Mary G. Stewart, CPA, PA

The organising idea here is a single monthly fee. Rather than billing piecemeal, Mary G. Stewart's practice bundles accounting, payroll preparation and quarterly and annual payroll tax filings together with business and personal return preparation, and includes consultations at no extra charge; clients receive a report on their financial position each time the accounting work is done. The scope stretches further than most bookkeeping engagements — the firm will also cut paychecks and see that a client's monthly bills are paid on time.

Stewart describes herself as working with individuals and small businesses, and offers training and advice on QuickBooks alongside the compliance work. Returns are backed by a Protection Plus plan covering audit and notice resolution, identity theft restoration, and reimbursement of costs from preparer error. The site advertises evening and weekend meetings by arrangement, which the posted Monday-to-Thursday hours do not reflect.