FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about scope, confidentiality, onboarding and professional boundaries.
What does an outsourced finance department do?
It covers day-to-day bookkeeping, reconciliations, compliance-filing support, payroll and management reporting — effectively the operating layer of an in-house finance team, without you needing to hire and manage it directly.
What is the difference between bookkeeping and fractional CFO support?
Bookkeeping keeps your transaction records accurate and current. A fractional CFO uses those records for forecasting, cash strategy, pricing and board-level decisions. Many clients start with one and add the other as they grow.
Can 5th Quadrant manage GST, TDS, payroll and ROC compliance?
Yes — GST, TDS, payroll (including PF, ESI and Professional Tax) and ROC/corporate compliance are all part of our recurring compliance services, each run against an entity-specific calendar.
Can 5th Quadrant conduct internal audit?
Yes. Section 138 of the Companies Act permits prescribed companies to appoint a Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant, or another Board-approved professional — including a firm like 5th Quadrant — as internal auditor, with Board or Audit Committee approval.
Does 5th Quadrant provide statutory audit or CA/CS certification?
No. Statutory audit, tax audit, secretarial audit and cost audit, along with CA/CS certifications, must be performed and signed by an independently appointed, appropriately licensed professional — including MVR & Co., our affiliated firm of practising Chartered Accountants, where relevant. We prepare the underlying data and coordinate that engagement.
Will we need to change accounting software?
No — we work inside the accounting or ERP system you already use. If your current setup genuinely can't support what you need, we'll say so and discuss options, but switching isn't a default requirement.
How is financial information kept confidential?
Through role-based access controls, confidentiality agreements, and a documented conflict-of-interest process — access to your data is limited to the people actually working on your account.
How long does onboarding take?
It depends on the complexity of your entity and how many systems are involved — the discovery and diagnostic steps in our onboarding process determine the actual timeline for your situation.
Can 5th Quadrant work with our existing accountant, CA, CS or auditor?
Yes. We're designed to work alongside your existing accountant, CA, CS or auditor rather than replace those relationships — restricted, licensed work stays with them or is coordinated through our affiliated professionals.
Can 5th Quadrant support an SEZ, EOU, EHTP or STP unit?
Yes, SEZ, EOU, EHTP and STP setup and ongoing compliance support is one of our specialised advisory areas, covering everything from unit application through Annual Performance Report preparation.
Can 5th Quadrant manage DGFT, FEMA and export-scheme documentation?
Yes, we prepare and coordinate DGFT scheme documentation (such as Advance Authorisation and EPCG), FEMA-related records, and export-obligation tracking.
Does 5th Quadrant provide ESG strategy and BRSR readiness support?
Yes, including ESG maturity assessment, strategy, governance, data readiness and BRSR/BRSR Core reporting support.
Does 5th Quadrant issue valuations, legal opinions, ISO certificates or ESG assurance?
No. Statutory valuations, legal opinions, ISO 14001/LEED certification and independent ESG assurance must be issued by the specific authorised or accredited professional or body for that scope — we provide the underlying analysis, documentation and readiness support, and coordinate the independent engagement where needed.
What information is required for a proposal?
A brief description of your business, the services you're considering, your entity structure and rough transaction volume — enough for us to scope a proposal rather than quote blind. Our contact form asks for exactly this.