Ascentio ConsultingHow we work
How we work and what it costs
Three engagement models, one process, and a pricing basis we explain before we quote, so there are no surprises later.
Engagement models
- Monthly retainer. Accounting and managed IT. A fixed monthly fee for a defined scope, reviewed quarterly, with 30 days notice to end.
- By the hour (time and materials). All three practices: accountants, IT engineers, and Splunk engineers. A named person, an hourly rate, a not-to-exceed ceiling, and a weekly timesheet.
- Fixed-price project. Data platform deployments and migrations, IT projects, accounting cleanups. Scope, deliverables, and price in writing before we start.
The process
- Write to us. Tell us what is not working and what matters most. We aim to reply within one business day.
- Assessment or books review. Fixed scope, with written findings that are yours to keep either way.
- Proposal. Scope, lead consultant, price, and start date, on one page where possible.
- Start. An onboarding plan with dates, and a first written review after 30 days.
How pricing works
| Practice | Basis | What moves the price |
|---|---|---|
| Financial accounting | Monthly fee | Transaction volume, number of entities and accounts, reporting needs, state of the books at the start |
| Managed IT | Per user per month | User and device count, office network, compliance scope, whether backups and security tooling are already in place |
| Data platform projects | Fixed price per project | Data volume and source count, environment complexity, documentation state |
| Splunk Health Check, IT and security assessment, books review | Fixed price, quoted up front | Environment size |
| Hourly work, any practice | Hourly rate by role, with a ceiling | Role and seniority, on-site requirement, start lead time |
Included in every engagement: a named lead, a written scope, scheduled reporting, and direct email access to the person doing the work. Billed separately: software licenses, hardware, third-party services, and travel outside Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland.
We quote a firm number after the assessment, and we tell you what would change it. Ask us for the rate card for hourly roles.
Common questions
Is there a contract minimum?
Retainers run month to month after an initial onboarding period, with 30 days notice to end. Hourly work has no minimum beyond the ceiling you set.
Can we engage you by the hour only?
Yes, in any practice. A named accountant or engineer, an hourly rate, and a not-to-exceed ceiling you set. Weekly timesheets show hours used and hours remaining.
Do we have to change accounting software or IT tools?
No. We work in your systems. If a change would help, we will say so and explain why, and the decision stays yours.
How is our data protected?
Your data stays in your systems. Our access is named, role-limited, protected by multi-factor authentication, logged where the platform allows it, and removed the day an engagement ends. We do not copy client data to personal devices.
We already have an IT provider. Can you work alongside them?
Yes. Hourly engineering work is designed for that: a defined project or a gap, with your existing provider still in place.
Can you work with our CPA firm?
Yes. We keep the books, prepare the tax returns, and deliver the year-end package; they issue any compiled, reviewed, or audited statements. We speak to each other directly so you are not the go-between.
Do you work with Virginia agencies and government contractors?
Yes. Ascentio is SWaM certified in Virginia in all four categories and works directly with public bodies as well as through prime contractors and larger vendors. See the Government page.
Will I talk to a salesperson?
No. You will correspond with the consultant who would lead the work.
Tell us what is not working.
Write to us. The person who would lead the work replies within one business day, by email, and we will not send a proposal unless you ask for one.