Frequently asked questions
Clear expectations from the start.
How much does monthly bookkeeping cost?
SHALALA plans are CAD $249 per month for Essential (up to 75 transactions and two accounts), $349 for Growth (76 to 150 transactions and three accounts), and $499 for Established (151 to 300 transactions and five accounts). Your QuickBooks Online subscription is a separate expense. Fit and scope are confirmed in writing. Compare monthly plans.
What counts as a transaction?
One QBO financial record counts once. Invoices and their payments count separately; bank-feed matches and duplicate imports do not count again. Transfers between your own accounts count as two account entries. See the full counting policy and example.
Can I cancel monthly bookkeeping?
Yes. Our standard service is month-to-month with no minimum term or cancellation fee. Email us before the next service period begins; cancellation takes effect at the end of the current period. See final fees, refunds and handoff details. Existing agreements retain their agreed terms.
Who is Shalala designed for?
Canadian service businesses using QuickBooks Online with monthly bookkeeping needs: generally up to 300 monthly transactions, five or fewer bank and credit-card accounts, primarily Canadian-dollar activity and no significant inventory.
Do you work with every type of business?
We focus on Canadian service businesses and review each enquiry to confirm whether our service fits your needs.
Can I call you?
You can book a free 15-minute introductory video call. Ongoing bookkeeping support is primarily in writing, with optional paid bookkeeping meetings available. Telephone support is not included. See optional-service pricing.
Do I need QuickBooks Online?
Yes. You maintain and pay for your own QuickBooks Online subscription; it is not included in SHALALA’s fee. SHALALA works in your QBO file through accountant access. You retain your records and can keep your existing accountant. If you use other software, any migration needs and scope are confirmed in writing before work begins.
What if my books require major historical reconstruction?
SHALALA focuses on ongoing monthly bookkeeping and Catch-Up Bookkeeping for books that are fundamentally workable. Files requiring major historical reconstruction, unresolved prior-year issues, or accounting or tax interpretation fall outside our bookkeeping scope and should be handled by the client’s accountant or an appropriate specialist.
Do you prepare tax returns?
No. Income tax returns and GST/HST return preparation or filing are outside our bookkeeping service. GST/HST recording and tracking are included where applicable. We organize accountant-ready bookkeeping records for your tax preparer.
Do you provide tax advice?
No. Shalala does not provide tax advice or tax planning. GST/HST bookkeeping records are recordkeeping work; questions about tax treatment or obligations should go to your tax adviser.
Do you provide assurance?
No. We do not provide assurance, audits, reviews or compilation engagements. System-generated Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet reports are outputs of the bookkeeping records and carry no assurance or professional opinion.
Who reviews my bookkeeping?
SHALALA manages the routine bookkeeping process. Exceptions, reconciliations and unusual transactions are reviewed before the bookkeeping period is completed. This does not mean every transaction is manually reviewed.
Does AI do all of my bookkeeping?
No. Technology processes routine bookkeeping and identifies exceptions. Human bookkeeping review remains part of the workflow, including exceptions, reconciliations and final review. AI is used only to support routine bookkeeping workflows. It does not provide tax advice, accounting opinions, assurance or financial advice.
How do I send financial documents?
Sensitive documents are requested securely after acceptance and onboarding through the approved bookkeeping workflow. Never submit bank statements, passwords, credit-card numbers, SINs, tax documents or payroll records through the public website form.
Do I need to attend meetings?
No meeting is required. You can book a free 15-minute introduction, and clients may choose optional paid one-time or monthly 30-minute bookkeeping meetings. Routine questions and updates are handled in writing. See optional-service pricing.
Why do you limit client capacity?
A small recurring roster helps us maintain consistent bookkeeping and manageable workflows. When capacity is full, new monthly clients may join a waitlist.
What if my business is too complex?
We may decline the engagement or recommend another provider. We would rather tell you that our service is not a fit before you become a client.