About Us, and Why Cornerstone?
About Us is First to Understand Our Mission Statement
To learn about Cornerstone CPA Solutions, it seems best to first understand its Mission Statement. Cornerstone CPA continuously strives to break the status quo of the public accounting industry in five key ways:
- Remove the intimidation factor. Relate, not intimidate.
- Remove the poor response factor. Be readily accessible and responsive.
- Eliminate client inconvenience.
- Truly understand the unique, individual needs of each client and know each client by name, not simply as a number or revenue figure.
- Continuously adapt to the modern era by leveraging technology and evolving business models.
What is it about Cornerstone CPA Solutions that sets it apart from most other CPA Firms?
About us? I will not bore you with background details that apply to virtually every CPA and Firm. Indeed, every CPA must pass the same four exams and demonstrate the same minimum required level of competency for serving the public. Instead, I will tell you what sets Cornerstone apart. The answer to this is simple–accessibility and personalized services. Timely response. Efficiency. Without a doubt, it all revolves around the amazing concept of proper communication. We stay in touch. We will avoid letting you fall behind because you, as a client, are more than a customer number or name. Imagine this: we know you!
Is it not about time that a CPA Firm truly values its clients’ time, needs, and money? You will not be inconvenienced having to work around a CPA Firm’s schedule. Your schedule and convenience is priority. In being a virtual Firm, our schedule can align with yours–not vice versa! Whether you are located in Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, or elsewhere in the United States, Cornerstone will do its absolute best to work around your schedule, while remaining as hands-on or as virtual and remote as you desire. What will you learn about us as a client? Just how flexible we are, and how we truly care about our clients!
Are there services Cornerstone does not provide?
Yes. Cornerstone does NOT provide any attestation services such as reviews and audits.
Cornerstone’s areas of experience remain business consultation, controllership, policies and procedures, internal controls, Prepared Financial Statements, and taxation and compliance. Accordingly, and appropriately, Cornerstone CPA’s service offerings revolve around areas of experience. Accordingly, there are times where prospective clients will be referred to other Firms.
Does Cornerstone accept every new client?
A lot of Firms will not admit it, but there are times a Firm cannot accept a new client. It may simply be for the reason that the work they request is not within the scope of services offered. Other times, it could be a result of performing due diligence on the client and a risk assessment (technical term is “quality control”). The career of any CPA is centered on risk management, and there are certain circumstances or triggers that may prompt a Firm to not accept a new client or to cease an existing relationship. Rarely does it happen, but I feel honesty is of utmost importance.
Why is Cornerstone called “Cornerstone”?
Merriam-Webster Dictionary’s definition of “cornerstone” is a basic element, a foundation. With structures built of stone or block, there is at least one stone or block that is so fundamental to the structure’s integrity that its removal could result in collapse. Cornerstone CPA stands strong in the belief that no business will succeed without having a strong foundation. That foundation can take many forms, just as the foundation of a structure contains many forms and elements. Remove any particular element and you risk failure. I am not sure about you, but Cornerstone CPA is not about failure.
Accounting happens to be one of the foundational components of all businesses–without it, you will have no idea where you stand currently, let alone where you are headed. Realistically, if you run your business without solid accounting, you are at extreme risk of failure because you have no ability to plan to achieve your objectives.
God is also a cornerstone, certainly in how Cornerstone CPA goes about conducting client services. Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV) states “The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.” Running a business is no doubt challenging. You will stumble. And you need a strong foundation and support team to help catch you and guide you back to where you need to go. Matthew 7:24-27 discusses building a house on rock versus sand. A business is no different. Do not place yourself in a position of collapsing when you stumble or troublesome times come your way.
Sincerely,
Greg Bennett, CPA
