Hey all, I'm just reaching out to test some waters before jumping in. I'm a CPA and have worked in Big Four accounting for about 5 years and now work in an internal audit role at a Fortune 50 Company. I've been thinking about branching out into my own Company and wanted to ask some questions to see what your respones would look like. I'd appreciate any help you could provide:

1.) As a young business owner how important are finances to your success?
2.) What are the typical methods of finance help you use, private CPA, in-house work?
3.) If you are using a private CPA about what is the average rate used?
4.) Would you be interested in a small contract Controller Company to help get your Company financially sound as an alternative to hiring your own accounting staff, or wasting your important time with these tasks?
5.) What would you be willing to pay monthly for a service like this assuming anywhere from 5 to 20 hours of service a month?
6.) Would you feel comfortable with a web based Accounting relationship as opposed to the more formal CPA environment?

Again thanks for all the help.