Fondo Install & Auth
Output
Record authentication method, approved scope, secret-manager reference, validation time, owner, and revocation procedure. Never include keys, financial response data, or account identifiers.
Examples
Use a scoped staging credential for a read-only fictional record, record the redacted outcome, and verify the old credential is denied after revocation.
Overview
Set up Fondo for automated startup bookkeeping, tax filing, and R&D tax credits. Fondo is a managed platform (not an API-first service) that integrates with payroll providers, banks, and expense tools. Configuration happens through the Fondo dashboard and OAuth connections.
Prerequisites
- US-incorporated startup (C-corp or LLC)
- Fondo account at fondo.com
- Active payroll provider (Gusto, Rippling, ADP, etc.)
- Business bank account
Instructions
Step 1: Create Fondo Account
- Sign up at fondo.com
- Select your plan: TaxPass (bookkeeping + taxes + R&D credits)
- Complete company profile (EIN, incorporation date, state)
Step 2: Connect Payroll Provider
| Provider | Connection Type | Data Synced |
|---|---|---|
| Gusto | OAuth 2.0 | Payroll runs, employee data, tax filings |
| Rippling | OAuth 2.0 | Payroll, benefits, headcount |
| ADP | API key | Payroll summaries, tax deposits |
| Justworks | OAuth 2.0 | PEO payroll, contractor payments |
| QuickBooks Payroll | OAuth 2.0 | Payroll journal entries |
| Paychex | Manual upload | Pay stubs, tax forms |
Navigate to Fondo Dashboard > Integrations > Connect Payroll and authorize.
Step 3: Connect Bank Accounts
Fondo Dashboard > Integrations > Banking
→ Connect via Plaid (most banks)
→ Or manual CSV upload for unsupported banks
→ Mercury, SVB, Brex, Chase all supported via Plaid
Step 4: Connect Expense Tools
| Tool | What It Provides |
|---|---|
| Brex | Corporate card transactions |
| Ramp | Card spend, reimbursements |
| Expensify | Receipt data, categorized expenses |
| Bill.com | AP/AR, vendor payments |
| Stripe | Revenue data, payouts |
Step 5: Verify Connection
After connecting, verify in Dashboard > Integrations:
- Green check = connected and syncing
- Yellow warning = needs re-authorization
- Red X = connection failed, re-connect needed
Error Handling
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| OAuth expired | Token expiry (90 days typical) | Re-authorize in Dashboard > Integrations |
| Missing transactions | Bank feed lag | Wait 24h or upload CSV manually |
| Duplicate entries | Multiple connections to same account | Remove duplicate connection |
| Sync paused | Provider API change | Contact Fondo support |
Resources
Next Steps
After setup, proceed to fondo-hello-world to verify your first financial sync.