Fixing Bookkeeping Issues Phase Four: Controls, Reviews, and Testing

Reading Time: < 1 minute

How to Keep Your Books Clean Long-Term and Stop Paying for Repeated Cleanups

The final phase is not about fixing the past — it’s about protecting the future.

The Core Problem: No Controls, No Review Process

Most bookkeeping failures happen because:

Too many people have access
No review cycle exists
Processes are inconsistent
Errors go unnoticed for months or years

Without controls, mistakes are inevitable.

Implementing Review Cycles

At Akif CPA, we recommend:

Monthly internal reviews
Quarterly professional reviews
A six-month follow-up after major cleanups

This allows problems to be caught early, when they’re inexpensive to fix.

Permissions and Workflow Controls

Access should be limited. Not everyone needs the ability to:

Delete transactions
Modify reconciled periods
Change automation rules

Clear roles protect your data.

Automation Monitoring

Duplicate transactions, unusual spikes, and negative balances should trigger review — not surprise you at tax time.

The End Goal

Phase four ensures:

Clean books stay clean
Financials are always ready for taxes or audits
You stop paying for repeated cleanups
You gain time for tax planning, not damage control

Good and timely bookkeeping doesn’t just save money — it saves sanity.

How to Keep an IRS-Compliant Mileage Log

Donations: Itemized or Standard Deductions

Your Record-Keeping Requirement Questions Answered

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

[apptivonewsletterform name="MainNewsletter"]

AKIF CPA

5.0

Based on 107 reviews

review us on

Annie Phillips

12:35 10 Oct 21

Turn around time was amazing on the project I needed done. When you don’t understand all the different forms communication is key and you will get that here. They are there to explain what and why you need it.

Meru Kapadia

23:33 01 Oct 21

I usually don't write reviews much as everyone has different experiences, but definitely wanted to share the positive experience I have had here and why I would recommend them to all my family, friends and co-workers.

I got a referral for here from a friend, so thought of giving them a try over my old CPA firm. I have been going here for a couple years now and have to say they are top notch. They are always responsive and willing to work with me even when I am delayed. I generally like to ask a lot of questions and not once did I feel like they were annoyed by it and would very thoroughly and positively answer all my concerns with detail explanations. Even during the pandemic, they worked with me 100% virtual and it was seamless. Overall, I am very happy with this firm and will continue with them for the foreseeable future.

Kevan Shah

21:45 01 Oct 21

I’ve been going to them for 3 years now for multiple of my businesses. I changed to them after I had problems with my previous CPA firm and I’m so glad I did! Best decision I ever made for my businesses. They have saved me thousands of dollars over the years as well as deal with my immensely complicated tax filling issues. No matter when I call, they always help answer all my questions (and trust me I have a lot) and put my mind at ease on all my concerns. I feel as if I am family the way they take care of me. The quality of their work has not changed; very consistent and professional. It is an understatement when I say I highly recommend them.

Maunil Shah

16:19 01 Oct 21

AKIF CPA is the best place for your tax needs! Saim has been easily available for my all my questions and concerns. Couldn’t ask for a better firm that provides excellent service and a familiarity with their clients. I always recommend family and friends to AKIF CPA!!

Shah Hussain

03:58 01 Oct 21

Hello AKIF CPA,

I wanted to share my experience with you, your team and whomever may be reading this message. My most humble thanks to you and your team for a being such great part of my success.

You have done a fabulous job for us this year, and since you took over our books (during our most devastating times) you have literally taken weight off of our shoulders.

Thanks for bringing everything up to date and also providing us with numbers or as you call it consultations, ahead of time so we could seal the holes.

Great work!!!

Shah H.

Sumit Dalwadi

04:57 30 Sep 21

The professionals at Akif have been absolutely amazing! Quick to answer all the questions I had and always available to offer their guidance.

Calvin R

20:21 29 Sep 21

I recommend these guys! I will be going back next year. They made everything simple and we understood what was happening. There we issues with our taxes due to our previous accountant and these guys fixed everything. They answered our questions and service was always with a smile.

Ammoria Daniels

02:11 16 Sep 21

We contacted Akif with an urgent matter regarding corporate taxes. Akif immediately understood what was needed and within days had everything ready to sign. The level of service we received was amazing and unmatched. Waqar expertise in trucking industry made our situation seamless. His communication was outstanding; I heard from him daily and could have been completed sooner if I was as fast as he was 😃 Highly recommended!

Joe Paneitz

18:30 18 Aug 21

What an absolute pleasure to work with this CPA firm. My business is already seeing such a positive impact and growth. I cannot believe I didn't connect with them sooner. This firm is helping in so many ways! 5 stars is an understatement! Thank you so much for your help AKIF CPA

Helptest ARCpoint Labs

15:02 18 Aug 21

The firm is quick, responsive, and has the latest technological software. Thus far, I have been with them for 3+ years and will continue to work with them even after relocating. They make it easy even when I'm miles away. Would highly recommend them.

Luz Tipaz

16:06 13 Jul 21

Saim and his team are the best CPAs in town. I have been their client for years. All started when I needed help with company structure with multiple companies and then accounting and Taxes. I have been very happy ever since. Thank you AKIF CPA.

Maria perez

18:31 08 Jun 21

Me and my husband have been getting all of our personal Taxes, business Taxes, monthly bookkeeping, accounting and payroll done with AKIF CPA. Recently, we had more stuff come up and had detailed analysis done on capital gains, single family rentals (SFR) and business disposition. You will only know how great this CPA company is until you have worked with them and given them a chance. Words can’t describe our experience. AKIF CPA gets the job done every time - very reliable, professional and affordable.

Afnaan Amin

22:14 02 Jun 21

Very good experience, we had unique situation in regards to cross border income as Canadians currently residing in the US. Income on both sides of the border through completely different channels. Everything was very easy and completed timely, I also had lots of random questions and Mohammad provided top notch service along the way and even after we finished our taxes!! Highly recommended.

Ryan Paton

10:56 08 May 21

I moved to the USA from Canada late 2018 as part of a promotion/relocation for work. For my 2019 returns, I used an accounting firm recommended by the local Canadian social club in my city, which was a terrible experience. They were slow to respond to inquiries and would follow up in piecemeal requests which dragged out my return process over several months, often asking for information I had already provided.

For the price I paid, I vowed to find better service. I found Mohammad online and decided to reach out. Mohammad was extremely responsive, took care of my US and Canadian returns as well as my wife's business returns in a timely manner. Overall, it was a very positive experience and I would recommend him to another in my situation.

Tuan Vo

01:59 20 Apr 21

I relocated to Texas from Alberta, Canada and needed a CPA to help me with my cross-border taxes as I was not happy with the CPA that I used previously. During my interviewing process to find another CPA, I had good feedback from Mohammad as he was able to answer my questions regarding my unique tax situation with expertise, and importantly to me, in a timely manner. I decided to use his services for the current tax year and I have nothing but compliments for the work Mohammad provided. If you are in need of a professional cross-border CPA, I highly recommend reaching out to Mohammad Akif.