WINTER 2025
I am a do-it-yourselfer, within limits. I’ll take on trimming tree branches in my backyard but leave the tree removal to the pros — and I might call a tree company for the trimming if I don’t have time. It’s the same in business. The business equivalent of trimming branches can wait or be handled internally, while an organizational attic fire might warrant a call to 911. A few things to consider in weighing the right approach:
PRIORITY: Ask “Is this necessary or helpful? What if we put it off? Will it divert time and resources from greater needs?” Priorities are not always clear-cut, and you won’t often have the luxury of handling things one at a time. Your team may or may not be able to handle all needs at once; a deliberate consideration of urgency and priorities is in order.
INTERNAL CAPABILITIES: You won’t always have all the internal tools or expertise but it’s a trap to think you must have all the necessary resources before you start a project. If you have 80% you may be able to figure out the rest, but some things are too big of a stretch and you’ll need options. Outsourcing can help, but keep reading. . .
TIME: We all have the same amount of time every day but it’s the world’s most perishable inventory. SR Bookkeeping works in many situations where clients have the ability, just not the time. Some things have to get done and outsourcing can be an option, but. . .
THE FLY IN THE OINTMENT: California’s Assembly Bill 5, signed into law September 18, codifies the 2018 California Supreme Court’s Dynamex decision imposing tough requirements for contracting with individuals. The law excludes certain “licensed” professions like accounting, but questions remain. If an accountant performs less traditional services such as business plans or advisory roles, is it still exempt “accounting”? Time and case law will tell. Engagements with independent consultancies and companies organized as separate legal entities with their own employees, however, are exempt from AB 5.
COST: Cost is important, including opportunity cost. Nothing’s free — including the cost of doing nothing. Count the cost of attacking a challenge internally, outsourcing, or doing nothing. Most folks with a few years behind them can look back at as many expenditures of time or money they wish they had made as those they wish they hadn’t.
“Accounting is the language of business.”
GETTING TO KNOW SARAI ROY
Q&A WITH SARAI
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ACTIVITIES? I love reading, going to the beach, gardening, and spending quality time with friends and family.
WHAT IS THE THING YOU ARE LOOK FORWARD TO MOST IN THE FUTURE? In the long-term, I'm looking forward to continued learning. Every season brings new challenges and learning how to navigate those hurdles is something that motivates me to be the best each new day. I feel like I have grown and learned a lot recently as mother, but there's so much I still want to learn and experience.I believe there is a connection between living and learning: if we fail to learn, we aren't truly living.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TRADITION? Making Tamales during Christmas time is one of my favorite traditions. We gather at the kitchen, and it is all hands on the deck. We line up like an assembly line. One person oversees soaking the tamale husk, another one making the masa, another the meat filling, the other person oversees spreading the masa, another person will add the meat filling, then down the line Abu (grandma) will oversee folding the tamales prior to placing them in big pot to steam them. We laugh, reminece on the "good old days", make a big mess, and most importantly we teach the young ones teamwork and family traditions.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT WORKING? The professionalism and respect we offer our clients. The attitude of humility and service is unmatched in any other experience I have had.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE VACATION DESTINATION? The best vacation I have ever had was to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Discovering new beaches in the area, walking by the Malecon, the food, the cobblestone streets, the Marina. Beautiful city with beautiful people. But recently our most beloved family destination is Carmel-by-the-sea. The Coast is always a great getaway during the hot CA summers.
WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? My two children. I have a 3-year-old daughter Karla and a 18-month-old son Luke. I am overjoyed at the privilege of getting to raise these beautiful, intelligent, kind and loving children.