How NYC Hotspot Empowers Innovation in Tech and Biotech Companies
New York City has established itself as a global leader in technology and biotech innovation, fostering an ecosystem that supports startups and established companies alike. A key initiative driving this growth is the NYC Innovation Hot Spot program—a state-backed...
When “Rip and Replace” Becomes a Habit: How CFOs Can Disrupt (Rather Than Drive) Growth
The allure of “digital transformation” can be hard to resist—especially when it comes from a seasoned VP of Finance or CFO who wants to show they can make a big impact. Often, the first move is a flashy system overhaul: switching general ledger (G/L) platforms,...
How Startups Can (and Should) Leverage Economic Development Corporations Without Losing Their Edge
If you’re a tech founder in a city like New York, there’s a good chance you’ve come across a quasi-governmental entity known as an Economic Development Corporation (EDC). The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) is one of the most prominent...
Understanding Investor Information Rights: A Guide for Founders
As a startup founder, bringing investors on board is an exciting milestone. However, it also comes with responsibilities, including providing certain information about your company's performance. One key area investors often negotiate during funding rounds is...
Mastering SaaS Bookkeeping: Essential Considerations for Success
Bookkeeping for Software as a Service (SaaS) companies presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Unlike traditional businesses, SaaS companies operate on a subscription-based model, often deal with deferred revenue, and have complex financial metrics that...
Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) and Recent Court Cases
Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) is a significant tax incentive designed to encourage investment in small businesses. Introduced under Section 1202 of the Internal Revenue Code, QSBS allows non-corporate investors to exclude up to 100% of their capital gains from...
Tax Filing Tips for VC-Backed Startups
By many accounts, it’s the least wonderful time of the year. As we venture from winter to spring, tax deadlines start to loom large. For a VC-backed startup, that means a fairly sizable list of to-dos. Don’t panic. Filing your company’s taxes could be easier than you...
How to Prepare for Your Next VC Board Meeting: What CFOs Need to Know
Keeping investors satisfied is a big, important undertaking for any company that’s funded by outside sources. If your organization is backed by venture capital (VC) equity, that probably means having regular board meetings with key VC stakeholders. That can be a...
Understanding NYC’s 401(k) Rules for Startups: A Guide for Small Employers
For startups in New York City, offering a 401(k) or other retirement savings plan is not only a smart move for attracting and retaining talent—it may also be required by law. New York City (and New York State) have enacted regulations that mandate eligible...
Mastering SaaS Bookkeeping: Essential Considerations for Success
Bookkeeping for Software as a Service (SaaS) companies presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Unlike traditional businesses, SaaS companies operate on a subscription-based model, often deal with deferred revenue, and have complex financial metrics that...
QuickBooks Alternatives: New Players Worth Your Consideration
QuickBooks has long been the standard in accounting software, and for good reason. It’s a robust tool packed with lots of features, and it can scale with your business. That said, it’s not the only player in the game. And some of the other options can offer...
SaaS Success Starts with a Flawless Month-End Close
When it comes to SaaS companies, the month-end close isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. A successful close requires not only the right tools and processes but also a skilled and collaborative team. This blog will explore the roles, workflows, and strategies...
Staying Ahead of 2025: Accounting Tips
Each year, we like to tee up a few accounting tips. While there are absolutely some best practices all tech companies should deploy year after year, it’s also true that things change in the accounting world. As new regulation impacts taxes and new bookkeeping...
Preparing for Your First Financial Audit: A Checklist for Startups
Growing a startup comes with a potentially heady mix of near-endless opportunities surrounded by countless pitfalls. While the freedom that comes with scaling up the business is exciting, sometimes it’s nice to know you’re on the right track as verified by outside...
Bookkeeping Basics for SaaS Companies: Managing Revenue Recognition
On the surface, bookkeeping might not seem that complicated. A client or customer pays you money, so you record it on your books on the date it was paid. Right? Wrong. Because of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB’s) Accounting Standards Codification...
BOI Update: Reporting Requirements On Pause
Running any business comes with a small mountain of paperwork. There’s all the documentation you need to file at founding. You need to manage your annual filings with the IRS and applicable state tax authorities. You need to periodically renew registrations, licenses,...
Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting (BOI) and the Corporate Transparency Act: What Tech Companies Need To Know
At the start of this year (2024), new legislation was enacted requiring many companies operating in the U.S. to complete an additional filing. Before you start dreading this extra to-do, you should know a few things. First, the filing is relatively simple. Secondly,...
Innovating the Month-End Close Checklist: Fintech Tools that Can Help
The month-end close is a critical tool in any tech company’s arsenal. It’s also a lot of work. Gathering up all of the details you need to look back over the last month and account for every penny can be a major lift. Add in the need to update key financial reports...
How NYC Hotspot Empowers Innovation in Tech and Biotech Companies
New York City has established itself as a global leader in technology and biotech innovation, fostering an ecosystem that supports startups and established companies alike. A key initiative driving this growth is the NYC Innovation Hot Spot program—a state-backed...
Understanding Investor Information Rights: A Guide for Founders
As a startup founder, bringing investors on board is an exciting milestone. However, it also comes with responsibilities, including providing certain information about your company's performance. One key area investors often negotiate during funding rounds is...
Understanding NYC’s 401(k) Rules for Startups: A Guide for Small Employers
For startups in New York City, offering a 401(k) or other retirement savings plan is not only a smart move for attracting and retaining talent—it may also be required by law. New York City (and New York State) have enacted regulations that mandate eligible...
What Should I Look for in a CPA for My VC-Backed Company?
When your company taps into venture capital (VC) funds to build its runway, investors expect you to be diligent with every dollar. You probably want to be, too, since the more you can slow your burn, the longer you have to figure out how to make your business model...
Achieving Efficient Financial Management in 2025
When we start planning for a new year, things often look rosy. We might set sweeping goals and make ambitious projections. Then, the reality of life settles in. As the year gets underway, the busyness that comes with running a business has probably already presented...
Shutting Down Your Tech Company? Take These 5 Steps
Deciding to close down operations at a company you founded is never easy. This venture represents a lot of time, energy, and money. Shutting it down can feel like a major loss. At the same time, though, it might come with some measure of relief. By the time you’re...
Open Enrollment: Picking Providers and Managing the Process
As your startup grows, offering a solid benefits package helps you attract and retain the right talent. In our modern age, most employees expect their employer to provide health insurance for them. That means that even if you’re not legally required to offer this type...
Understanding New York’s “Convenience of the Employer” Rule: A Guide for Tech Companies with Remote Workforces
With remote work becoming more prevalent, especially in the tech industry, it's crucial for businesses to understand the tax implications of having employees work from various locations. One such consideration is New York's "Convenience of the Employer" rule, which...
Finding the Ideal Financial Tech Stack for Your Tech Company
The latest tech tools can make work easier, and that’s particularly true when it comes to your finances. Financial technology — or fintech, for short — automates time-consuming tasks like categorizing expenses. It can help you get the reporting you need to make...
Gusto’s People Advisory Program: We’re Certified!
As accountants, we’re more than number-crunchers. We’re in the weeds with our clients, supporting them as they make decisions that shape the future of their companies. We routinely support startups with strategy and process development, laying the foundation they need...
Shay CPA’s 3rd Annual Company NYC Retreat Recap
This year, Shay CPA hosted its third annual company retreat in the heart of New York City, an event packed with learning, connection, and celebration. From engaging presentations to immersive team-building workshops and a fun-filled final day, the retreat offered our...
Thank You to Our Clients, Partners, and Team
Over here at ShayCPA, we’ve grown and learned a lot over the course of 2023. As I look back, I have a lot of gratitude. This year, there were quite a few different highlights. We had some amazing accomplishments, including hitting our ten-year anniversary. And we’ve...
ShayCPA Looks Back on 2023
It’s been a busy year for our team — in the best possible way. We’ve had the opportunity to travel all around the country to participate in a handful of exciting events, from our own company retreat to industry favorites like TechCrunch Disrupt and QuickBooks...
Celebrating a decade of excellence at Shay CPA!
November 15th, 2013, was my last day at my full-time job at WNET-Channel 13. That day was a culmination of a three-year journey prior where I was moonlighting and creating my CPA firm on the side - nights, weekends, and even lunch hours. Leaving a full-time job was a...
ShayCPA’s 2nd Annual Retreat Recap: Uniting for Growth
We're excited to share the incredible experiences and moments from our 2nd Annual Company Retreat in New York City. Over three days, our team united for collaboration, gained insights, and enjoyed thrilling adventures that left us with unforgettable memories. Let's...
Insights from ShayCPA’s QBO ProAdvisor Certifications
Super proud of our team for completing their QBO ProAdvisor and Advanced ProAdvisor Certifications this week. Here are some takeaways from our training that can help our finance leaders in the technology space. Deferred Revenue: Deferred Revenue is finally...
Tech Day- Founders Summit 2022
SHAY CPA P.C. sponsored TechDay HQ's 2022 Founder's Summit event in NYC. TechDay HQ's Founder's Summit is a highly focused conference designed exclusively for startup founders and their c-suite executives. The conference featured educational sessions presented by...
2022 ShayCPA Quickbooks ProAdvisor Update
When it comes to picking an accounting system for your technology company, Quickbooks is a great place to start. ShayCPA’s team is Quickbooks Online Advanced Certified. What does that mean? Advanced Certification for the Quickbooks Online System requires our team to...
How NYC Hotspot Empowers Innovation in Tech and Biotech Companies
New York City has established itself as a global leader in technology and biotech innovation, fostering an ecosystem that supports startups and established companies alike. A key initiative driving this growth is the NYC Innovation Hot Spot program—a state-backed...
How Startups Can (and Should) Leverage Economic Development Corporations Without Losing Their Edge
If you’re a tech founder in a city like New York, there’s a good chance you’ve come across a quasi-governmental entity known as an Economic Development Corporation (EDC). The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) is one of the most prominent...
Understanding Investor Information Rights: A Guide for Founders
As a startup founder, bringing investors on board is an exciting milestone. However, it also comes with responsibilities, including providing certain information about your company's performance. One key area investors often negotiate during funding rounds is...
Understanding NYC’s 401(k) Rules for Startups: A Guide for Small Employers
For startups in New York City, offering a 401(k) or other retirement savings plan is not only a smart move for attracting and retaining talent—it may also be required by law. New York City (and New York State) have enacted regulations that mandate eligible...
Cash Runway Management: Key Metrics and Tools for Early-Stage Startups
Cash is the lifeblood of an early-stage company. Since you’re probably not turning any significant profit yet — and potentially taking losses — managing the money you have is critical. The more you can extend your cash runway, the longer you buy to figure out how to...
What Should I Look for in a CPA for My VC-Backed Company?
When your company taps into venture capital (VC) funds to build its runway, investors expect you to be diligent with every dollar. You probably want to be, too, since the more you can slow your burn, the longer you have to figure out how to make your business model...
How NYC Hotspot Empowers Innovation in Tech and Biotech Companies
New York City has established itself as a global leader in technology and biotech innovation, fostering an ecosystem that supports startups and established companies alike. A key initiative driving this growth is the NYC Innovation Hot Spot program—a state-backed...
Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) and Recent Court Cases
Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) is a significant tax incentive designed to encourage investment in small businesses. Introduced under Section 1202 of the Internal Revenue Code, QSBS allows non-corporate investors to exclude up to 100% of their capital gains from...
Tax Filing Tips for VC-Backed Startups
By many accounts, it’s the least wonderful time of the year. As we venture from winter to spring, tax deadlines start to loom large. For a VC-backed startup, that means a fairly sizable list of to-dos. Don’t panic. Filing your company’s taxes could be easier than you...
Filing a Corporate Tax Extension: Everything You Need to Know Before April 15, 2025
As the April 15, 2025, deadline for filing corporate tax returns approaches, many businesses, especially early-stage technology companies, may find themselves in need of additional time to gather necessary financial records and finalize their tax filings. Fortunately,...
Your Essential Guide to the Delaware Annual Filing | 2025
Every corporation incorporated in Delaware must file an Annual Franchise Tax Report and pay franchise taxes. This requirement applies regardless of the company's activity level or income. Paying this tax ensures the corporation maintains good standing in the state....
2025 Tech Company Tax Tips: Deadlines to Know
Financially speaking, these are uncertain times for businesses across the U.S. As the new administration ramps up, many folks are speculating about whether the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (TCJA) will expire later this year or get an extension. Talks of tariffs are adding...
1099 & Other Year-End Reporting Tips for Your Tech Company | 2025
Founders, as you embark on making sure your tech company is compliant with all of its tax obligations in 2024, a host of deadlines are upcoming for you and your finance team to navigate, which involve information returns (W2s, 1099s, and other reporting). For ...
Your Guide to the 2025 Tax Filing Season: What’s New For 2025?
As the year races past us, it’s nearly time to start preparing to close your books on 2024. And once you do, you’ll need to hand them over to the IRS fairly shortly. While April 2025 might feel like it’s a long way off right now, it can approach quickly. That’s...
Exercising Your Stock Options: Important Things to Consider
As a founder, you’ve probably tied up a lot of your energy, time, and resources in your startup. Ideally, that’s going to pay some serious dividends through the years. In fact, if you’re thinking about that future payoff, you might be dreaming about the day you can...
When “Rip and Replace” Becomes a Habit: How CFOs Can Disrupt (Rather Than Drive) Growth
The allure of “digital transformation” can be hard to resist—especially when it comes from a seasoned VP of Finance or CFO who wants to show they can make a big impact. Often, the first move is a flashy system overhaul: switching general ledger (G/L) platforms,...
How to Prepare for Your Next VC Board Meeting: What CFOs Need to Know
Keeping investors satisfied is a big, important undertaking for any company that’s funded by outside sources. If your organization is backed by venture capital (VC) equity, that probably means having regular board meetings with key VC stakeholders. That can be a...
Achieving Efficient Financial Management in 2025
When we start planning for a new year, things often look rosy. We might set sweeping goals and make ambitious projections. Then, the reality of life settles in. As the year gets underway, the busyness that comes with running a business has probably already presented...
Bank Sweep Products in 2025: A CFO’s Guide for Tech Companies
Tech companies in 2025 face a financial landscape shaped by fintech innovation and recent bank failures. The Silicon Valley Bank collapse in 2023 underscored why founders must diversify and protect large cash deposits. Meanwhile, rising interest rates mean idle cash...
Preparing for Your First Financial Audit: A Checklist for Startups
Growing a startup comes with a potentially heady mix of near-endless opportunities surrounded by countless pitfalls. While the freedom that comes with scaling up the business is exciting, sometimes it’s nice to know you’re on the right track as verified by outside...
Annual Budgeting & Forecasting Checklist
Whether you’re a startup working with a fractional CFO or a well-established tech company with a fully built finance function, this is a particularly important time of year. As we get into 2025, some steps you take now can set you up for financial success. That said,...
Fintech Foundations That Scale
As technology gets increasingly useful, most company founders are encouraged to think about their tech stacks even early on. Basically, your stack is the grouping of software solutions you use at your company. It’s called a stack because, in an ideal world, those...
Understanding Investor Information Rights
When you’re in the beginning stages of getting your company off the ground, it’s tempting to promise investors the moon and stars in exchange for the capital you need. Without their money, after all, you’re going to have a much harder time turning your dream into a...
Scaling Up a Startup’s Finance Team with the Right People at the Right Time
Overhead is one of the fastest ways to increase your burn rate and shrink your runway. As a result, hiring the help you need usually feels like a major undertaking. You want to be sure you’re getting someone with the expertise you need so you can see ROI on their...
Accounting for startups: How tech startups can leverage technology in their accounting operations
Founding a tech startup is about bridging the gap between a need and reality with technology. That firm focus on the power of technology should encompass as many areas of your business operations as possible, accounting being the foundation of your venture. As a...
SBIR/STTR Grant Funding 101: How to secure non-dilutive funding for science & tech start-ups
In the competitive world of startups, finding money that lets you keep full control of your creative business is like finding a hidden gem. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs represent such a treasure,...
How CorpNet Helps Startups with State Compliance
Sometimes, running your business isn’t the hardest part of running your business. Instead, complying with state and federal regulations, from taxes to employer requirements, feels most burdensome. Fortunately, you can pay someone else to handle that for you. And...
All about SECURE Act 2.0 Tax Credits for Small Businesses
Paid non-client of Betterment. Views may not be representative, see more reviews at G2. Learn more about Shay CPA’s relationship with Betterment. Betterment is not a tax advisor, nor should any information herein be considered tax advice. Please consult a qualified...
PR For Your Startup – Is the Right Time Now?
By Scott Rosenblum As we head into 2024, founders might be reviewing revenue goals, hiring, operational costs, taxes, and marketing spending. Some may also be considering adding Public Relations to that spend to help build brand awareness. Most founders hear that...
Gusto vs. Justworks: A Closer Look
Building a business has changed — and in a way that can make your life easier. Thanks to the latest software tools, it’s getting simpler to do things that used to be a huge time suck, like filing payroll and tracking employee work hours. Before you can start wielding...
Brex vs. Ramp – What’s Best for Your Tech Company?
If you’re looking for a solution to power your startup’s fintech stack, we’ve got good news. Relatively new players in the game bring streamlined options paired with better insights to help power your growth. You might have heard of two of the leaders: Ramp and Brex....
Understanding the R&D Tax Credit for NOL Companies
The federal R&D tax credit is designed to incentivize companies engaged in qualified research activities. For early-stage companies without taxable income, the credit can be used to offset payroll taxes instead of income tax liability. However, this benefit isn’t...
Navigating the Latest Section 174 R&D Capitalization Rules: What Founders Need to Know in 2025
For early-stage startups, research and development (R&D) is the lifeblood of innovation. Historically, small companies benefited from being able to immediately deduct R&D costs each year. However, legislative changes enacted under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act...
Navigating R&D Tax Credits: Maximizing Benefits for Companies
As the year comes to a close, you might be thinking about ways to minimize your 2024 tax bill. At any tech company, that means exploring how to maximize your R&D tax credit. Technically called the “Credit for Increasing Research Activities,” this tax savings...
Updates to Section 174 and How They Impact Your Company
Back in 2017, as the holiday season was well underway, startups got what many consider the opposite of a gift. With the implementation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), companies lost the right to take a tax deduction for R&D expenses in the year in which those...
R&D Credits for AI/ML Companies
If your company is leaning into the exploding opportunities created by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), you’re probably excited about what it could do for your business. Lots of people and companies are champing at the bit for AI/ML products and...
Using Your R&D Tax Credit Against Payroll Taxes
As you wrapped up the 2023 books for your startup, you probably did some high-level financial review and analysis. Looking over key documents like your profit and loss statement, you get a better idea of what’s driving revenue — and where you’re spending. For most...
Three Ways Game Developers Can Claim R&D Tax Credits
Developing a game isn’t cheap. Even if you have a team of 3D modeling pros with lots of programming experience and heaps of creativity, the hours you’ll all dump into building your game are hours people expect to be paid. And even if your internal team can handle the...
Job Titles That Help Your Business Claim R&D Tax Credits
As a startup, you’re probably looking for every money-saving opportunity you can find. That’s particularly true when it comes to your taxes. Even if you’re operating at a loss and don’t have a tax liability yet, tax credits matter. The U.S. Code allows you to carry...
Boost Your Startup with the Revamped R&D Tax Credit: What You Need to Know
The landscape for small businesses and startups is constantly evolving, especially when it comes to taxes. One area ripe for taking advantage of is the Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit. Recent changes in tax laws have made this opportunity even more...