Bench, an online accounting platform that marketed itself as a solution for small business owners, has been acquired by Employer.com, a large technology platform best known for its HR and payroll services. While this might sound like a positive move on the surface, for many former Bench users, the acquisition raises serious concerns about the quality of service they’ll receive moving forward.
At Cardinal Tax, we’re here to offer a better solution. If you’ve been frustrated with Bench’s shortcomings and are now wary of what’s to come under Employer.com, we’re ready to provide the personalized, reliable service you deserve.
Bench’s Track Record: Less Than Stellar
Over the years, Bench’s appeal was rooted in its promise of a simple, tech-enabled bookkeeping service. However, many small business owners found that the platform fell short in several key areas:
Lack of Expertise
Bench relied heavily on bookkeepers rather than CPAs or experienced accounting professionals. For businesses needing more than basic bookkeeping, this meant a lack of strategic advice, tax planning, and support during complex financial situations.
Inflexible and Impersonal Service
While the platform was marketed as user-friendly, it often felt rigid and one-size-fits-all. The lack of personalized service left many business owners feeling like just another number in the system.
Limited Capabilities
Bench’s focus on basic bookkeeping meant that users often had to seek out additional providers for payroll, tax preparation, and financial advice, creating more hassle than convenience.
Employer.com Acquisition: A Step in the Wrong Direction
With Employer.com now at the helm, former Bench users are bracing for what many see as an inevitable decline in service quality. Here’s why:
Corporate Focus Over Customer Focus
Employer.com is a large, technology-driven company focused primarily on HR and payroll. Accounting and bookkeeping are not its core strengths, which means existing Bench users may find themselves deprioritized in favor of Employer.com’s primary offerings.
Standardized, Impersonal Approach
Big corporations like Employer.com are notorious for prioritizing efficiency over personalization. Small business owners who value tailored financial advice and a personal touch are unlikely to find it in the new iteration of Bench’s services.
Uncertain Integration
The acquisition announcement comes with promises of integrating Bench’s features into Employer.com’s platform. However, integration of this scale often leads to service disruptions, data migration issues, and confusion for users.
Why Cardinal Tax Is the Right Choice for Former Bench Users
At Cardinal Tax, we offer a refreshing alternative to the shortcomings of Bench and the uncertainties of Employer.com. As a small business ourselves, we know what small business owners need: expertise, reliability, and a personal connection.
1. CPA-Led Expertise
Unlike Bench, which relied on bookkeepers, and Employer.com, which prioritizes technology, Cardinal Tax provides CPA-led services. This means you’ll have access to:
- Advanced tax planning and compliance.
- Strategic advice tailored to your business.
- Support during audits or other complex financial situations.
2. Personalized, Human-Centered Service
We’re not a faceless corporation. At Cardinal Tax, we build real relationships with our clients. You’ll have a dedicated point of contact who knows your business inside and out, providing advice and support whenever you need it.
3. Comprehensive Solutions
With Cardinal Tax, you won’t need multiple providers. We handle everything under one roof, including:
- Bookkeeping: Accurate and timely financial records.
- Tax Preparation and Filing: Ensuring compliance and maximizing deductions.
- Financial Statement Preparation: Giving you clear insights into your business’s health.
- Payroll Management: Streamlined solutions for your team.
4. A Small Business That Understands Yours
As a small business, we face the same challenges and opportunities as you do. We’re invested in your success because it reflects our values and mission.
5. Modern Tools with a Personal Touch
We use the latest accounting technologies to ensure accuracy and efficiency, but every service we provide is backed by real human expertise. You’ll never feel like just another account number with us.
Don’t Settle for Less
Bench’s acquisition by Employer.com is a clear signal that their focus is shifting away from the needs of small business owners. Don’t wait to find out how much worse it could get. At Cardinal Tax, we’re ready to offer you the personalized, expert accounting services you’ve been missing.
Switch to Cardinal Tax today and experience the difference a true partner can make. Contact us now.