Here to Simplify Today &

strengthen tomorrow

We’re the relationship-driven accounting team owners call in a crunch, then keep for the long haul. From construction to manufacturing to restaurants and architecture, we clean up the chaos, build better systems, and mentor you through your next phase of growth.

When to Call SOS

  • Cash flow feels unpredictable

 

  • You’re chasing numbers instead of running jobs

 

  • You’ve outgrown your bookkeeping

 

  • You’re ready for clarity, not chaos

What You Get

  • Clean, organized financials you can actually trust

 

  • A short-term plan with long-term results

 

  • Insight that helps you grow, not just stay compliant

 

  • Guidance that feels like partnership, not paperwork

About SOS

Accounting that Meets you Where you Are, then Takes you Where you Want to Go

Most clients find us at a stressful moment. Things are behind. Deadlines are looming. The business has grown faster than the systems. We step in, triage what’s urgent, and stabilize.
 

SOS Accounting was founded by Melanie West, MBA and Liz Hecht to bring a human, hands-on, “roll up our sleeves” approach to accounting. Our roots are in real operations, not just reports. Think of us as your on-call controllers who also mentor you through each next step.

We work across industries, with deep expertise in construction and strong experience in manufacturing, restaurants, retail, architecture, and more. We’re software-agnostic, fluent in platforms like QuickBooks, Foundation, SAP, Sage, Intacct, and others, so we adapt to your world instead of forcing you into ours.

What We Do

Accounting That Scales With You

Financial Analysis & Advisory Services

Turn your numbers into decisions. We build budgets, rolling forecasts, and simple dashboards you will actually use.

  • Annual budgets and rolling forecasts
  • Cash flow planning and scenario modeling
  • Job costing and WIP insights for construction
  • Bank and lender reporting you can send with confidence

Audit Preparation & Readiness

No more scramble. We get your books clean, tie-outs complete, and requests organized so audits and reviews move quickly.

  • Pre-audit clean up and reconciliations
  • Schedules, workpapers, and supporting docs
  • Coordination with CPAs, trustees, and lenders
  • Workers comp and union audit support

Accounting & Bookkeeping

Accurate, current financials that reflect reality. We handle the monthly close and catch up any backlog so you can run the business with clarity.

  • Monthly close, reconciliations, and financial statements
  • Clean-up and historical catch-up projects
  • Certified payroll support, liens, escrows, job schedules
  • ESOP accounting and reporting

HR & Payroll Management

Payroll done right, on time, and compliant. From standard payroll to certified payroll, Liz’s team keeps people paid and regulators satisfied.

  • Full-service payroll and payroll taxes
  • Certified payroll for public works and construction
  • HR coordination and practical compliance guidance
  • Workers comp audits and responses

What We Do

We Handle the Urgent, then Build the Lasting

Triage to Stability

We stop the bleeding, clean up the backlog, and put simple guardrails in place so you can breathe again.

Software-Agnostic

QuickBooks, Foundation, SAP, Sage, Intacct, NetSuite, you use it, we make it work better for your business.

Affordable for You

We sit in the middle on pricing. The right partner when you need real help without the enterprise price tag.

A Relationship

Clients call us first because they trust us to tell them what matters and what to do next. We take that responsibility seriously.

Industries We Serve

Construction

From job costing and certified payroll to WIP schedules and retainage tracking, we help contractors keep every project on budget and every report audit-ready. With clear systems in place, you’ll know your true costs and margins long before the next bid.

Manufacturing & Distribution

We bring clarity to complex operations, tracking production costs, inventory, and workflow with precision. Our goal is simple: give manufacturers and distributors full visibility to plan confidently and grow sustainably.

Restaurants & Breweries

We help restaurants and breweries master menu costing, tip reconciliation, and vendor management. With clean financial systems, you can focus on serving your customers while we keep your numbers balanced.

Architecture & Design

From project-based accounting to progress billing, we help creative firms stay organized and profitable. Our systems keep budgets clear and clients billed accurately so you can focus on the work that inspires you.

Retail & eCommerce

We simplify sales, inventory, and platform reporting for retail and eCommerce brands. With data aligned and clear insights, you’ll always know what’s selling, what’s working, and where to grow next.

Nonprofits & Community

We bring structure and transparency to mission-driven organizations through clear reporting, grant tracking, and compliance management. You focus on impact, we’ll handle the financial clarity.

Organizations

We support professional and community organizations with accurate reporting, budget planning, and compliance guidance. Our systems help you operate smoothly and plan for the future with confidence.

Testimonials

Real Outcomes. Real Clients.

Results and real words from the owners we serve.

“Melanie and her team played a crucial role in our financial growth, helping us elevate our annual revenue from $6 million to $40 million within just five years. Their strategic guidance was instrumental in building our bonding capacity and in creating detailed financial statements that enhanced our decision-making process.

Melanie exemplifies professionalism, integrity, and a profound understanding of financial strategies. Her commitment to her clients and her industry knowledge make her a standout partner in achieving business goals. I have no doubt that Melanie will continue to deliver exceptional results and value in all her future endeavors.”

VANCE CORP

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of businesses do you work with?

We partner with small to mid-sized companies across industries like construction, manufacturing, architecture, retail, and nonprofits. If your business is growing and needs structure behind the numbers, we can help.

Do you replace my CPA or work alongside them?

We work alongside your CPA. SOS handles the day-to-day accounting, clean-up, and reporting so your CPA can focus on tax strategy and filings. Together, we create a stronger financial foundation.

What accounting software do you use?

We’re system-agnostic. Our team works in QuickBooks, Sage, Foundation, SAP, and other major platforms. We adapt to your current setup or help you choose the best fit for your needs.

Can you help if our books are messy or behind?

Yes, that’s often where we start. We specialize in cleanups, reconciliations, and rebuilding financial systems so you can get back to accurate, current, and reliable reporting.

Do you handle payroll and HR?

Yes. We offer full payroll and HR management, including certified payroll, workers’ comp audits, and onboarding systems that keep your team and compliance on track.

What makes SOS different from other accounting firms?

We go beyond bookkeeping. SOS looks at your business holistically, helping you understand your numbers, improve processes, and make confident decisions that support long-term growth.

How do we get started?

It begins with a discovery call. We’ll review your current setup, discuss pain points, and create a plan tailored to your business. From there, we’ll help you get organized, confident, and in control.