse expertise from multiple specialists, and the assurance that your accounting operations won’t be disrupted if one person is unavailable.
How secure is my financial data?
Your data security is tied to the robust security protocols of the accounting systems we use (all cloud-based, enterprise-grade platforms) and the Microsoft suite within which our team operates. We use proven, secure industry standards that our team and clients trust.
What if we’ve created a complex system with multiple platforms?
We’re not scared of complexity. If you’ve built a multi-platform accounting system (a “Frankenstein” of sorts), we can help you streamline it. It is important that you are willing to make changes, however. Reluctance to change systems or processes can create a significant obstacle for our team, as it prevents us from working efficiently and providing the value you need.
Let’s Talk
If you’re interested in partnering with Dean Dorton to build greater innovation and growth for your organization, we’d love to talk. Fill out this short form and we’ll be in touch soon.
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