The Close Check
Start with the questions your books are not answering.
Discuss your monthly close, job reporting and cash visibility with Adele. This free 30-minute conversation helps us understand the problem and whether Northbridge’s controller service is a fit.
Who the Conversation Is For
Washington contractors with bookkeeping already in place.
Washington HVAC and mechanical, commercial plumbing, electrical, and site preparation or excavation businesses with approximately $2M–$10M in annual revenue and an ongoing bookkeeping process. An employee, outside bookkeeper or owner/family member may maintain the records.
The Conversation
What we cover in 30 minutes.
The close
When the books close and which questions remain unresolved.
Job costs & margins
Whether job costs and margins are clear enough for owner decisions.
Project progress & billing
Whether WIP reporting fits your work, and which job estimates and billing records are available.
Cash visibility
What you can see about cash needs over the next 13 weeks.
What to Bring
Come ready to describe, not to upload.
Be ready to describe your business, bookkeeping arrangement and the issue you most want to solve. You can explain your current reports during the conversation.
Do not send banking credentials or upload financial source documents when requesting or preparing for the conversation.
What Happens Afterward
A one-page findings summary.
Doug Royal prepares a one-page findings summary for Adele’s approval. We aim to send it on the next business day, with timing adjusted for holidays or missing information. If there is a fit, we arrange a proposal conversation about scope, onboarding and fees.
The Close Check is an introductory discussion, not an attestation engagement, a completed financial analysis or an engagement to perform accounting work.
Questions Before the Conversation
Asked and answered.
Is the Close Check free?
Yes. The 30-minute Close Check is free, and you do not need to purchase a service to have the conversation.
Who hosts the call?
Adele Royal hosts Close Checks on Fridays. Doug Royal coordinates preparation and follow-up.
Do you replace our bookkeeper?
The recurring service is designed to work above existing bookkeeping. Daily transaction entry and payroll processing are outside the controller scope.
How much does ongoing service cost?
Monthly controller service is scoped at $3,500–$6,500, with fixed onboarding from $3,500. We agree the work and fee before an engagement begins.
Can you work with contractors outside Washington?
The current practice serves contractors with Washington operations. We confirm fit before arranging a conversation.
Will the forecast guarantee that we have enough cash?
No. A forecast organizes expected receipts and payments using stated assumptions. It supports planning and changes as the underlying information changes.