About Us

We help companies make more money by helping owners overcome their most pressing challenges.
Services include: Accounting, Tax, Business Consulting, and assistance with personal money management techniques.

Products & Services
Need top-notch financial skills and expertise but can't hire someone full time? Richard A Melancon CPA offers part-time virtual CFO services for bu...
We help companies make more money by working more effectively. Want to work smarter, not harder, we can show you how. We created the Integrity-ba...
Online Business Roundatable by Richard A Melancon CPA
ONLINE ROUNDTABLE PROGRAM Covid19 has hit all small businesses hard.  Customers have no money to spend, workers are on unemployment benefits, and i...
Recommendations Given (33)
"Woody has made people happy through his music for several decades. His Storyville Stompers are..." Read more "Woody has made people happy through his music for several decades. His Storyville Stompers are legendary in New Orleans and everywhere they perform."
"I use John for all of my printing needs. In addition, he has a wide variety of advertising..." Read more "I use John for all of my printing needs. In addition, he has a wide variety of advertising products that can drive more income to your company. He continues to surprise me with having the latest ideas to market my business."
Recent Activity

Richard from Richard A Melancon CPA Answered this on November 10, 2022
1099-etc (Advanced Micro Solutions Inc.) (more) 1099-etc (Advanced Micro Solutions Inc.)

Richard from Richard A Melancon CPA Answered this on February 05, 2021
I have been paperless for more than 10 years.  This means that I have connected with clients by phone, live, e-mail, and snail mail.  Now I expanded to using Zoom and Google Meets to connect with clients.  I had not used this service before because clients preferred an in-person meeting or... (more) I have been paperless for more than 10 years.  This means that I have connected with clients by phone, live, e-mail, and snail mail.  Now I expanded to using Zoom and Google Meets to connect with clients.  I had not used this service before because clients preferred an in-person meeting or because clients did not feel comfortable connecting via the internet live.  I will continue this approach until clients request a change.  Client service is our main priority, so we will do what works best for our clients.

Richard from Richard A Melancon CPA Answered this on January 18, 2021
To Dennis:  There is a new Federal grant program for live venue businesses.  Sounds like you may qualify so that you can keep you company going until you are ready to re-open. (more) To Dennis:  There is a new Federal grant program for live venue businesses.  Sounds like you may qualify so that you can keep you company going until you are ready to re-open.
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Richard from Richard A Melancon CPA Answered this on April 22, 2020
Regardless of the rumors, you should reach out to your landlord and discuss your plans with him/her today.  If you are able to pay your rent, let the landlord know and you will rise to the top of the landlords "preferred tennant" list.  If you believe that you may be short, discuss an alternative... (more) Regardless of the rumors, you should reach out to your landlord and discuss your plans with him/her today.  If you are able to pay your rent, let the landlord know and you will rise to the top of the landlords "preferred tennant" list.  If you believe that you may be short, discuss an alternative plan, such as paying 25% of the rent every two weeks and then catching up next month as your cash flow begins.   Have you applied for a bank loan?  Consider asking for rent suspension until your loan is approved, with full payment at that time. Your landlord probably does not want to see you move.  So, discussing your position practively will resolve many issues before they become problems.
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Richard from Richard A Melancon CPA Answered this on April 02, 2020
Be vary careful in selecting the program to which you apply.  Most programs are mututally exclusive, which means that if you get funds from one program for a business purpose, you may not be eligible for funds from another program for that same purpose.  (i.e., you can get unemployment check or... (more) Be vary careful in selecting the program to which you apply.  Most programs are mututally exclusive, which means that if you get funds from one program for a business purpose, you may not be eligible for funds from another program for that same purpose.  (i.e., you can get unemployment check or payroll reimbursement, but not both.) The payroll programs provide reimbursement, but not cash flow.  The SBA disaster loan provides cash flow, but does not qualify for grant reimbusement. So, do you need liquidity or assitance paying for overhead?  Think carefully and plan for 2 - 3 different scenarios (high demand, limited demand, and change in service offerings). If you don't have a trusted advisor, now is the time to find one.  Do you have a CPA, attorney and banker?  If not, get one that you trust.  For the advisors, be prepared to pay their fees for advice.  Your business may well depend on your next move.

Richard from Richard A Melancon CPA Answered this on February 07, 2020
Accounts receivable is a loan from your business to your customers.  Since you are not a bank, don't act like one for longer than necessary.  If you provide a service, customers agree to pay your invoice.   If the invoice is in dispute, you may not know it until you try to collect the amount... (more) Accounts receivable is a loan from your business to your customers.  Since you are not a bank, don't act like one for longer than necessary.  If you provide a service, customers agree to pay your invoice.   If the invoice is in dispute, you may not know it until you try to collect the amount due. Don't be shy about reminding customers that they owe you money for longer than they agreed to take to complete their responsibility.  You may be surprised that some of your phone calls will turn into additional orders for more services.  At that point, be careful to withhold future products/services without a clear deadline for collecting on past open invoices.

Richard from Richard A Melancon CPA Answered this on November 05, 2019
As with most business decisions, the cost is a part of the final decision, but it should not be the driving force to change direction.  Costs should be used only to push the needle slightly for or against a proposed change.  When you start with cost in your decision-making process, your other... (more) As with most business decisions, the cost is a part of the final decision, but it should not be the driving force to change direction.  Costs should be used only to push the needle slightly for or against a proposed change.  When you start with cost in your decision-making process, your other decisions are always overshadowed by cost as the "perceived priority factor." Decide what business goals you are trying to achieve, then determine is a for-profit model is better or worse than a non-profit model to achieve the goals, then if a non-profit model is better, you can focus on obtaining a "B" certification. Non-profits often find it easier to qualify for grants and  donations, but for-profits may find it easier to generate revenue.

Richard from Richard A Melancon CPA Answered this on November 05, 2019
I would speak about Integrity-based Leadership.  This is the path to creating a top leading company.  The approach that I have created includes hiring, planning, pricing, delegating, managing daily tasks, et. al.  It is a commitment to Take Your Company to the Top and to recognize your staff as... (more) I would speak about Integrity-based Leadership.  This is the path to creating a top leading company.  The approach that I have created includes hiring, planning, pricing, delegating, managing daily tasks, et. al.  It is a commitment to Take Your Company to the Top and to recognize your staff as part of your success. As a CPA and business consultant with 30+ years of experience, I have seen what works and what keeps your company from moving forward.  That is why I have written the book "Integrity-based Leadership" that outlines the path and the concepts that you can use today to transform your company into a leader.

Richard from Richard A Melancon CPA Answered this on October 04, 2019
The best way to learn anything is to ask an expert.  An expert is one who understands the area of interest AND has the ability to explain it to the inexperienced individual.  The local Small Business Development office has training programs throughout the year, so there is probably a class on... (more) The best way to learn anything is to ask an expert.  An expert is one who understands the area of interest AND has the ability to explain it to the inexperienced individual.  The local Small Business Development office has training programs throughout the year, so there is probably a class on Understanding Financial Statements offered by a center in your area.  Check out sba.gov for the nearest SBDC office. Alternatively, ask an accountant to work with you for a session at the end of each of three months.  During that time, you can ask questions, hear what the accountant finds important, and receive personalized training on your financial statements.   THERE IS GOLD in your financial statements...when you know what you're looking for.  It does not take a lot of time read the statements once you know the specific areas that are important for you. If you're in the New Orleans area, contact me and I will tell you when the next class is scheduled through the SBDC.

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