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Accounting

Pilot

16-mins

Pilot.com simplifies startup accounting with expert bookkeeping, tax preparation, and CFO services tailored for early-stage businesses.

Website: 
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Website: 
Link
Website: 
Link

Hey there, fellow founders! Managing finances can be a real pain when you're knee-deep in building your startup. That's where Pilot.com swoops in, offering a hassle-free way to handle your accounting needs so you can focus on what truly matters—growing your business.

What Is Pilot.com?

Pilot.com is a financial services platform that pairs seasoned accountants with user-friendly software to provide bookkeeping, tax preparation, and CFO services tailored for startups and small businesses.

Why Your Startup Needs Pilot.com

Expert Bookkeeping Without the Headache

Let's be honest, crunching numbers isn't everyone's jam. With Pilot.com, you've got a dedicated team that keeps your books in tip-top shape, ensuring accuracy and compliance every month.

  • Accurate monthly financial statements
  • Real-time financial insights
  • Stress-free audits

Tax Time Made Easy

Taxes giving you nightmares? Pilot.com's tax experts handle everything from preparation to filing, navigating the complex tax landscape so you don't have to.

Strategic CFO Services

Need some high-level financial advice? Pilot.com's CFO services offer strategic guidance on budgeting, fundraising, and scaling, helping you make informed decisions.

How Pilot.com Integrates Seamlessly

Pilot.com plays nice with the tools you're already using:

  • QuickBooks Online
  • Xero
  • Major banks and payment platforms

This means less manual entry and more time saved.

Benefits Over Traditional Accounting Firms

Why go old-school when you can have:

  • Transparent, flat-rate pricing
  • Faster turnaround times
  • Startup-focused expertise

Pilot.com offers the perks of an in-house finance team without the hefty price tag.

Real Startups, Real Success

Companies like Airtable and Scale have trusted Pilot.com to handle their finances, allowing them to concentrate on innovation and growth.

How Horizon-Labs.co Can Help

As someone who's been in the startup trenches, I get it—every minute counts. At Horizon-Labs.co, we're all about helping founders like you build amazing products without the engineering headaches. We know that tools like Pilot.com can make a world of difference in streamlining your operations.

Need a trusted partner to bring your vision to life? Shoot us an email at info@horizon-labs.co or schedule a chat at https://www.horizon-labs.co/contact. Let's build your tech better, faster, and cheaper than the competition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pilot.com:

Q: What services does Pilot.com offer besides bookkeeping?

A: In addition to bookkeeping, Pilot.com provides tax preparation and filing services, CFO-level financial insights, and support with financial modeling. They aim to be a comprehensive financial partner for startups and small businesses.

Q: How does Pilot.com ensure the security of my financial data?

A: Pilot.com employs industry-standard security measures, including encryption and secure data centers, to protect your financial information. They adhere to strict privacy policies and compliance regulations to ensure your data is safe.

Q: Can Pilot.com integrate with the financial tools I already use?

A: Yes, Pilot.com seamlessly integrates with popular financial platforms like QuickBooks Online, Gusto, Stripe, and major banks, allowing for automated data syncing and reducing manual entry.

Q: Is Pilot.com suitable for early-stage startups?

A: Absolutely. Pilot.com specializes in assisting early-stage companies by offering scalable services that grow with your business, making it ideal for startups navigating initial financial challenges.

Q: How does Pilot.com differ from traditional accounting firms?

A: Pilot.com combines expert accountants with proprietary software to deliver efficient, accurate services at a transparent flat-rate pricing model, unlike traditional firms that may charge hourly rates and lack tech integration.

Q: What kind of customer support can I expect from Pilot.com?

A: You get a dedicated account manager who is available for consultations and to answer any questions, ensuring personalized support tailored to your business needs.

Q: Does Pilot.com help with fundraising and investor relations?

A: Yes, Pilot.com can assist with financial reports and metrics that are crucial during fundraising rounds, helping you present accurate financial data to potential investors.

Q: Are there long-term contracts with Pilot.com?

A: No, Pilot.com offers flexible month-to-month agreements without locking you into long-term contracts, allowing you to adjust services as your business evolves.

Q: How quickly can I get started with Pilot.com?

A: The onboarding process is streamlined. After signing up, you'll typically be up and running within a couple of weeks, with your dedicated team handling the setup.

Q: Does Pilot.com offer services for international startups?

A: While Pilot.com primarily serves U.S.-based companies, they do have capabilities to support international startups with U.S. operations. It's best to contact them directly to discuss your specific needs.

Q: How does Pilot.com price its services?

A: Pilot.com offers transparent, flat-rate monthly pricing based on your company's monthly expenses and the specific services you require. There are no hidden fees, and you can scale the services up or down as your business needs change.

Q: Can Pilot.com handle multi-currency transactions?

A: Yes, Pilot.com is equipped to manage multi-currency bookkeeping, which is especially beneficial for startups dealing with international clients or vendors. They ensure accurate currency conversion and compliance with international financial reporting standards.

Q: Does Pilot.com integrate with other financial tools and software?

A: Absolutely. Pilot.com seamlessly integrates with popular financial and operational tools like QuickBooks Online, Gusto, Stripe, and Expensify, allowing for automated data syncing and reducing manual data entry.

Q: What kind of onboarding process can I expect with Pilot.com?

A: The onboarding process is streamlined and efficient. You'll be assigned a dedicated account manager who will guide you through connecting your financial accounts and understanding your specific bookkeeping needs, usually within a two-week timeframe.

Q: Is my financial data secure with Pilot.com?

A: Security is a top priority for Pilot.com. They use bank-grade encryption and secure data centers to protect your information. Additionally, they are compliant with industry-standard security practices to ensure your data remains confidential.

Q: Can Pilot.com assist with fundraising efforts?

A: Yes, Pilot.com can help prepare the financial documents and reports often required by investors during fundraising rounds. Their accurate and up-to-date financial statements can give investors confidence in your business.

Q: Does Pilot.com offer customizable reporting?

A: Pilot.com provides standard monthly reports, but they can also offer customized reporting to meet specific needs, such as departmental budgeting or specific KPI tracking, helping you gain deeper insights into your business.

Q: What industries does Pilot.com specialize in?

A: While Pilot.com serves a variety of industries, they have specialized experience with tech startups, SaaS companies, e-commerce businesses, and professional services firms, understanding the unique financial challenges these sectors face.

Q: How does Pilot.com stay updated with tax law changes?

A: Pilot.com's team of tax professionals continuously monitor changes in tax legislation to ensure compliance. They adjust their strategies accordingly to maximize benefits and minimize liabilities for your business.

Q: Is Pilot.com suitable for businesses outside the United States?

A: Pilot.com primarily serves U.S.-based companies. However, if you have international operations but are headquartered in the U.S., they can accommodate your needs. It's best to consult with them directly for specific situations.

Q: How does communication with Pilot.com's team work?

A: You will have direct access to your dedicated account manager and accounting team via email and scheduled calls. They are available to answer questions, provide updates, and discuss any financial concerns you may have.

Q: Can Pilot.com help with audit preparation?

A: Yes, Pilot.com can assist in preparing for financial audits by ensuring that your books are accurate, up-to-date, and compliant with accounting standards, making the audit process smoother and less time-consuming.

Q: Does Pilot.com handle payroll processing?

A: While Pilot.com doesn't process payroll directly, they integrate with payroll providers like Gusto and Rippling to accurately record payroll transactions in your financial statements.

Q: What sets Pilot.com apart from automated bookkeeping software?

A: Unlike purely automated software, Pilot.com combines technology with human expertise. Their team of professional accountants reviews your financials, providing accuracy and insights that software alone can't offer.

Q: Can Pilot.com manage my accounts payable and receivable?

A: Pilot.com focuses on bookkeeping and financial reporting but can provide guidance on managing accounts payable and receivable processes. They can also recommend and integrate with specialized tools for these functions.

Q: How flexible are Pilot.com's service plans?

A: Pilot.com's services are scalable and flexible. You can customize the level of support you receive, whether you need basic bookkeeping or additional CFO services, and adjust as your business evolves.

Q: What is the turnaround time for receiving financial reports?

A: You can expect to receive your monthly financial reports within 15 business days after the end of each month, providing timely insights into your company's performance.

Q: Does Pilot.com offer CFO consulting for strategic planning?

A: Yes, through their CFO services, Pilot.com offers strategic financial planning, budgeting assistance, and cash flow management to help guide your company's financial decisions.

Q: Are there any long-term contracts required with Pilot.com?

A: No, Pilot.com operates on a monthly service model without requiring long-term commitments, allowing you the flexibility to use their services as needed.

Q: How does Pilot.com handle startup-specific accounting challenges?

A: Pilot.com has extensive experience working with startups and understands the unique challenges they face, such as R&D capitalization, SaaS revenue recognition, and venture capital accounting, providing tailored solutions accordingly.

Written by
Sinan Sari
with help from AI.
A YC-alum, Sinan has been a founding engineer for various startups and loves building products that people will love. He was co-founder & CTO of Cuboh (YC S19), a senior software engineer at Tasso & Oscar Health, and is currently a co-founder at Kidsy.
Posted on
July 8, 2024
under Resources

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