Question 1

How is my deal data protected?

Accepted Answer

All data is encrypted in transit (TLS 1.3) and at rest (AES-256). Your deal information is isolated to your account with strict access controls. We use enterprise-grade infrastructure with SOC 2 Type II compliant hosting. Only you can access your projects — not even our support team can view your analysis without explicit permission.

Question 2

Is my deal data used to train AI models?

Accepted Answer

No. Your deal data is never used to train AI models. Period. Your financial information, adjustments, and analysis remain completely private. The AI assistance you receive is powered by models trained on public financial knowledge — not your confidential deal information.

Question 3

Can other users see my analysis or data?

Accepted Answer

No. Each project is completely isolated to your account. There's no shared database, no cross-user visibility, and no way for other users to access your work. When you export your analysis, you control who has access to those files.

Question 4

Can I delete my data after completing a project?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can delete any project at any time, which permanently removes all associated data including uploaded documents, analysis, and adjustments. Once deleted, the data cannot be recovered. We also automatically purge deleted data from our backups within 30 days.

Question 5

What exactly does shepi do?

Accepted Answer

shepi is a QoE analysis platform built on three pillars: a structured analysis framework designed by M&A professionals, automated data processing that transforms raw financials in minutes, and AI-powered document extraction for complex forms. Connect to QuickBooks for automatic data import, or upload PDFs — our AI extracts structured data from tax returns, payroll reports, and contracts without manual data entry. The result: data room files become analysis-ready in minutes, not days.

Question 6

How is shepi different from using Excel templates?

Accepted Answer

Excel templates give you a blank structure and hours of manual work. shepi gives you automated processing plus a guided workflow. Key differences: Connect to QuickBooks and import mapped data instantly — work that takes 8-12 hours manually. AI extracts structured data from tax returns, payroll, debt schedules, and contracts — no manual data entry. Multi-period normalization and IS/BS reconciliation happen automatically. A proven 6-phase workflow mirrors how experienced analysts work. You focus on analysis and judgment, not data wrangling.

Question 7

Does shepi replace a formal Quality of Earnings report from a CPA firm?

Accepted Answer

shepi produces comprehensive QoE analysis from the same source data a CPA firm would use — trial balances, financial statements, and supporting documents. For transactions requiring CPA attestation (lender requirements, regulatory compliance), shepi accelerates that engagement by producing CPA-ready workpapers. The difference between shepi and a CPA firm isn't the analysis methodology — it's the attestation letter and professional liability coverage.

Question 8

Does shepi calculate final EBITDA or provide a valuation?

Accepted Answer

shepi helps you build an EBITDA bridge by tracking and categorizing your adjustments, but the final numbers reflect YOUR judgment, not ours. We don't calculate valuation multiples or opine on what a business is worth. Our role is to help you organize and document the analysis — the conclusions are yours.

Question 9

Can I show shepi output directly to lenders or investors?

Accepted Answer

Yes — shepi output is complete, professional-quality QoE analysis that exports to PDF and Excel for sharing. For investor presentations and internal decision-making, shepi delivers institutional-grade workpapers. If your lender specifically requires CPA-attested reports for financing, shepi provides the analytical foundation that accelerates that formal engagement.

Question 10

Does shepi certify or guarantee the accuracy of the analysis?

Accepted Answer

No. shepi structures your analysis and provides AI-powered suggestions, but every adjustment is entered and approved by you. We don't audit source documents, verify management representations, or certify results. The accuracy of your analysis depends on the quality of data you provide and the judgment calls you make.

Question 11

How reliable is shepi's analysis compared to what a CPA firm would produce?

Accepted Answer

shepi's methodology and spreadsheet structure were developed by an M&A professional with years of hands-on QoE experience. The workflow, adjustment categories, and output format mirror what you'd see from a quality accounting firm. For clean deals with good data and careful analysis, shepi produces results that are functionally equivalent to what a CPA firm would deliver. The difference isn't in methodology — it's in who signs off on it. That said, garbage in, garbage out. shepi is a tool that structures and accelerates your analysis — it doesn't fix bad data or substitute for sound judgment.

Question 12

What documents do I need to get started?

Accepted Answer

Once you have access to the seller's data room (typically after LOI), you'll gather documents in three tiers: Required — You need these to begin: Detailed Trial Balance (QuickBooks export or Excel), Chart of Accounts, Bank Statements (covering full review period), General Ledger. Recommended — For a professional-grade analysis: AR & AP Aging Reports, Payroll Reports/Registers, Fixed Asset / Depreciation Schedule, Tax Returns (3 years), Journal Entries, Credit Card Statements, Customer & Vendor Lists, Inventory Records, Debt Schedule, Material Contracts & Lease Agreements. Optional — For verification & reference: Income Statements, Balance Sheets, Cash Flow Statements, CIM / Offering Memo. Start with the Required documents — you can add Recommended and Optional items as you receive them.

Question 13

How many years of financial data are required?

Accepted Answer

shepi requires 3 full fiscal years of historical data plus the current year-to-date period. This enables proper trending analysis, LTM (Last Twelve Months) calculations, and year-over-year comparisons that lenders and buyers expect.

Question 14

What file formats can I upload?

Accepted Answer

shepi is optimized for QuickBooks — the accounting system used by 80%+ of small businesses in the US. Connect directly to QuickBooks Online for automatic data import, or upload QuickBooks Desktop exports. We also accept PDF financial statements for AI extraction (tax returns, payroll reports, contracts, debt schedules) and standard Excel/CSV files for trial balance data.

Question 15

Can I connect directly to QuickBooks?

Accepted Answer

Yes — QuickBooks is our primary integration since it powers the vast majority of small business accounting in the US. Connect your client's QuickBooks Online account, select the periods you need, and shepi imports trial balance, chart of accounts, and general ledger data automatically. No manual exports, no format issues.

Question 16

How quickly can I complete an analysis?

Accepted Answer

Most users complete initial analysis in 2-4 hours vs. 40+ hours manually. The biggest time savings come from automatic account mapping (saves 8-12 hours), built-in calculations and reconciliations, and structured workflow that eliminates setup time. Your actual time depends on deal complexity and data quality, but expect 80-90% time reduction compared to building from scratch in Excel.

Question 17

What do I get at the end?

Accepted Answer

A complete analysis package including: EBITDA bridge with categorized adjustments, multi-period income statement and balance sheet analysis, working capital analysis with DSO/DPO/DIO metrics, customer and vendor concentration analysis, documented adjustment rationales with proof attachments. Everything exports to a professional PDF report and Excel workbook for sharing with stakeholders, lenders, or advisors.

Question 18

What role does AI actually play in shepi?

Accepted Answer

AI in shepi serves four functions: Document Extraction — When you upload complex documents like tax returns (1040, 1120, 1120S, 1065), payroll reports, debt schedules, or material contracts, AI reads and extracts structured data automatically. No manual data entry required. Identification — AI scans your general ledger and bank transactions to surface potential adjustments (personal expenses, non-recurring items, related party transactions) for your review. Education — Explains QoE concepts, adjustment types, and industry norms in plain language so you understand the 'why' behind every step. Assistance — The QoE Assistant answers questions about your specific analysis in real-time, helping you understand what experienced analysts would look for. Important: AI never auto-generates adjustments or final numbers. Every adjustment is human-entered and human-approved. AI surfaces possibilities — you make the decisions.

Question 19

What happens if my financial data is messy or incomplete?

Accepted Answer

Real deals are messy — we get it. shepi will warn you about potential issues (missing periods, unbalanced accounts, incomplete trial balances) but won't block your progress. You can proceed with imperfect data and document your assumptions. The warnings help you know what to address, but you decide what's acceptable for your analysis.

Question 20

Why does shepi cost $2,000 per project?

Accepted Answer

Consider the alternatives: DIY in Excel with a junior analyst at $50-100/hour spending 40+ hours = $2,000-4,000 in labor; Outsourcing to a CPA firm for sell-side QoE runs $15,000-50,000+; With shepi, complete analysis in hours, not weeks, for $2,000. At $2,000, you're paying roughly $100-200/hour for the time you actually spend — but you're getting the structure, consistency, and AI assistance that would otherwise require an experienced analyst.

Question 21

When should I choose per-project vs. monthly?

Accepted Answer

Per-project ($2,000): Best if you're analyzing 1-4 deals and want to pay only for what you use. Monthly ($5,000): Best if you're actively searching and expect 5+ deals, or if you want the flexibility to revisit analyses without worrying about project limits.

Question 22

Is there a free trial?

Accepted Answer

We don't currently offer a free trial, but we're confident in the value. If you complete an analysis and don't find it valuable, reach out to our team — we stand behind the product.

Question 23

Is shepi right for independent searchers doing their own diligence?

Accepted Answer

Yes — searchers are one of our primary users. shepi is designed for post-LOI due diligence, once the seller opens the data room and you have access to financials. With just the core documents (trial balance, chart of accounts, bank statements, and general ledger), you can start your analysis immediately and add supporting documents as they arrive. Use shepi to complete your analysis in hours instead of weeks, build professional EBITDA bridges with documented adjustments, identify red flags while you still have negotiating leverage, and create work product you can share with lenders or partners. For self-funded deals, this may be all the QoE you need. If your deal requires SBA or other lender financing, you'll likely still need formal QoE from a CPA firm — but having done the work in shepi puts you ahead and helps you catch issues early.

Question 24

Can I compare analysis across multiple deals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your dashboard shows all your projects with key metrics for quick comparison. While each analysis is independent, you can easily reference previous deals to calibrate your approach. Many searchers find this valuable for developing pattern recognition across similar businesses or industries.

Question 25

Does shepi handle industry-specific adjustments?

Accepted Answer

shepi's adjustment framework covers common categories across industries — owner compensation, one-time expenses, related party transactions, etc. The AI assistant understands industry-specific considerations (SaaS metrics, manufacturing working capital, healthcare reimbursement) and can guide you on what to look for. The structure is flexible enough to capture any adjustment type, and industry context helps the AI provide more relevant suggestions.

Question 26

Can accounting firms and advisors use shepi?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Firms use shepi to extend capacity without adding headcount, standardize QoE output across team members, accelerate sell-side QoE preparation, and train junior staff on QoE methodology. The Enterprise plan includes features specifically for teams: collaboration tools, custom templates, and volume pricing.

Question 27

Who should NOT use shepi?

Accepted Answer

shepi may not be right for you if: You need a CPA-certified QoE report (we don't provide certification); Your lender has specific QoE vendor requirements; You're looking for a valuation tool (we focus on earnings quality, not valuation); You want the AI to 'do it for you' (we assist, you decide).