Frequently asked questions
The questions owners ask us most, answered plainly.
What does Acharya CPA & Co. do?
We are a virtual CPA firm with two service lines. Financial Operations gives owner-led businesses monthly bookkeeping, controller and fractional CFO support. Tax Strategy gives business owners, real estate investors and high earners a year-round written tax plan. We also handle one-time work such as tax returns, bookkeeping cleanups, entity setup and payroll setup. Every client works directly with Akansha Acharya, CPA.
What is the difference between a bookkeeper, a controller and a fractional CFO?
A bookkeeper records what happened: transactions, reconciliations and statements. A controller makes sure those numbers are right, on time and under control: a monthly close by a deadline, reviewed reconciliations, payroll and sales tax oversight, and a cash forecast. A fractional CFO uses the numbers to decide what happens next: forecasting, pricing, cash strategy, lender and investor work, and tax strategy.
How much does a fractional CFO cost?
Across the market in 2026, light founder-facing CFO engagements typically run $2,500–$4,000 a month and standard engagements $4,000–$8,000. Our CFO Partner tier starts at $4,500 a month and includes controller-level close, forecasting, lender and investor reporting and quarterly tax planning.
Which businesses do you work with for monthly accounting?
Owner-led businesses doing roughly $500,000 to $10 million a year, in four groups: creative and media businesses (agencies, studios, talent and media brands), health and wellness practices (medical, dental, therapy and wellness), professional and expert services (consultants, coaches, tech and engineering firms) and construction and skilled trades (contractors and home services). If you're owner-led and want to understand your numbers, we're happy to talk even if you don't fit neatly into one of these.
How much does bookkeeping cost for a real estate investor?
Our Investor Books service is $600 a month for up to 5 properties and 2 entities, which covers about 100 transactions a month, plus $75 a month for each additional property. Investors who don't need monthly reporting can choose quarterly books at $1,650 a quarter. Bundled with a Growth tax strategy plan, it comes to about $1,100 a month.
Do you work with businesses making under $250,000?
Yes, through one-time and annual services rather than a monthly retainer. Smaller businesses usually get the most value from tax preparation, the Foundation tax plan or a Clarity Diagnostic. When revenue grows past about $250,000, monthly support starts to pay for itself.
What is the Clarity Diagnostic?
A one-time, $1,500 review of your books, cash, margins and tax exposure, delivered as a clarity map with three dated actions. If you start a monthly engagement within 30 days, the full fee is credited to it.
Do you prepare tax returns, and what do they cost?
Yes. Individual returns (Form 1040) start at $750 and business returns (1120-S, 1065, 1120) start at $1,500. The final fee depends on complexity, such as the number of schedules, rental properties or states. You can hire us for a return on its own or alongside a tax plan or monthly engagement.
Do you work with clients outside your state?
Yes. The firm is fully virtual and works with clients across the U.S. by video call. Akansha Acharya is a CPA licensed in Washington State.
Do you bill hourly?
No. Every engagement has a fixed fee quoted up front. Monthly services are month-to-month, and tax strategy plans are annual and can be billed monthly.
What happens on a Clarity Call?
A free 30-minute conversation about your business, what is working, what worries you about the numbers, and whether we are the right fit. You'll leave knowing which service, if any, makes sense and what it costs.
Book a free 30-minute call
Tell us what your numbers are doing and what's worrying you. You'll leave knowing what to do next, whether or not we work together.
