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The road to the creation of a new business is a long one that is often filled with unexpected challenges and accomplishments. While the unpredictable nature of starting a business can be appealing to some, for many there is value in developing a plan to help guide new owners through the first months and years of operation. For this reason, one of the most important steps that entrepreneurs can take when starting out is to carefully and thoughtfully develop a comprehensive business plan.

What Is a Business Plan?

A business plan is both a map and a marketing tool for your business. A business plan helps you carefully set forth the purpose, goals, and priorities of your new business, along with guideposts to help ensure that you stay on the right path. For instance, a business plan may require you to consider what the primary purpose of your business is, or the good or service you intend to provide, who your potential customers are, and how you intend to reach them in an effective and efficient manner. A business plan also allows you to make an honest evaluation of the current status of your business and what you will need to do to get to where you would like to be. This includes taking the time to compile your business balance sheet, analyze existing income and expenses, and determine anticipated financial needs.

Creating a detailed business plan can help business owners acquire outside funding .

In addition, a business plan serves as a marketing tool for new business owners who are attempting to gain financial backing, operational support, or mentoring for their new business. The financial aspects of a business plan lets potential funders or lenders analyze your current income streams and the likelihood of repayment, while the detailed explanation of your business objectives and operational plans helps to convince interested parties that you have taken the time to carefully plan your business endeavors and are invested in the success of your company.

How to Write a Business Plan

There is no one specific way to write a business plan. However, there are key components that most business plans should include, and these are good starting points when working on your own plan. It may also be worth reaching out to an experienced corporate attorney to help you review and revise your business plan before presenting it to others in the business community.

Business plans typically start with a summary of the business and its objectives, and then they describe the operations of the business, the good or service it will be providing, and potential income streams in more detail. Business plans should also include a detailed description of the proposed management structure of the business, including officers or directors and possibly the envisioned composition of the board. Additionally, business plans typically include extensive financial documentation, such as balance sheets, income projections or growth model projections, any pending loan applications, tax returns of the entity, and copies of any relevant legal agreements. If the business has already been in operation for some time, the business plan may also include financial records for the months of operation.

• Summarize the business and its objectives
• Outline how the business is organized and managed
• Describe what the business sells
• Identify potential income streams
• Include financial information, such as balance sheets and projections

Using Your Business Plan

Once you have completed a business plan that you are happy with, you will find that you will often continue to refer to your plan even months or years after it was initially completed. In the initial stages, you can use your business plan to attract investors, partners, board members, or other advisors who are interested in the model you have proposed and would like to contribute to its success. As your business develops, you can continue to refer to the plan to guide you in business decisions, as well as to track timelines or certain goals that you hoped to meet. Even after your business is well-developed, returning to your business plan can help guide your yearly planning for your company, allowing you to modify your goals as they are achieved.

Last reviewed October 2023

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Business Plan Example and Template

Learn how to create a business plan

What is a Business Plan?

A business plan is a document that contains the operational and financial plan of a business, and details how its objectives will be achieved. It serves as a road map for the business and can be used when pitching investors or financial institutions for debt or equity financing .

A business plan should follow a standard format and contain all the important business plan elements. Typically, it should present whatever information an investor or financial institution expects to see before providing financing to a business.

Contents of a Business Plan

A business plan should be structured in a way that it contains all the important information that investors are looking for. Here are the main sections of a business plan:

1. Title Page

The title page captures the legal information of the business, which includes the registered business name, physical address, phone number, email address, date, and the company logo.

2. Executive Summary

The executive summary is the most important section because it is the first section that investors and bankers see when they open the business plan. It provides a summary of the entire business plan. It should be written last to ensure that you don’t leave any details out. It must be short and to the point, and it should capture the reader’s attention. The executive summary should not exceed two pages.

3. Industry Overview

The industry overview section provides information about the specific industry that the business operates in. Some of the information provided in this section includes major competitors, industry trends, and estimated revenues. It also shows the company’s position in the industry and how it will compete in the market against other major players.

4. Market Analysis and Competition

The market analysis section details the target market for the company’s product offerings. This section confirms that the company understands the market and that it has already analyzed the existing market to determine that there is adequate demand to support its proposed business model.

Market analysis includes information about the target market’s demographics , geographical location, consumer behavior, and market needs. The company can present numbers and sources to give an overview of the target market size.

A business can choose to consolidate the market analysis and competition analysis into one section or present them as two separate sections.

5. Sales and Marketing Plan

The sales and marketing plan details how the company plans to sell its products to the target market. It attempts to present the business’s unique selling proposition and the channels it will use to sell its goods and services. It details the company’s advertising and promotion activities, pricing strategy, sales and distribution methods, and after-sales support.

6. Management Plan

The management plan provides an outline of the company’s legal structure, its management team, and internal and external human resource requirements. It should list the number of employees that will be needed and the remuneration to be paid to each of the employees.

Any external professionals, such as lawyers, valuers, architects, and consultants, that the company will need should also be included. If the company intends to use the business plan to source funding from investors, it should list the members of the executive team, as well as the members of the advisory board.

7. Operating Plan

The operating plan provides an overview of the company’s physical requirements, such as office space, machinery, labor, supplies, and inventory . For a business that requires custom warehouses and specialized equipment, the operating plan will be more detailed, as compared to, say, a home-based consulting business. If the business plan is for a manufacturing company, it will include information on raw material requirements and the supply chain.

8. Financial Plan

The financial plan is an important section that will often determine whether the business will obtain required financing from financial institutions, investors, or venture capitalists. It should demonstrate that the proposed business is viable and will return enough revenues to be able to meet its financial obligations. Some of the information contained in the financial plan includes a projected income statement , balance sheet, and cash flow.

9. Appendices and Exhibits

The appendices and exhibits part is the last section of a business plan. It includes any additional information that banks and investors may be interested in or that adds credibility to the business. Some of the information that may be included in the appendices section includes office/building plans, detailed market research , products/services offering information, marketing brochures, and credit histories of the promoters.

Business Plan Template

Here is a basic template that any business can use when developing its business plan:

Section 1: Executive Summary

• Present the company’s mission.
• Describe the company’s product and/or service offerings.
• Give a summary of the target market and its demographics.
• Summarize the industry competition and how the company will capture a share of the available market.
• Give a summary of the operational plan, such as inventory, office and labor, and equipment requirements.

Section 2: Industry Overview

• Describe the company’s position in the industry.
• Describe the existing competition and the major players in the industry.
• Provide information about the industry that the business will operate in, estimated revenues, industry trends, government influences, as well as the demographics of the target market.

Section 3: Market Analysis and Competition

• Define your target market, their needs, and their geographical location.
• Describe the size of the market, the units of the company’s products that potential customers may buy, and the market changes that may occur due to overall economic changes.
• Give an overview of the estimated sales volume vis-à-vis what competitors sell.
• Give a plan on how the company plans to combat the existing competition to gain and retain market share.

Section 4: Sales and Marketing Plan

• Describe the products that the company will offer for sale and its unique selling proposition.
• List the different advertising platforms that the business will use to get its message to customers.
• Describe how the business plans to price its products in a way that allows it to make a profit.
• Give details on how the company’s products will be distributed to the target market and the shipping method.

Section 5: Management Plan

• Describe the organizational structure of the company.
• List the owners of the company and their ownership percentages.
• List the key executives, their roles, and remuneration.
• List any internal and external professionals that the company plans to hire, and how they will be compensated.
• Include a list of the members of the advisory board, if available.

Section 6: Operating Plan

• Describe the location of the business, including office and warehouse requirements.
• Describe the labor requirement of the company. Outline the number of staff that the company needs, their roles, skills training needed, and employee tenures (full-time or part-time).
• Describe the manufacturing process, and the time it will take to produce one unit of a product.
• Describe the equipment and machinery requirements, and if the company will lease or purchase equipment and machinery, and the related costs that the company estimates it will incur.
• Provide a list of raw material requirements, how they will be sourced, and the main suppliers that will supply the required inputs.

Section 7: Financial Plan

• Describe the financial projections of the company, by including the projected income statement, projected cash flow statement, and the balance sheet projection.

Section 8: Appendices and Exhibits

• Quotes of building and machinery leases
• Proposed office and warehouse plan
• Market research and a summary of the target market
• Credit information of the owners
• List of product and/or services

Related Readings

Thank you for reading CFI’s guide to Business Plans. To keep learning and advancing your career, the following CFI resources will be helpful:

• Corporate Structure
• Three Financial Statements
• Business Model Canvas Examples
• See all management & strategy resources
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Accounting Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Accounting Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their accounting firms. 

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write an accounting business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What Is an Accounting Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your accounting business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for Your Accounting Firm

If you’re looking to start an accounting firm or grow your existing accounting business, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your accounting business to improve your chances of success. Your accounting business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Accounting Firms

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for an accounting firm are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for accounting firms.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for an accounting firm.

If you want to start an accounting business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your accounting business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of accounting business you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have an accounting business that you would like to grow, or are you operating an established accounting business you would like to sell? 

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. 

• Give a brief overv iew of the accounting industry. 
• Discuss the type of accounting business you are operating. 
• Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. 
• Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team. 
• Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of accounting business you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of accounting firms:

• Full Service Accounting Firm: Offers a wide range of accounting services. 
• Bookkeeping Firm: Typically serves small business clients by maintaining their company finances. 
• Tax Firm: Offers tax accounting services for businesses and individuals. 
• Audit Firm: Offers auditing services for companies, organizations, and individuals. 

In addition to explaining the type of accounting business you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of clients served, or the amount of revenue earned. 
• Your legal business structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the accounting industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the accounting industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating. 

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your accounting business plan:

• How big is the accounting industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your accounting business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your accounting business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, organizations, government entities, and corporations.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of accounting business you operate. Clearly, individuals would respond to different marketing promotions than corporations, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are othe r accounting firms. 

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes CPAs, other accounting service providers, or bookkeeping firms. You need to mention such competition as well.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What type of accounting business are they?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide options for multiple customer segments?
• Will you offer products or services that your competition doesn’t?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a accounting business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type o f accounting company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide auditing services, tax accounting, bookkeeping, or risk accounting services?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of yo ur plan, yo u are presenting the products and/or services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your accounting company. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your accounting business located in a busy retail district, a business district, a standalone office, or purely online? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your accounting marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
• Reach out to websites 
• Distribute flyers
• Engage in email marketing
• Advertise on social media platforms
• Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your accounting business, including answering calls, scheduling meetings with clients, billing and collecting payments, etc. 

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to book your Xth client, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your accounting business to a new city.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your accounting business’ potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company. 

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing accounting businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing an accounting business or bookkeeping firm.   

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance s heet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you see 5 clients per day, and/or offer discounts for referrals ? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your accounting business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt. 

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a accounting business:

• Cost of equipment and office supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your office location lease or a list of your most prominent clients.    Summary Writing a business plan for your accounting business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the accounting business plan example above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the accounting industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful accounting business.  

Accounting Business Plan Template FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my accounting business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your accounting business plan.

How Do You Start an Accounting Business?

Starting an accounting business is easy with these 14 steps:

• Choose the Name for Your Accounting Business
• Create Your Accounting Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your Accounting Business
• Secure Startup Funding for Your Accounting Business (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your Accounting Business with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your Accounting Business
• Buy or Lease the Right Accounting Business Equipment
• Develop Your Accounting Business Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Accounting Business
• Open for Business

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Accounting business plan?

  OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   Click here to see how a Growthink business plan writer can create your business plan for you.   Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

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14 Business Startup Costs Business Owners Need to Know

Randa Kriss is a lead writer and NerdWallet authority on small business. She has nearly a decade of experience in digital content. Prior to joining NerdWallet in 2020, Randa worked as a writer at Fundera, covering a wide variety of small-business topics and specializing in the lending and banking spaces. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, The Associated Press, MarketWatch and Nasdaq, among other publications. She has also hosted a webinar as part of the SBA's 2024 National Small Business Week Virtual Summit. Randa is passionate about helping small-business owners make educated financial decisions, especially when it comes to affordable funding. She is based in Chicago.

Sally Lauckner is an editor on NerdWallet's small-business team. She has over 15 years of experience in print and online journalism. Before joining NerdWallet in 2020, Sally was the editorial director at Fundera, where she built and led a team focused on small-business content and specializing in business financing. Her prior experience includes two years as a senior editor at SmartAsset, where she edited a wide range of personal finance content, and five years at the AOL Huffington Post Media Group, where she held a variety of editorial roles. She is based in New York City.

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Deciding to start a business is exciting, but can also be daunting if you're a new entrepreneur. Calculating business startup costs, worrying about long-term profitability, securing startup funding — it can all be pretty stressful.

The question of costs is critical because the initial investment can be significant. A Kauffman Foundations study shows the average cost to be around $30,000, and costs tend to increase each year.

Fortunately, certain types of businesses, such as micro-businesses and home-based companies, have lower financial entry barriers. Here, we’ve put together a list of 14 different types of business startup costs you’ll need to consider when launching your company.

ZenBusiness

How to calculate the cost of starting a business

Drafting a business plan is the best way to estimate your business startup costs. Within your plan, the financial projections section should estimate your revenue, profit, and expenses for the next three to five years.

There are other resources to estimate your finances as well, such as the SBA’s startup costs worksheet . Templates will help you estimate your initial investment costs, so you know how much capital you should request when you seek startup funding.

Keep in mind that many of the business startup costs we list below are recurring. You'll need to cover these costs over a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis — think rent, office supplies, and payroll. Other expenses, like the incorporation fee or office furniture, are one-time costs.

When calculating your business startup costs, a good rule of thumb is to be able to cover six months’ worth of expenses upfront. So don’t count on your business’s revenue to start easing your costs until at least after that early period is over. You’ll want a cushion while you get your feet under you and work on attracting business.

>> MORE: Best business budgeting tools

14 business startup costs to plan for

Although this is a typical list of business startup costs, your actual startup expenses depend entirely upon your specific business and industry.

Here are some typical business startup costs to plan for:

1. Equipment: $10,000 to $125,000

Almost every business will need to finance equipment immediately. Equipment costs for startups can range anywhere from $10,000 to $125,000, depending on the industry and size of the company.

For example, if you’re starting your own moving or shipping company, you’ll need to finance a truck. If you’re opening a restaurant, you’ll need commercial-grade ovens, stoves, dishware, and cooking utensils. If you own a hair salon, you’ll need styling chairs. And nearly any business will require computers.

Of course, these costs range according to your industry and the size of your business. Hiring employees will incur additional costs, as you may need to secure individual equipment, as well.

How much do you need?

with Fundera by NerdWallet

We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

2. Incorporation fees: Under $300

One of your first to-dos when setting up a business is to choose a business entity, which has tax, legal, and financial implications.

If you decide to incorporate your business or form a limited liability company, you’ll need to file articles of incorporation or articles of organization, respectively, with your state. The filing fee can range from $50 to as high as $725 depending on the state. However, the fee is under $300 in the majority of states.

Even if you’re not incorporating, you’ll probably need to apply for federal or state licensing or permits. The types of documentation you'll need will vary based on your industry and location. For example, businesses within the agriculture or aviation sectors require federal licensing. Service-based sectors may need to have trade-specific licenses. And retail companies will likely need sales tax licenses or permits.

3. Office space: $100 to $1,000 per employee per month

Paying for an office or retail space will be a sizeable portion of your fixed costs, whether you rent or buy. You might spend between $100 per employee per month up to $1,000 per employee per month — again, it will depend on the type of space you're using.

You can mitigate these costs if you work from home in the beginning, or look into coworking spaces — both ideal for smaller businesses. And if you own a service-based business, you can travel directly to clients to further decrease overhead costs.

4. Inventory: 17% to 25% of your total budget

If you’re in the retail, wholesale, manufacturing, or distribution sector, you'll likely need to secure inventory to sell, as soon as you possibly can.

Knowing how much inventory to carry can be tricky: If you have too much inventory, you risk spoilage or damage. If you have too little, you risk losing customers who won't wait for items on backorder. This is especially true for seasonal businesses where inventory can vary drastically year-round.

You should allocate between 17% to 25% of your budget to inventory, depending on your industry. When you’re first starting out, consider securing more inventory. You'll want to attract customers and generate as much revenue as you can in your company's early stages.

5. Marketing: Below 10% of your total budget (even 0%)

Marketing materials might include physical materials, like signs, banners, and business cards. You might also consider paid ads, as well as more creative options, like videos and giveaways, that might require you to hire a consultant or a video producer.

Courtney Barbee, COO at The Bookkeeper, recommends keeping overall marketing costs to a minimum. Specifically, strive to keep your ad materials under 10% of your budget.

The good news? You can do the bulk of your small business marketing, for free. Thanks to social media and other online marketing strategies, advertising costs are often much lower for small businesses just starting now than they would have been 20 years ago.

6. Website: Around $40 per month

When building your business website, you'll want it to look professional, be easy to navigate, and display information about your services, products, hours, and contact information.

Fortunately, services like Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly, make creating a website easy and cost-effective. These content management systems are sometimes free, but premium plans will come at a monthly or yearly subscription cost:

Wix : $13 to $39 per month for a premium plan.

Squarespace : $12 to $18 per month billed annually, or $26 billed month to month.

Weebly : $5 to $25 per month.

Wix and Weebly also offer basic, free website builders. If you’re relatively tech-savvy, it’s easy to build a website through one of these services, no coding background required. But if you’re not very familiar with computers, you may want to hire someone to build the website — which, of course, is an additional cost (although it might become a worthwhile investment).

7. Office furniture and supplies: 10% of your total budget

Office furniture and supplies add up fast. If you’re operating in a traditional nine-to-five office environment, then every employee will need a desk, a chair, a computer, and a phone. Add in break room appliances, small office supplies, and computer programs, like your accounting software, and you’ll reach a hefty sum.

Again, that sum varies depending on the tools your business needs to operate, and the number of employees you need to outfit. Nate Masterson, the marketing manager at Maple Holistics, estimates that the total cost for office furniture and supplies would be around $5,000. In all, though, Masterson recommends keeping your furniture and supply costs to approximately 10% of your budget.

8. Utilities: Around $2 per square foot of office space

In addition to the fixed costs of rent and a down payment, you’ll be responsible for paying the electric, gas, water, internet, and phone bills for your office space. According to Iota Communications, the average cost of utilities for commercial buildings is $2.10 per square foot.

If you intend to install HVAC units, that will incur an additional cost — usually a couple of thousand dollars, not including installation fees and upkeep.

9. Payroll: 25% to 50% of your total budget

You need to pay your employees, even in the early stages, where you’re not bringing in much revenue. Remember, payroll includes all of the following:

Commissions.

Overtime pay.

Paid time off.

Of course, payroll costs will vary across startups. Typically, an employee will cost 1.25x to 1.4x their salary. For example, an employee on a $40,000 salary will actually cost you around $54,000 after factoring in various payroll tax costs and insurance.

A conservative payroll budget could work if you’re a sole proprietor, or if you’re running a small enterprise and use mostly 1099 contractors — and either is a pretty likely scenario for most startups.

10. Professional consultants: Between $1,000 and $5,000 per year

It’s tempting to take a DIY approach for all your business operations. After all, who knows your business best? But working with experts and professionals can be worth the investment.

For example, certified public accountants can explain the different legal structures, help you choose an employee benefit program, and ensure you're fulfilling your responsibilities as an employer. When tax season rolls around, they’ll prepare your tax returns and help you save on your taxes.

You don't need to hire a full-time accountant either. But it’s often a good idea to consult with your accountant on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis to review your financial statements, and for general financial guidance and advice. Consulting with an attorney regularly can also save you from major legal mistakes like failing to trademark your logo or developing relationships with vendors without a contract in place.

Every CPA and lawyer charges different hourly rates. Rates and additional fees vary depending on the number and level of difficulty involved in the tasks you need outsourced, the time it takes to complete your projects, and your consultant’s tenure. However, you can mitigate these costs by taking on some basic tasks yourself, only outsourcing the most complicated projects. There are even some options to get free business legal advice.

And with the help of good business accounting software, you can handle basic bookkeeping, like processing and managing payroll, creating and tracking invoices, and managing your business bank account.

According to SCORE , all told, the majority of small business owners spend between $1,000 and $5,000 per year on administration tasks, including accounting and legal fees. But as a startup — and by taking advantage of those cost-cutting tactics we mentioned — you’ll probably err on the lower end of that spectrum.

11. Insurance: Average of $1,200 per year

Your business needs the same protections you provide to your health, home, and car. There are many different kinds of business insurance , including protection from customers that file a lawsuit against you and disaster insurance for potential fires that can shut down your restaurant for weeks.

The type of insurance your startup needs is entirely dependent on your business, industry, number of employees, and other risk factors. For instance, a sole proprietor running an online business has far fewer insurance requirements than a construction company with several employees.

Here are a few essential forms of insurance you should look into to protect yourself, and policy costs vary according to several different factors:

General liability insurance : About $400 to $800 per year. Your industry’s risk will be the most significant factor influencing the cost of your policy.

Commercial property insurance: Anywhere from $300 to $2,500+, depending on the value of the property and its assets, and a risk factor dependent upon the nature of the business and the location of the property.

Workers compensation insurance : Approximately $0.75 to $2.74 per $100 of payroll, depending on the business’s size, location, payroll, and risk.

Errors and omissions insurance: Approximately $2,000 to $5,000 per year, depending on your business’s size, industry, location, revenue, legal history, and the quality of your contracts and employee training procedures.

12. Taxes: Variable, but 21% corporate tax rate

When planning your budget, determining the exact amount to allocate toward business taxes can be confusing. It depends on your revenue (which is difficult to predict), your deductible expenses, and your business entity.

Under current federal law, corporations pay a flat 21% corporate income tax. For pass-through entities, business income and losses pass through to the owners' personal tax returns. Pass-through entities can claim a 20% deduction on income before paying their business taxes.

But know that you can often save money and time by working with a CPA. A skilled CPA will determine what you can deduct so that you pay as little as possible.

13. Travel: Variable

Not every new entrepreneur needs to factor travel into their business startup costs. But if you have a consulting business or you visit your customers directly, you will be traveling a lot. You'll need to factor in the price of transportation, food, and lodging — multiply these costs if you have multiple employees traveling. Be mindful of how quickly those costs add up.

Try to keep total travel costs to an absolute minimum so that you can allocate your revenue toward bigger expenses, like payroll and rent. And to make some returns on all that time on the road or in the air, consider using a travel business credit card, which can earn you points and miles for every dollar you spend. If you do have to travel frequently, keep the nonessentials like business class tickets to a minimum.

14. Shipping: Variable

Service-based businesses can probably stop reading here. But if you’re in retail, you might be shipping products to customers. If so, you’ll need to factor shipping into your startup costs, including packing materials and postage. Depending on what you’re sending, these costs can reach into the thousands of dollars.

Services like Stamps.com can ease the burden of shipping costs on small business owners. With this service, you can print postage without having to buy a costly postage meter. If possible, you can secure free or low-cost shipping boxes from your shipping service of choice.

How to save on startup costs

The costs of starting a business can certainly add up, with many expenses being non-negotiable. Do your research before you splurge on high-ticket purchases, and recognize that there are ways to take care of some of these startup costs on the cheap.

For example, using software like QuickBooks can save on the costs of hiring a professional bookkeeper. Working from home or using a coworking space is a cost-effective alternative to leasing office space. And leveraging social media can mitigate your marketing costs.

Some costs are worth the investment. Don’t buy poor-quality equipment just because it’s cheaper — you’ll lose time and money making repairs and eventually need to purchase new equipment. Hire a legal or accounting expert if you’re confused. And make sure your website and advertising campaigns are professional-looking and effective.

Secure funding

If you've calculated your business startup costs and now feel overwhelmed, know that there are plenty of resources to help you find startup financing.

Your initial funding will likely come from a combination of debt and equity financing. But keep in mind that debt financing options — small-business loans — are relatively limited for brand-new businesses. Most lenders only feel comfortable offering loans to established companies with hard evidence of profitability, as well as healthy credit, which most startups simply don’t have yet.

Some lenders work with startup business owners, so don’t completely rule it out if you think it’s your best option. Check out more information on how to get a loan to start a business if you think debt financing is the right move for you.

» MORE: What is a business loan?

Get a business credit card

Once you’ve established a legal entity for your business, we recommend applying for a business credit card.

The application is simple, and a business credit card is usually easier to qualify for than a traditional business loan. Also, you typically gain access to a higher credit limit than your personal card. More importantly, a business credit of card keeps your personal and business finances separate — essential if you wish to maintain your personal liability protections after forming an LLC or corporation.

» MORE: What is a business credit card?

Just make sure you’re not maxing out your credit card or charging more than you can repay. Both can harm your credit score, which might hurt your chances of securing a small business loan down the line.

Start Your Dream Business

Frequently asked questions

1. what is the average cost to start a small business.

The cost of starting a small business depends on the type and size of the business you’re opening and your industry. For example, opening a McDonald’s franchise can cost you $1 million, while starting a social media consulting company may cost less than $10,000. The average cost will vary on a case-by-case basis.

2. How do you calculate startup costs?

The most straightforward method for calculating your startup costs is to use a budget template. Your budget will break down your startup costs and recurring expenses — rent, office supplies, payroll, and more.

It’s prudent to cover six months’ worth of expenses minimum upfront; this financial cushion will support you in your business’s early stages when your profit margins might be slim.

3. Are business startup costs tax-deductible?

While the IRS does not recognize startup costs as capital expenditures, they do state that you can deduct $5,000 of business startup and $5,000 of organizational costs paid or incurred after October 22, 2004, but only if your total startup costs are $50,000 or less.

You can review IRS Publication 535 or consult a business accountant for additional information.

4. What is considered a startup cost?

A startup cost is any expense incurred when starting a new business. Startup costs will include equipment, incorporation fees, insurance, taxes, and payroll.

Although startup costs will vary by your business type and industry — an expense for one company may not apply to another. For example, a brick-and-mortar business will need to pay to rent a separate business location, unlike a home-based online consulting company.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

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The Basic Legal Aspects of an Effective Business Plan

As we enter the final month of the year and excitement grows for the holiday season many people may not realize December also holds a special designation for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. It is National Write a Business Plan Month . And while the holidays often serve as a time for reflection on the year that was, developing a business plan forces business owners to look forward and put constructive thought into the years ahead.

No matter what stage a business is at, it is always beneficial to develop and strengthen a strategic plan. A well-drafted business plan serves as a strong foundation for a successful business. The plan acts as a road map directing what the business will do, how it will grow, the markets its will serve, the manner in which it will operate, the struggles it may encounter and the goals it hopes to achieve. Similar to a road map, your business may encounter roadblocks and detours requiring you to rethink the plan’s path, but ultimately an effective business plan will force the owner to think critically and objectively about the future of the business and should continuously serve as a compass for the company going forward.

Along with addressing overarching business matters, the development of the business plan presents a great opportunity to address certain legal matters that may seem minor today but can prevent major stress down the road.

One of the biggest decisions a business faces at the outset is determining how it will be structured. The chosen structure will have lasting implications related to business operations, liability protections, and tax strategies. The most common business structures are limited liability companies, corporations, and partnerships. The entity you chose will likely require state filing and may necessitate obtaining a tax identification number from the IRS and State Department of Revenue.

In addition to determining business entity type, an effective business plan must consider all applicable federal, state and local laws that may be applicable to its operations for each location it intends to conduct business. These considerations keep the business ahead of the curve when it comes to obtaining necessary licenses or permits to operate. The business must also consider local zoning ordinances for each physical location from which it will operate in order to ensure the location is suitable for the operation. Effective planning in these areas helps avoid future hurdles that could delay expansion into a new market and hinder growth.

Finally, the business should consider contracts and legal agreements that may be necessary in its operations. While many of these documents will develop over time and need not be specifically addressed in the business plan, they should be given some forethought as the business considers its operations. Specific contracts that may require particular attention in the business plan are Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreements. These documents are not absolutely necessary in every business venture, but in the right circumstances they can be crucial to the development or growth of the business. By entering into Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreements the business owner will be able to talk freely about the innovative ideas and creative potential of the business without concern that the information will be stolen or publicly disclosed. The more sensitive the information the higher the likelihood the business will require strong Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure agreements.

Ultimately, these are just a few of the issues a business owner must address and there are many other matters that should be taken into consideration when developing a strategic plan. A business owner need not develop the plan alone. They may consult with experts in tax, law, and business as well as trusted individuals invested emotionally or financially in their success. While the business plan will not address every detail that may impact the company, it should plot the road the business will follow. Establishing an effective plan for the business will pave a way that leads to success down the road.

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How to start an accounting firm: Your checklist for successfully starting a firm

So, you're thinking of starting an accounting firm.

That's great. No doubt you have plenty of questions about how to set up a new firm and get off to a great start.

Thomson Reuters spoke with some of our industry experts to get answers to the big questions you may have.

Here's what they told us.    

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Starting your own accounting business sounds like a lot of work. Why would I want to start an accounting firm?   

Starting an accounting firm is like starting any small business – it requires a lot of work. However, industry and consulting firms list accounting firms as one of the single most profitable small businesses a person can start right now.

Here are a few questions to consider when starting a firm:

• Do you want to be a cog in the machine or own a firm? Frankly, there isn’t a wrong answer to this question, but rather a preference. However, going out on your own comes with one significant benefit: you’re getting the profit from the firm, not just your wages. You go from employee to owner.
• What’s my business purpose? While perhaps a bit esoteric, defining your business’s purpose is crucial. Why am I doing this? What’s my goal behind this? It’s not just a philosophical exercise. Knowing why you’re starting a firm can help you define your target market, whether it’s helping small businesses, real estate, or another service area.
• Do you want to be nimble and cutting edge? Small firms tend to be much more agile and have a greater ability to do new things. From adopting new technology to discovering and implementing new software or other efficiency creating tools, running your own firm lets you make the decisions about what makes your business unique—and profitable.
• Should you start a legal entity? For some, a sole proprietorship won’t require incorporation – especially if the work is centered around less complex tasks such as basic tax preparation. However, there are certain liability protections by becoming an LLC, including limiting risk for your business. Assets become owned by your business and are distinguished from personal assets. When a business is not incorporated, it becomes harder to draw that line and the entire enterprise becomes at risk.

What are the requirements to open an accounting firm? What do I need?

Starting an accounting firm is no different from starting any other small business. And while there are accounting-specific requirements, it’s important to remember that you’re starting a business first.

Start by figuring out your purpose, goal, and market. This will influence many other decisions, including the function of the services you provide, whether you want a physical or virtual location, your target demographic, and the location of your business.

Once you’ve selected a location and determined your goals, it’s time to consider the nuts and bolts of owning a business.

You’ll need to:

• Obtain Employer Identification Number (EIN) and Tax ID number
• Investigate employment laws
• Determine startup costs
• Develop a pricing structure for services
• Decide on the legal structure of your business (S-Corp, L-Corp, LLC, Partnership, LLP )
• Look at business insurance
• Create a business bank account
• Develop internal policies and rules
• Hire employees

Additionally, you’ll have to think about the day-to-day needs of running a business, including managing risk, basic administrative tasks, and general questions of how and where you will meet clients. 

Will I need to get a new EIN from the federal government ?

In most cases, owning and running an accounting firm necessitates an Employer Identification Number (EIN). However, the IRS website provides an in-depth explanation of who is required to have an EIN and when. A good rule of thumb is: if you plan on hiring employees – or plan to in the future – you’ll probably need an EIN.

That said, even if you don’t think you need one – or the website says it isn’t a requirement– most businesses are probably better off acquiring an EIN.

Luckily, the online process is fast, easy, and free. 

If I’m not a Certified Public Accountant, do I need a CPA to open an accounting firm ?

It depends.

While all CPAs are accountants, not all accountants are CPAs. There are differences between the two, including education, experience, and certain opportunities. However, the answer goes back to the question, “What services do you want to offer?”

An accounting firm can do almost everything a CPA firm can do with one exception – audits and assurance services. So, if that is a part of your goals or your target market, then it’s probably wise to think about the steps needed to become a CPA.

However, if you are looking to focus on the multitude of other services accounting firms provide, it’s likely not a necessary credential to start. And while there are certain state-by-state exceptions about what can and cannot be undertaken by a CPA, they are not a requirement for starting an accounting firm.

However, if you want to call yourself a “CPA firm” – you will need a CPA.

Can accountants work from home ?

One of the benefits of starting an accounting firm is flexibility. So, the simple answer to the question is, yes—many accountants can and do work from a home office.

All the regulations that apply to a physical location also apply to virtual or home offices. So not having a physical office does not put an accounting firm at a disadvantage.

In fact, working from home is even easier with modern technology and software solutions that help bring vital aspects of your daily workflow into one dedicated (and usually online) space. For instance, Thomson Reuters makes its CS Professional Suite of tax and accounting software available as hosted online solutions and designed its Onvio products to run entirely in the cloud.

It’s important to note: an accounting firm must have a dedicated EFIN (Electronic Filing Identification Number) for every separate location where they perform work. So, if you have a physical location and do work in a home office, you’ll need to investigate whether you’ll need a separate EFIN for home office.

The answer largely depends on how much – and the extent of the work – you do from home. Check with the IRS for further guidance. 

If I’d prefer a home-based accounting business, what should I know about starting an accounting firm from home ?

Luckily, accounting firms don’t need a physical space to operate successfully. And like the traditional brick and mortar approach, having a home-based or virtual business brings both opportunities and challenges that are unique to that approach. When considering a home-based business, it’s important to think about the unique challenges and opportunities involved.

These include:

• Shared work locations. There are many co-working locations across the country, many of which include both space for professionals to perform their tasks, as well as providing a professional, on-demand space to meet with clients. While there is usually a monthly fee to use these spaces, the benefits they provide are often worth the cost (and are significantly cheaper than leasing or purchasing office space).
• Low costs. New businesses often struggle with overhead. As you build your client list, keeping costs low is a priority. Not only does it allow you to see a profit early, but it also allows you to adjust your service menu to attract clients with lower-than-normal prices.
• Liability issues. If you choose to meet clients in your home, liability and zoning can be an issue. If a client gets hurt inside your home office, or falls outside of it, it’s important to know the laws surrounding liability.
• Zoning laws. Most cities and counties have zoning regulations. Make sure you investigate and comply with any laws to ensure your home-based business isn’t operating illegally.
• Turn limitations into unique opportunities. While not having a physical space can be challenging at times, it can also be an advantage. Consider visiting clients onsite. Not only does it solve space concerns, it communicates a message to the client—you offer a higher level of service.    

What are the key services offered by accounting firm s? 

In many ways, this question can be answered by once again looking at your goals and target market. What are the key services needed by that population? How can you serve them better? Still, while many services will be dictated by the specifics of your clients and their business, there are a few standards most accounting firms offer, including:

• Assurance services
• Bookkeeping

While these are typically the core offerings – and the ones that will provide consistent business in most accounting firms – it’s also important to investigate emerging and buzz-worthy services that are attracting bigger and more progressive accounting businesses.

From consulting and advising to outsourced CFO services (serving as the embedded strategic financial decision-maker for a client), taking a cue from the bigger firms – and anticipating what trends might trickle down to smaller and independent businesses – can increase the clients you serve and put you steps ahead of your competition. 

What should I know about running an accounting firm ?

Starting a business is filled with new and challenging decisions. However, once the business is up and running, it’s common to be unprepared for typical day-to-day operations. Anticipating (and planning for) these concerns helps make sure you’re working as efficiently as possible.

Common questions and concerns include:

• Talent acquisition and development. Frankly, finding and keeping staff is a significant challenge, which is why hiring always leads industry surveys about common needs and concerns. Even if you aren’t ready to hire a team, it’s wise to start developing a strategy early.
• Going beyond the seasonal business . Every year it gets harder and harder to operate a seasonal accounting business, especially if you’re looking to offer a variety of services. Unless you’re doing just cookie-cutter tax prep – and you avoid complex returns – you won’t be able to operate on a seasonal basis. That said, prioritizing the season and maximizing your efficiency (and your profits) during the heavy times is critical to finding success.
• Keep on top of regulatory changes. Keeping up with major regulatory changes can be a challenge – especially if you add staff. Finding a solution that helps minimize the burden and risk that otherwise exists will help stave off the constant onslaught of new information.
• Rethink the traditional role of the accounting firm. Traditional accounting firms used to meet with clients just once a year to do their tax return. More progressive firms are moving to a year-round schedule, which not only allows them to expand services for current and future clients but implies a partnership relationship that goes beyond the “one touchpoint” per year model. 

How much should an accountant charge per hour? Or should accountants charge a fixed fee ?

This, in many ways, is an unanswerable question because the only reliable advice that can be given is, “It depends.” Every context is different and is swayed by factors such as competition, location, service offerings, and level of expertise.

However, even though there isn’t a standard fee, most accounting firms are moving away from an hourly fee structure and choosing to institute to a fixed fee model that allows for better value for clients, a more manageable business plan, and eventually an increase in earnings.

Again, every context is unique, and there are certain situations when an hourly fee structure is best. These include:

• When you’re gathering information to develop a fee structure
• Gauging profitability in a newer firm and trying to determine the hours you need to work and remain profitable
• Early in your career when you need more time to complete basic tasks

Outside of those circumstances, a fixed fee is recommended and preferred. As your skill and expertise grow, so will your abilities to complete tasks quickly. With an hourly fee, this means having to take on more clients to maintain (and hopefully increase) your profits.

A fixed fee structure is about value. The expertise and skill you bring to service are of more importance than just an hour of work for clients. Pricing your abilities based on knowledge is not only good for your business but is ultimately valuable for your clients as well.

How should I price accounting and bookkeeping services ?

While there is still a debate surrounding hourly versus fixed fees in some aspects of the business, accounting and bookkeeping is not one of them.

Accounting and bookkeeping services (as well as other service lines, such as simple tax preparations) are almost universally charged as a fixed fee, and there is a market expectation for that pricing structure.

When determining a fee structure, many accountants call other firms and ask for quotes. They use the average of those quotes to determine a fair and competitive price for their services.

Another resource is local and national affiliations and associations. Many of the larger ones (such as the National Association of Tax Preparers) will distribute recommended price structures and other useful information. 

How much should a CPA charge for taxes?

While you do not have to be a CPA to prepare or file taxes, the training and expertise it requires to gain that credential matters. Simply put, you’re a CPA, and you deserve a premium for your services.

When trying to structure fees, it’s important to set a minimum job value. By setting a minimum job value at, say, $500, you won’t get mired in lower-level work that you likely don’t want to take on. Plus, that work can take up time and pull you away from more valuable work that you’d rather be doing.

Knowing what you want to charge and identifying the value you bring to your clients is critical. You are providing a service to your clients, but you’re also giving them a value based on your credentials and experience. So, it’s up to you to set the standards and have them choose between lower costs (them doing it their self) versus the value of having a CPA prepare your taxes.

That said, there’s a balance.

Many CPAs make a practice of “writing down” certain services because they know their hourly rate for larger projects can quickly become untenable for a client. Not only is this seen as a discount by the client, but it also allows you to create a fixed-fee structure for your services and show the clients the savings and value they receive.

If they need more staff, what do accounting firms look for when hiring?

When hiring, accounting firms are like many businesses and are looking for a combination of credentials, experience, and the ability to perform the necessary tasks. However, in an increasingly competitive hiring market, many firms are beginning to look at soft skills as valuable for new hires.

For decades, accounting firms have focused primarily on credentials. However, more and more, it’s less and less about certification and more about aptitude. For the most part, it’s easier to train accounting knowledge than it is to build customer service skills. When hiring, it’s important to look at the qualities a candidate can bring into a firm – not necessarily just credentials.

Of course, experience and credentials do matter. Especially when the experience sets for an accountant is specific and narrow. What types of tax returns have you prepared? What specializations do you carry? And credentials such as CPA, EA, attorneys, and state certifications (when required) are all still attractive to firms looking to hire.

How much does it cost to start an accounting firm?

Start-up costs can range from $2,500 to $25,000. Your location and your goals will determine cost in several ways, including whether you want to start a traditional brick and mortar firm or are looking to create a virtual office environment.

It’s important to remember that, besides physical (or virtual) space, accounting firms need to find and install the necessary equipment and technology to help their practice run more efficiently. That, in many ways, is the first step for a new entrepreneur. Once they’ve found a tax solution that can help them achieve their goals, they’ll be able to begin tackling the other day-to-day tasks and questions of running a business.

What’s the best business structure for accounting firms?

Finding the best business structure for your accounting firm is a critical part of not only ensuring success but helping to minimize both your tax burden and your risk.

While the circumstances of what your incorporation looks like will depend on your approach, it is considered a best practice to become incorporated right off the bat due to the legal protections it provides.

Popular options include:

• Partnership

If you’re running a solo firm, you’re likely going to be looking at an S-Corp, which allows you to pay yourself as an employee. However, if you are working with other partners, a partnership might be more preferential, as it provides a little more flexibility with payment. You are permitted to take draws or distributions, and it doesn’t necessarily require a payroll department because it’s not considered “wages” per se.

Whichever structure you choose at the beginning, know that it will likely evolve throughout the maturity of your firm. For instance, a firm might accept the risk and start as unincorporated to avoid the incorporation fees. Then they might transition to S-Corp. Over time, as additional owners move into the entity structure, the firm can add additional shareholders or can reorganize as a partnership.

It’s better to have a separate legal entity than to not and better to have separate federal filing than to not.

How do I get accounting clients?

The consensus is word of mouth. However, while a strong work ethic, exceptional service, and competitive pricing will undoubtedly attract clients, a successful business always requires more than just good luck.

Here are a few tips on how to increase your client base:

• Be a business owner, not just an accountant. This means focusing on solid business practices and looking for ways to ensure both stability and growth.
• Market yourself . This goes beyond starting a business and hoping people show up. Look for ways to partner with other companies and firms, as well as networking opportunities in the community. The local chamber of commerce is an excellent resource.
• Don’t forget about friends and family. While they won’t be able to maintain your business over the long haul, friends and family are a great starting place not only for initial clients but also for referrals.
• Take advantage of easy and cheap technology . Google Ads can be capped at $20 and make for productive investments to help drive local searches for accounting firm.
• Be in the community. Look for professional speaking engagements that you can offer to local groups for free. Create thought leadership presentations, teach community education classes and provide a venue to show your skills and knowledge.

You’ll find other ideas in our blog post on finding new clients .

How about social media and online presence for accountants – is it worth the effort?

Websites, social media, and various other online presences are a great way to establish credibility in the market.

For the most part, a simple online presence is relatively easy to start with minimal start-up costs. And while an online presence won’t guarantee an increase in exposure, not having one can have a negative impact and can discredit you to a potential client. In many cases, website and social media become an augmentation to your word of mouth referrals. Most people won’t simply call a number without the opportunity to do some basic online research.

However, there is a difference between a website presence and social media. In most cases, a website is static and allows businesses to transmit basic, evergreen information such as phone number, services provided, and credentials. Social media, on the other hand, can drive business in a longer and more indirect fashion.

Auto-posting any relevant story or information can help create a brand on social media – one where you’re seen as an authority on tax and accounting subjects. Posting constant content can help with visibility and, ultimately, increasing your customer base.  

If you think you may need help with this, take a look at our social media and other digital marketing solutions for accounting firms .

Some firms focus on a specific accounting specialization. Should I consider a niche accounting service?

Put simply, the more specialized you are, the more profitable you are. However, it’s not as much a question of “should you” but “can you.”

Many – if not most – firms will start as generalists and then slowly make their way a more niche practice. Sometimes a firm will intentionally build clients in one area. Others realize they have, say, many construction clients and then move to the particular niche.

If moving toward a niche practice, consider:

• What’s your timeline? When should you plan to transition to a specialized practice? When is the right time to stop chasing general clients?
• Partnering with more generalist firms can help take on other needs from clients while you take only the niche side of their business.
• Gaining professional affiliations is important. They can help distinguish you in a competitive market and further signal your niche work.

What’s the most popular accounting niche?

Niches, like many things, are often dependent on location, interest, and understanding where there is a need across different businesses. However, some of the most successful niches are the ones serving fellow professionals such as doctors, dentists, attorneys.

Services based niches as opposed to manufacturing-based are also on the rise. For example, real estate professionals, landscapers, and farming clients are becoming a more prosperous and unique way to do business.

However, it’s important to remember that you have to target businesses where you have the right location and the right skills. Again, farming has particular needs and goals. If you can fill them, then you have a specialization that is highly valuable to that market.

What do prospective clients consider when deciding how to choose an accountant? What do they look for in a CPA?

What are the things that are most likely to influence a client’s perception of you in the little amount of information they’re able to get from a flyer, website, or social media? While the idea that “first impressions matter” may seem a little cliché, they still matter to your clients. As a result, making sure your communication is direct, pleasing, and engaging is critical to your success.

Some important deciding factors include:

• Aesthetics. What’s the aesthetic of your website? Is it mobile compliant? Does it seem modern? Do your documents use color and seem to be professionally designed? Take care to control the new prospective client’s perception of you and what they think they see in you.
• Have a professional place to meet. Whether you operate a brick-and-mortar business or a virtual one, having a professional place to meet with clients is essential.
• Clients want comfort and assurance . Clients want the assurance that, if the IRS or another regulatory authority comes after them, that you be my defender and stand between them and the organization? Extending that sense of comfort is going to help influence them.
• Know your target market . Know what your market is looking for and make it very clear that’s what you can provide them.    

Thanks to our subject matter experts Jordan Kleinsmith and Mo Arbas for their input into this article.

Bring more value to your clients.

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9.1 Understand legal considerations in business and accounting

Rina Dhillon

There are usually three legal considerations in business and accounting: (1) Sources of Law; (2) Contracts and (3) Consumer Protection. This section will briefly address each of these legal considerations and its implications for business.

Sources of Law

There are two main sources of law in Australia, statutory law, the law made by Parliament, and case law or common law, based on the decisions of judges in the superior courts. The dominant source is parliament, where elected politicians make laws. Laws made by parliaments are called statutes, Acts or legislation. Australia has a federal system of government. There is the Commonwealth Parliament (in Canberra) and a separate parliament in each of the states and territories. All parliaments make laws.

There are also two court systems. The federal court system comprises the Federal Circuit Court, Federal Court, Family Court and High Court. The state court system consists of Magistrates’, County and Supreme Courts. As well, there are a range of tribunals and boards that make decisions about individual disputes, but they do not have the same power as courts to ‘make law’. For example, in the New South Wales, the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal provides affordable access to justice for civil matters. Judges make law through their decisions in court cases. Judges usually decide each similar case along the lines of earlier decisions made. If the facts of the earlier cases were not exactly the same, the judge could still compare the situations and apply a common principle or develop a new, reasonably similar principle for the new facts – known as the doctrine of precedent. The principles and rules contained in the collection of judgments and court procedures is also known as the common law. Each part of the system – the courts, the parliament and the executive (ministers and public service) – has a separate role to play. In particular, the courts are independent of the parliament.

These sources of law fit together to create the Australian legal system.  Students who would like a more in-depth understanding of the sources of law in Australia can turn to the following optional reading resource: The Australian Legal System .

A contract is a promise (or a set of promises) that is legally binding and can be anything from a formal written document to a verbal promise, as well as implied by conduct. Contracts reflect the set of expectations of each party within a business relationship. A business is essentially a ‘nexus of contracts’ and thus contract law is applicable and relevant, especially in the event of a breach.

Contract law defines the elements of a contract (i.e. contractual formation -what we need to do to create a contract ), determines if contracts are valid and enforceable (i.e. scope and content of contracts), aids with the interpretation of contracts (i.e. avoidance of contractual obligations or  performance and termination of contracts – if they are unclear or there is a dispute) and determines what happens if contracts are breached (i.e. remedies for breach of contract – when one party fails to act out a promise).

Students who would like a more in-depth understanding of contract law can read the following optional resource: Australian contract law

Consumer Law

Since the early 70s, consumer legislation has seen a major shift from buyer beware to seller beware particularly for large organisations selling goods and services to a multitude of customers. The relevant legislation is the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) (CCA) and is enforced by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). The provisions within consumer law can be grouped into four broad categories:

• Product safety provisions, which provide for mandatory consumer standards, product information and notification of voluntary recalls, and the power to order mandatory recalls;
• Prohibitions against unconscionable, misleading or deceptive conduct in trade or commerce, which are extremely wide-ranging;
• A prohibition on the manufacture of defective products, which are restricted to consumer goods; and
• A strict liability prohibition on manufacturers and importers of defective goods.

Keeping It Real: ACCC takes action against Volkswagen over diesel emission claims

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has instituted proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia against German company Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft (VWAG) and its Australian subsidiary, Volkswagen Group Australia Pty Ltd (VGA) (together, Volkswagen), alleging they engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct, made false or misleading representations and engaged in conduct liable to mislead the public in relation to diesel vehicle emission claims.

The ACCC alleges that between 2011 and 2015:

• VWAG engaged in misleading conduct by installing and not disclosing the existence and operation of ‘defeat’ software, which controlled the operation of the vehicles’ exhaust gas recirculation system. The software caused the vehicles to produce lower nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions when subject to test conditions in a laboratory, but switched to a different mode under normal on-road driving conditions resulting in significantly higher NOx emissions being produced by the vehicles.
• Both VGA and VWAG engaged in misleading conduct by representing that the vehicles complied with Australian and European standards and all Australian regulatory requirements when, because of the defeat software, that was not the case.
• Using information provided by VWAG, VGA marketed the vehicles in Australia as being environmentally friendly, clean burning, low emission and compliant with stringent European standards when this was not the case under normal driving conditions.

“The ACCC alleges that Volkswagen engaged in multiple breaches of the Australian Consumer Law by concealing software in their vehicles to cheat emissions testing and misleading consumers about the vehicle’s compliance with standards and emission levels during on-road conditions,” ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said.

“Consumers rightly expect that their vehicle’s emissions would operate as advertised during their day-to-day use and we allege that this was not the case with more than 57 000 vehicles sold in Australia by Volkswagen over a five-year period.”

“These allegations involve extraordinary conduct of a serious and deliberate nature by a global corporation and its Australian subsidiary misleading consumers and the Australian public. We expect higher standards of behaviour from all companies that supply to Australian consumers,” Mr Sims said.

The ACCC is seeking declarations, pecuniary penalties, corrective advertising, findings of fact and costs.

Keeping It Real: Optus in court for allegedly misleading 20,000 customers about moving to the NBN

The ACCC has instituted proceedings in the Federal Court against Optus Internet Pty Ltd (Optus), alleging it misled customers about the need to move quickly from its existing HFC network to the National Broadband Network (NBN).

The ACCC alleges that between October 2015 and March 2017, Optus made false and misleading representations by writing to its customers to advise it would disconnect their HFC service within a specified time period as the NBN was coming to their area.

However, the timeframes were earlier than Optus was contractually allowed to cancel the customers’ services.

“We allege that Optus’ misrepresentations put pressure on customers to move to the NBN sooner than they were required to. This is particularly concerning as Optus received a significant financial payment from NBN Co for each customer that moved from its cable network to the NBN,” ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said.

It is also alleged that between October 2015 and September 2016, Optus misled some of its customers about their options for purchasing an NBN plan.

“Optus created the impression that its customers were required to obtain NBN services from Optus, when they could have chosen to switch to any internet service provider.”

“We are also concerned that Optus cut off some of its customers’ internet services when it had no contractual right to do so. Telephone and internet are essential utilities and it is unacceptable for Optus to treat its customers this way,” Mr Sims said.

“As the NBN rollout continues throughout Australia, people will be making decisions about which provider to go with. ISPs must not mislead consumers when competing for business. We are keeping a close eye on this sector and will take action where we see wrongdoing.”

The ACCC is seeking declarations, injunctions, pecuniary penalties, a publication order, compliance orders and costs.

In addition to goods and services, Australian Consumer Law also apply to  Financial Products and Services. Failure by financial professionals to provide timely and accurate information to those they bear responsibility toward is also an offence. This includes false or misleading statements, inappropriate financial advice and insider trading and apply to financial statements, forecasts and other disclosures made by accountants, which are required to be a complete, true and fair reflection of the company’s financial performance. Investigations are brought by the Australian corporate regulator, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

Keeping It Real:

21-063MR ASIC sues CBA for misleading conduct over monthly access fees

ASIC has commenced civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court against the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), alleging that it charged monthly access fees to customers when it was not entitled to do so.

ASIC alleges that, between 1 June 2010 and 11 September 2019, CBA incorrectly charged monthly access fees to customers who were entitled to fee waivers because they met certain criteria under their contracts with the bank. Almost $55 million in fees were charged to nearly one million customers and more than 800,000 accounts.

For the period between 1 April 2015 and 11 September 2019, the period for which the Court can impose a penalty, ASIC alleges that CBA incorrectly charged monthly access fees on approximately 2.4 million occasions, totaling around $11.5 million.

ASIC alleges that CBA incorrectly charged monthly access fees to customers entitled to fee waivers due to systems and processes that were inadequate or improperly configured in 30 different ways, as well as due to manual errors made by CBA staff.

ASIC also alleges that each time CBA charged the fees or notified a customer via bank statement of the charging of each fee, it made false or misleading representations that it was contractually entitled to charge the fees when it was not.

Further, ASIC alleges that each time CBA entered into a contract with a customer to establish an account where a fee waiver may apply, it made false or misleading representations that it would have adequate systems and processes in place to provide the fee waivers, when it did not.

By engaging in the above conduct, ASIC alleges that CBA also engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct and contravened its obligation as an Australian financial services licensee to comply with financial services laws.

ASIC also alleges that CBA failed to provide financial services efficiently, honestly and fairly by:

• failing to apply monthly access fee waivers to customer accounts after it had represented it would do so;
• failing to maintain systems and processes that were capable of meeting obligations to customers; and
• failing to undertake an appropriate review of the multiple systemic issues that contributed to the ongoing failure of its systems to apply monthly access fee waivers in accordance with the bank’s contract with its customers.

ASIC commenced this proceeding because financial institutions need to have robust compliance systems to meet their obligations to customers. Financial institutions need to put customers first, and customers should have confidence that the banks they deal with charge fees correctly.

The proceeding will be listed for a case management hearing on a date yet to be set.

21-364MR Mayfair 101 Group to pay $30 million penalty for misleading advertising

The Federal Court has ordered four companies in the Mayfair 101 Group to pay a combined penalty of $30 million for misleading advertising.

In March 2021, the Court found Mayfair Wealth Partners Pty Ltd and Online Investments Pty Ltd (trading as Mayfair 101), M101 Nominees Pty Ltd and M101 Holdings Pty Ltd engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct and made false or misleading representations when promoting the M+ and M Core Fixed Income Notes ( 21-055MR ).

Mayfair 101 Group products were advertised in newspapers, on websites and via Google search advertising, when potential investors searched for terms such as ‘bank term deposits’ and ‘best term deposit’.

ASIC Deputy Chair Sarah Court said ‘This penalty makes clear that firms must do the right thing by their investors, irrespective of whether they are wholesale or retail investors. Failing to accurately advertise financial products can result in significant penalties for firms.’

The Court found that the Mayfair companies represented that:

• the Notes were comparable to, and of similar risk profile to, bank term deposits, when they were of significantly higher risk,
• the Notes carried no risk of default, when in fact there was a risk that investors could lose some, or all, of their principal investment,
• the principal investment would be repaid in full on maturity, when this might not occur because Mayfair could extend the time for repayment for an indefinite period, and/or
• the M Core Notes were fully secured products when they were not.

The Court imposed the following penalties:

• Mayfair Wealth Partners: $10 million
• M101 Holdings: $8 million
• M101 Nominees (in liquidation): $8 million
• Online Investments: $4 million

James Mawhinney is the director of each of the Mayfair companies. In April 2021, the Federal Court restrained Mr Mawhinney from advertising and raising funds through financial products for 20 years ( 21-076MR ).

In handing down the decision, Justice Anderson found that, ‘the Defendants deliberately mislead investors into investing in the Mayfair Products under the belief that they would be of low risk when in fact the Mayfair Products were highly speculative and carried very substantial risk.’

His Honour also found that Mr Mawhinney had shown no remorse ‘for the loss and harm caused to investors in the Mayfair Products.’

The Court also permanently restrained the companies from using certain words and phrases (such as ‘term deposit’ and ‘certainty’) in any future advertising.

Students who would like a more in-depth understanding of consumer law can read the following optional resource: Australian Consumer Law

While this section has set out the legal expectations of businesses and accountants, they do not fully capture the scope of the accounting profession’s responsibility. The next section provides an understanding of the need for accountants to be ethical and independent.

Accounting Business and Society Copyright © by Rina Dhillon. All Rights Reserved.

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Accounting Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Accounting Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Accounting business plan.

We have helped over 5,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business accounting plans and many have used them to start or grow their accounting firms.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Accounting business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

DeSanta & Co is a new accounting firm located in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide a full suite of accounting services to local businesses, including bookkeeping, accounting, and tax services. Our combined decades of expertise and client-focused service ensures that we will become the #1 accounting firm in the next five years.

DeSanta & Co is run by Michael DeSanta. Michael has decades of accounting experience and has gained a loyal clientbase from providing his services through competing firms. His expertise, reputation, and loyal clientbase will ensure that our firm is successful.

Product Offering

DeSanta & Co will offer its clients a full suite of accounting services. These services include bookkeeping, accounting, tax services, and auditing. The company will employ a large and diverse staff of professional accountants to ensure we can offer as many services as possible.

Customer Focus

DeSanta & Co will serve small and medium-sized businesses located in the Indianapolis, Indiana area. Most of these businesses will have less than 1000 employees and earn a revenue less than $10 million per year. We will also offer limited services to individuals, such as tax prep and help.

Management Team

DeSanta & Co’s most valuable asset is the expertise and experience of its founder, Michael DeSanta. Michael has been a certified public accountant (CPA) for the past 20 years. Throughout his career, he has developed a loyal client base, and many clients have stated that they will switch to DeSanta & Co once the company is established and running. Michael’s combination of skills, accounting knowledge, and loyal following will ensure that DeSanta & Co is a successful firm.

Success Factors

DeSanta & Co will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Michael DeSanta will initially help the clientbase that he has built carefully over the past twenty years.
• The company will emphasize providing client-focused service so that our clients feel valued.
• The company will provide our accounting services at an affordable rate.

Financial Highlights

DeSanta & Co is currently seeking $400,000 to launch. The funding will be dedicated to the office build out, purchase of initial equipment, working capital, marketing costs, and startup overhead expenses. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Office design/build: $100,000
• Office equipment, supplies, and materials: $50,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
• Marketing costs: $50,000
• Working capital: $50,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for DeSanta & Co.

Company Overview

Who is desanta & co.

DeSanta & Co is a new accounting firm located in Indianapolis, Indiana that provides local businesses with a full suite of accounting services. We are a small firm but have considerable experience, so we can offer better quality of services than our competition. We expect that our most popular services will include bookkeeping, accounting, and tax services. Our combined decades of expertise and client-focused service ensures that we will become the #1 accounting firm in the next five years.

  DeSanta & Co is run by Michael DeSanta. Michael has decades of accounting experience and has gained a loyal clientbase from providing his services through competing firms. After working for several accounting firms around town, he surveyed his clientbase to see if they would be willing to switch to his new company once launched. Most of his clients responded positively, which motivated Michael to finally launch his business.

DeSanta & Co History

Upon surveying his clientbase and finding a potential office, Michael DeSanta incorporated DeSanta & Co as an S-Corporation in April 2023.

The business is currently being run out of Michael’s home office, but once the lease on DeSanta & Co’s office location is finalized, all operations will be run from there.

Since incorporation, DeSanta & Co has achieved the following milestones:

• Found an office space and signed Letter of Intent to lease it
• Developed the company’s name, logo, and website
• Hired an interior designer for the decor and furniture layout
• Determined equipment and fixture requirements
• Began recruiting key employees

DeSanta & Co Services

DeSanta & Co will provide the following services to its clients:

• Bookkeeping
• Tax services
• Advisory services
• Investment services
• Management consulting
• Valuation and planning

Industry Analysis

The accounting industry is essential to the success of other businesses and industries. Accountants record and track financial transactions, which helps businesses ensure they are making a profit. As such, accounting services are always in demand and the industry often sees great growth.

There are several essential services that accounting firms can provide to businesses and individuals. The most popular services include bookkeeping, tax services, advisory services, and valuation and planning. Though most businesses employ their own accountants, many businesses are switching to hiring accounting firms to save on costs.

The accounting industry is expected to grow over the next several years. According to The Business Research Company, the accounting industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from now until 2027. This growth is due to the increasing demand for accountants worldwide. This increase in demand and industry growth ensures that DeSanta & Co will achieve success.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market, customer segmentation.

DeSanta & Co will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Local small businesses
• Medium-sized businesses
• Individuals

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

DeSanta & Co will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Perkins & Smith

Perkins & Smith is a small accounting firm that has intentionally remained small so that they can have stronger relationships with their clients. Since they opened in 1960, Perkins & Smith has been one of the leading accounting firms in the Four State Region. They offer a wide range of services including accounting, bookkeeping, payroll services, tax prep and planning, and advisory services. They have built up a loyal clientele and maintained a strong, positive reputation since their opening decades ago.

Premiere Accounting

Premiere Accounting is a large accounting firm that specializes in helping large businesses with accounting, taxes, and similar services. Since opening in 1995, they have acquired a loyal client base, including several multi-billion dollar companies. They employ over a hundred professionals who all have diverse backgrounds. This helps serve their diverse clientele and ensures they are meeting the specific needs of every business that works with them.

Jackson Brothers Accounting

Jackson Brothers Accounting is a privately held accountant practice that has been popular in the area since 1985. They offer a wide variety of services including, tax planning and preparation, payroll processing, financial planning, and small business accounting. Though they are open to helping nearly all businesses and sectors, they primarily focus on local small businesses and startups.

Competitive Advantage

DeSanta & Co will be able to offer the following advantages over the competition:

• Client-oriented service : DeSanta & Co will put a focus on customer service and maintaining long-term relationships. We aim to be the best accounting firm in the area by catering to our customer’s needs and developing a strong connection with them.
• Management : Michael has been extremely successful working in the accounting sector and will be able to use his previous experience to help his clients better than the competition.
• Relationships : Having lived in the community for 25 years, Michael DeSanta knows many of the local leaders, newspapers and other influences.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

DeSanta & Co will offer a unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Client-focused financial services, where the company’s interests are aligned with the customer
• Service built on long-term relationships
• Big-firm expertise in a small-firm environment

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for DeSanta & Co is as follows:

Targeted Cold Calls

DeSanta & Co will initially invest significant time and energy into contacting potential clients via telephone. In order to improve the effectiveness of this phase of the marketing strategy, a highly-focused call list will be used, targeting individuals in areas and occupations that are most likely to need accounting services. As this is a very time-consuming process, it will primarily be used during the startup phase to build an initial client base.

DeSanta & Co understands that the best promotion comes from satisfied customers. The Company will encourage its clients to refer other businesses by providing economic or financial incentives for every new client produced. This strategy will increase in effectiveness after the business has already been established.

Social Media

DeSanta & Co will invest heavily in a social media advertising campaign. The company will create social media accounts and invest in ads on all social media platforms. It will use targeted marketing to appeal to the target demographics.

Website/SEO

DeSanta & Co will invest heavily in developing a professional website that displays all of the company’s services. It will also invest heavily in SEO so that the firm’s website will appear at the top of search engine results.

The fees and hourly pricing of DeSanta & Co will be moderate and competitive so clients feel they are receiving great value when utilizing our accounting services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for DeSanta & Co. Operation Functions:

• Michael DeSanta will be the Owner of DeSanta & Co. In addition to providing accounting services, he will also manage the general operations of the business.
• Michael DeSanta is joined by a full-time administrative assistant, Jessica Baker, who will take charge of the administrative tasks for the company. She will also be available to answer client questions and will be the primary employee in charge of client communications.
• As the company builds its client base, Michael will hire more accounting professionals to provide the company’s services, attract more clients, and grow our business further.

Milestones:

DeSanta & Co will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

• 6/2023 Finalize lease agreement
• 7/2023 Design and build out DeSanta & Co
• 8/2023 Hire and train initial staff
• 9/2023 Kickoff of promotional campaign
• 10/2023 Launch DeSanta & Co
• 11/2023 Reach break-even

Though he has never run his own business, Michael DeSanta has worked as an accountant long enough to gain an in-depth knowledge of the operations (e.g., running day-to-day operations) and the business (e.g., staffing, marketing, etc.) sides of the industry. He also already has a starting client base that he served while working for other accounting firms. He will hire several other employees who can help him run the aspects of the business that he is unfamiliar with.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

DeSanta & Co’s revenues will primarily come from charging clients for the accounting services we provide. We will charge our clients an hourly rate that will vary depending on the services they need.

The notable cost drivers for the company will include labor expenses, overhead, and marketing expenses.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of clients:
• Year 4: 100
• Year 5: 125
• Annual Rent: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement.

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement

Accounting Business Plan FAQs

What is an accounting business plan.

An accounting business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your accounting business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your Accounting business plan using our Accounting Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Accounting Businesses? 

There are a number of different kinds of accounting businesses , some examples include: Full Service Accounting Firm, Bookkeeping Firm, Tax Firm, and Audit Firm.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Accounting Business Plan?

Accounting businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start an Accounting Business?

Starting an accounting business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop An Accounting Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed accounting business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast. 

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your accounting business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your accounting business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Accounting Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your accounting business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your accounting business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations.

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events.

7. Acquire Necessary Accounting Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your accounting business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation.

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your accounting business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful accounting business:

• How to Start an Accounting Business

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How to create an effective business plan for an accounting firm, filter by category.

Thinking of starting your own accounting firm? That's great! Getting success in the high-demand finance industry needs persistence, hard work, and proper planning.

Yes, a detailed accounting firm business plan! Whether you are preparing to raise funding, applying for loans, or want to expand the company—a business plan is the key to all. 

But do you know how to write one? Worry not, you are at the right place. This guide on writing an accounting business plan effectively will help you get started. 

Why do you need a business plan for your accounting firm?

If you're planning to launch a new accounting firm or thinking of expanding the existing one, a well-crafted business plan is essential. It does not only act as a roadmap for your firm's growth, but it also improves your chances of securing funding if required. 

It also outlines the goals and strategies of the company, allowing you to make strong decisions that align with its long-term goals.

How to write an accounting firm business plan?

Writing an effective business plan is critical for the success of your accounting firm. It acts as a roadmap for your business. But writing it includes many steps—if you need help you can use any business planning software for support. Various steps to include in the plan are: 

1. Executive summary 

An executive summary is a brief overview of the entire business plan. It acts as a hook to engage readers, motivating them to further explore your business plan. 

This section should include important details such as mission, goals, services briefs, marketing & sales strategies, and financial goals.

The executive summary should be concise yet comprehensive, giving readers a clear understanding of your firm's potential and value proposition.

2. Company description 

Now, this is the section where you give a detailed description of your accounting firm. 

Start the section by mentioning the legal structure of your accounting firm, whether it's a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC) , or corporation. 

Also, highlight your firm's mission, values, long-term vision of the firm, location of your business, and business history (if any). You should also mention the owners of the business along with their experience and educational qualifications. 

3. Market analysis

Before you start writing your business plan, conduct market research . Identify the size and scope of the market, including the number of accounting firms. 

First, define your target market based on your research. Understand all their pain points and accounting needs, so you can customize your services accordingly. 

After that, do the competitive analysis. Identify your direct and indirect competitors, and conduct a SWOT analysis to understand your unique selling propositions. 

Mention any industry trends. You can adapt your strategies by staying informed about all the trends.

Finally, add the legal regulations you need to follow to run the accounting business in a particular location. Mention about all the licenses or permits your business needs. 

4. Accounting services

This is the section, where you highlight all the services and mention how you are the best in providing them. 

Give a detailed description of each service you provide. It can be about tax preparation, auditing, bookkeeping, or consulting. You can also mention the specialized services if you provide any such as business valuation, acquisition support, or anything else. 

Mention if you use any special software or technology to provide such services. For example, any accounting software, client portal software , communication tools, etc. 

5. Marketing and sales strategies

After mentioning your services, you need to highlight sales and marketing strategies to show how will you reach the customers. 

Here, you need to identify the types of customers you are going to serve. For example, individuals, firms, small businesses, startups, or NPOs. Once you know the target audience, describe your strategies to attract them. Not only attract them but also retain the existing customers. 

Some strategies your accounting firm can use are networking events, social media marketing, SEO, content marketing, email marketing, etc. 

6. Operational plan

The main essence of an operational plan is to showcase how you work daily. Here explain the procedure of the services you provide. 

For example, a client needs to register first, then schedule a meeting with the accountant, and then that particular accountant will be in the touch with client throughout. 

With the procedure, you need to mention the timeline too, in which you will provide the services. Along with all these, mention in detail all the technologies or software you plan to purchase like project management tool , bookkeeping & accounting software, file sharing software , or some other. 

7. Management team

Introduce your accounting firm's key members along with their roles, experience, and educational qualifications. This will build trust for your audience about who is behind the firm and how reliable they are. 

Include brief biographies or resumes of each key team member to show their expertise. You also need to give details about the CEO or the owners of the firm. 

Additionally, showcase the organizational structure of your team members and who will report to whom. Do not forget to include any advisory board or third-party consultants, if you have hired any. 

8. Financial plan

Here, you have to show the financial health of your accounting firm. You need to present the financial forecasts of the firm for at least three to five years. 

The financial forecasts should include profit & loss statements, cash flow statements, balance sheets, and cash flow tools .

With one view of the financial plan, your audience should get to know how much profit your business will make in the future. They should also get to know about the break-even point of the business. 

9. Funding request

In the funding request section, mention the financial ask you need for your business. For that, you need to calculate the startup costs first and be clear about your requirements from investors or bankers. 

Provide a breakdown of the funding required for various purposes, such as office rent, staff salaries, marketing, technology, and equipment. 

Highlight the potential return on investment for investors, including projected revenue growth and profitability. If you are not writing the accounting firm's business plan for funding then you can skip this section. 

10. Appendix

An appendix is kind of your supporting section, which has all the documents that support the main content of the whole business plan. 

This might include resumes of the team members, detailed financial projections, customer feedback, legal documents, or any other additional information that you feel like to be added. 

Including all this additional information can help provide a wider view of your accounting firm and support your business plan.

How Clinked Can Help You

Starting the adventure of managing an accounting firm can be significantly smoother with the right technological partners. Clinked is here to supercharge your firm’s operational capabilities and client interactions.

Here’s how Clinked can be a game-changer for your business:

• Secure Client Portal: Imagine a world where your clients have continuous access to a secure, branded client portal for your accounting firm . Here, they can view their financial documents, share necessary files, and communicate effortlessly with your team. This transparency not only boosts client satisfaction but also enhances client retention.
• Effortless Real-Time Collaboration: With Clinked, gone are the days of back-and-forth emails and disconnected workflows. Your team can now edit business documents simultaneously, streamline processes, and ensure that every financial statement or tax filing is perfect the first time around.
• Streamlined Task Management: Keep your projects on track with Clinked’s intuitive task management tools. Assign tasks, set deadlines, and monitor progress in a way that ensures your team is always productive and no client query goes unanswered.

• Uncompromised Security and Compliance: In the realm of accounting, securing sensitive information is paramount. Clinked fortifies your client data with state-of-the-art security measures and ensures compliance with the latest financial regulations, thereby nurturing trust and maintaining your firm’s esteemed reputation.
• Mobile Accessibility: In today’s fast-paced world, access to information on the go is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. With Clinked’s mobile app, your team and clients can remain connected and operational from anywhere, at any time, facilitating unparalleled flexibility and responsiveness.

By integrating Clinked into your daily operations, you not only streamline complex processes but also enhance your firm’s overall productivity and client service capabilities. With Clinked, you’re not just surviving in the competitive accounting industry; you’re thriving.

So that's it! That is how you write an effective accounting firm business plan. If you are still confused about how to write one, then in this AI phase, you can use an AI business plan generator to write your plan or free business plan template.

Using an AI business plan generator can save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business. Therefore, using these tools can be beneficial for business owners, entrepreneurs, and individuals.

Alongside AI tools, integrating platforms like Clinked can further enhance your business operations and client interactions. Clinked offers a secure, customizable client portal, real-time collaboration tools, and mobile access to manage your business effectively from anywhere. These features ensure that your accounting firm not only meets but exceeds client expectations, setting you apart in a competitive industry. Embrace these technological solutions, and propel your firm towards a successful future.

• How To Start An Accounting Firm
• 8 Best Project Management Software for Accounting Firms
• Virtual Accounting Firm: How To Make It A Success
• 8 Best Accounting Practice Management Software in 2024

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Accounting Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

Accounting Business Plan Template

If you want to start an accounting business or expand your current accounting business, you need a business plan.

The following business plan template gives you the key elements to include in a winning accounting business plan.

You can download our Business Plan Template (including a full, customizable financial model) to your computer here.

Example Business Plan For Accounting Firms

Below are links to each of the key sections of a sample business plan for a successful accounting firm.

I. Executive Summary – The Executive Summary provides an overview of your business opportunity and summarizes the business plan.

II. Company Overview – The company analysis includes information about your business concept, accounting services and legal structure.

III. Industry Analysis – The industry analysis includes market research that supports your business and provides insights into market trends and the accounting industry.

IV. Customer Analysis – The customer analysis provides an overview of your target market.

You can download our business plan template (including a full, customizable financial model) to your computer here.

V. Competitive Analysis – The competitive analysis should identify your direct and indirect competitors and highlight your competitive advantage over other accounting businesses.

VI. Marketing Plan – The marketing plan includes your marketing strategy and search engine optimization plan.

VII. Operations Plan – The Operations Plan includes information on the accounting company’s day to day operations and processes.

VIII. Management Team – The management team section includes a profile of the business owner and accounting firm management, their experience and company responsibilities.

IX. Financial Plan – The financial plan includes all financial statements, including financial projections, a cash flow statement, profit and loss statement and balance sheet.

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Accounting Business Plan Home I. Executive Summary II. Company Overview III. Industry Analysis IV. Customer Analysis V. Competitive Analysis VI. Marketing Plan VII. Operations Plan VIII. Management Team IX. Financial Plan

Accounting Company Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Financial Service Industry » Accounting, Bookkeeping and Tax Preparation

Are you about starting an accounting firm? If YES, here is a complete sample accounting firm business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE .

Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting an accounting firm. We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample accounting firm marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for accounting firms. So let’s proceed to the business planning section.

Have you ever dreamt of becoming your own boss? Did you by chance study Accountancy and are finding it difficult to get your ideal job? You don’t need to worry because your dream of becoming your own boss and still work as an accountant can be fulfilled with little or no start-up capital.

In case you didn’t know, there are loads of small businesses, mom and pop businesses, amongst a few without the faintest idea of any accounting skills. These businesses struggle with their books and accounting concerns a lot.

Research shows that one of the reasons why many small businesses remain small and sometimes close shop is not because they don’t have clients or capital to run the business but because they fail to keep their books properly. If you are an accountant, then you can leverage on this read to start your own accounting services firm.

You can be rest assured that your services would always be in demand not only by small businesses that can’t afford to hire a full-time accountant but also medium scale and big corporation especially for auditing purpose and other accounting consulting services.

They know that it would save them cost and the good thing is that you can handle up to 20 clients per time depending on how organized and hardworking you are.

Just like most business, the accounting services industry is pretty open for as many people that are interested in the industry as long as you have what it takes to run an accounting services firm.

Even if you don’t have the finance and other requirements for starting a standard accounting services firm, you can come into the industry by starting – out as a small accounting firm servicing mom and pop businesses in your neighborhood.

If you have decided to start an accounting services firm, then you must make sure that you carry out thorough feasibility studies and also market survey.

This will enable you properly locate the business in a community or city with the right demography; a location that can readily accept your products. Business plan is yet another very important business document that you should not take for granted in the bid to launching your own business.

Below is a sample accounting services firm business plan template that will help you successfully launch your own business;

A Sample Accounting Firm Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Firms in the Accounting Services industry are certified to audit the accounting records of public and private organizations and to demonstrate compliance to generally accept accounting best practices in the united states and perhaps in the world.

Certified public accountants (CPAs), included in this industry, provide a variety of accounting services, including auditing accounting records, designing accounting systems, preparing financial statements, developing budgets and providing advice on matters related to accounting.

Accounting services firms are known to offer a wide array of services, which includes audit and assurance services, tax preparation and compliance work, consulting assistance, restructuring and other accounting-related services.

Over the last half – a – decade, the Accounting Services industry has recovered from a post – recessionary decline in demand caused by a falling number of businesses in the United States, weak private investment and shrinking corporate budgets amongst others.

Nevertheless, the revenue generated in this industry has been on the rise since 2012, sustained by economic growth, rising equity markets and of course a growing number of new businesses. The Accounting Services industry has loads of small business operators servicing a wide range of clients ranging from start – ups to well established businesses.

The Accounting Services industry is indeed in a mature stage of its growth. The industry is characterized by growth in line with the overall outlook of the economy, consolidation from the largest players in the industry and wholehearted market acceptance of industry products and services.

The accounting services line of business will continue to be in high demand by business establishment in the United States, most especially as the number of businesses and employees increases. Corporate organizations are also expected to continue to outsource their auditing functions so as to focus their attention on their core area of operations.

The Accounting Services industry is indeed a large industry and pretty much active in countries such as United States of America, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Nigeria, South Africa Japan, China, Germany, and Canada et al.

Statistics has it that in the United States of America alone, there are about 92,777 registered and licensed ( big, medium scale and small ) Accounting Services firm scattered all across the United States responsible for employing about 523,330 people and the industry rakes in a whooping sum of $97 billion annually.

The industry is projected to enjoy 4.4 percent annual growth within 2011 and 2016. The establishments with the lion share of the available market in this industry are DTT, EY, KPMG and PWC. These brands are known all over the world.

A recent report released by IBISWORLD shows that the geographic distribution of establishments in the Accounting Services industry is highly correlated with the overall population distribution in the United States. The report further stated that accounting service providers are predominantly small businesses that focus on serving local and regional markets.

Therefore, an increase in the number of individuals that require personal accounting services and businesses that need audit and tax services boosts the need for industry operators.

One thing is certain about starting an accounting services business -if you are able to conduct your market research and feasibility studies, you are more likely not going to struggle to secure clients because there are always mom and pop shops, start – ups and even corporate organization who would want to hire your services.

Lastly, with accounting services business, you can afford to partner with other smaller firms that are into financial related services. You can partner with tax consulting firm, you can partner with auditing firms and you can partner with human resource consulting firms et al.

The bottom line is that if you have a robust network and you are well positioned, you can indeed maximize profits with your accounting services firm.

2. Executive Summary

Rowland Pence& Co® Financial Consulting, LLC is a registered and licensed financial consulting firm with biased in accounting services and will be based in New York City – New York.

The company will handle all aspect of accounting related services; services such as auditing accounting records, designing accounting systems, preparing financial statements, developing budgets, tax preparation and compliance work, consulting assistance, restructuring and providing advice on matters related to accounting.

We are aware that to run an all – round and standard accounting services firm can be demanding which is why we are well trained, certified and equipped to perform excellently well.

Rowland Pence & Co® Financial Consulting, LLC is a client – focused and result driven accounting services firm that provides broad- based services at an affordable fee that won’t in any way put a hole in the pocket of our clients.  We will offer a standard and professional accounting services to all to our individual clients, and corporate clients at local, state, national, and international level.

We will ensure that we work hard to meet and surpass our clients’ expectations whenever they hire our services. At Rowland Pence & Co® Financial Consulting, LLC, our client’s best interest would always come first, and everything we do is guided by our values and professional ethics.

We will ensure that we hire professionals who are well experienced in the financial consulting services industry with bias in accounting, taxation, bookkeeping and payroll administration.

Rowland Pence & Co® Financial Consulting, LLC will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a firm, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.

We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely. We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our clients.

Our plan is to position the business to become one of the leading brands in the accounting services industry in the whole of New York City, and also to be amongst the top 20 accounting services firms in the United States of America within the first 10 years of operations.

This might look too tall a dream but we are optimistic that this will surely be realized because we have done our research and feasibility studies and we are enthusiastic and confident that New York City is the right place to launch our accounting services business before sourcing for clients from other cities in the United States of America.

Rowland Pence & Co® Financial Consulting, LLC is founded by Rowland Pence and Stanford Darlington, his business partner for many years. The organization will be managed by both of them since they have adequate working experience to manage such business.

Rowland Pence has well over 10 years of experience working at various capacities within the financial consulting services industry in the United States of America.

He graduated from both University of California – Berkley with a Degree in Accounting, and University of Harvard (MSc.) and he is a chartered account. Stanford Darlington has ample experience in the area of tax consulting and financial auditing.

3. Our Products and Services

Rowland Pence & Co® Financial Consulting, LLC is going to offer varieties of services within the scope of the financial consulting services industry in the United States of America. Our intention of starting our accounting services firm is to work with both smaller organizations (start – ups and mom and pop shops) and also well – established corporate organizations who would want to outsource the accounting concerns.

We are well prepared to make profits from the industry and we will do all that is permitted by the law in the United States to achieve our business goals, aim and ambition. Our business offerings are listed below;

• Providing accounting advice to corporate clients
• Providing accounting advice to individuals and small businesses
• Accounts preparation
• Financial auditing services
• Financial statement review services
• Providing other financial assurance services
• General accounting services
• Tax planning and consulting services
• Individual tax preparation and representative services
• Corporate tax preparation and representative services
• Providing other financial consulting and advisory related services such as designing accounting systems, preparing financial statements, developing budgets, tax preparation and compliance work, consulting assistance, restructuring and providing advice on matters related to accounting.

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to build an accounting service firm brand that will become the number one choice for both smaller businesses and corporate clients in the whole of New York City – New York. Our vision reflects our values: integrity, service, excellence and teamwork.
• Our mission is to provide professional, reliable and trusted accounting services that assist start – ups, corporate organization and non-profit organizations in handling their accounting cum financial related concern. We will position the business to become one of the leading brands in the accounting services line of business in the whole of New York City, and also to be amongst the top 20 accounting services firms in the United States of America within the first 10 years of operations.

Our Business Structure

Normally we would have settled for two or three staff members, but as part of our plan to build a standard accounting services firm in New York City – New York, we have perfected plans to get it right from the beginning which is why we are going the extra mile to ensure that we have competent, honest and hardworking employees to occupy all the available positions in our firm.

The picture of the kind of accounting services firm we intend building and the business goals we want to achieve is what informed the amount we are ready to pay for the best hands available in and around New York City – New York.

We will ensure that we only hire people that are qualified, honest, hardworking, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stake holders (the owners, workforce, and customers).

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more depending how fast we meet our set target. In view of that, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

• Chief Executive Officer

Accounting and Tax Consultants

Admin and HR Manager

Marketing and Sales Executive

• Customer Care Executive / Front Desk Officer

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Office:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Responsible for providing accounting advice to corporate clients
• Provides accounting advice to individuals and small businesses
• Responsible for handling accounts preparation
• Responsible for handling financial auditing services
• Responsible for handling financial statement review services
• Handles other financial assurance services and general accounting services
• Responsible for handling tax planning and consulting services, individual tax preparation and representative services and corporate tax preparation and representative services
• Other services
• Responsible for handling other financial consulting and advisory related services such as designing accounting systems, preparing financial statements, developing budgets, tax preparation and compliance work, consulting assistance, restructuring and providing advice on matters related to accounting.
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Designs job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for clients
• Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders to review the effectiveness of HR Policies, Procedures and Processes
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily office activities.
• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of relevant projects.
• Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with company policy
• Responsible for handling business research, marker surveys and feasibility studies for clients
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps to increase sales and growth for the company
• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• creates reports from the information concerning the financial transactions recorded by the bookkeeper
• Prepares the income statement and balance sheet using the trial balance and ledgers prepared by the bookkeeper.
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the firm
• Serves as internal auditor for the firm

Client Service Executive / Front Desk Officer

• Welcomes guests and clients by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the company’s products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients
• Receives parcels / documents for the company
• Distributes mails in the organization
• Handles any other duties as assigned

6. SWOT Analysis

Rowland Pence & Co® Financial Consulting, LLC engaged the services of a core professional in the area of business consulting and structuring to assist the firm in building a well – structured accounting services firm that can favorably compete in the highly competitive financial consulting services industry.

Part of what the team of business consultant did was to work with the management of our organization in conducting a SWOT analysis for Rowland Pence & Co® Financial Consulting, LLC. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Rowland Pence & Co® Financial Consulting, LLC;

Our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team that can go all the way to give our clients value for their money; a team that are trained and equipped to pay attention to details and to deliver excellent jobs. We are well positioned and we know we will attract loads of clients from the first day we open our door for business.

As a new accounting services firm, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance especially from corporate clients in the already saturated financial consulting services industry; that is perhaps our major weakness. So also, we may not have the required cash to give our business the kind of publicity we would have loved to.

• Opportunities:

The opportunities in the financial consulting services industry is massive considering the number of mom and pop businesses, start – ups and of course corporate organizations who can’t afford to do without the services of accounting service providers. As a standard and well – positioned accounting service provider, we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way.

Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as an accounting service firm operating in the United States are unfavorable government policies, the arrival of a competitor within our location of operations and global economic downturn which usually affects purchasing / spending power. There is hardly anything we can do as regards these threats other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

The financial consulting services industry is indeed a very large industry and of course it is one industry that works for businesses across different industries. If you are conversant with the trend in the financial consulting services industry, you will agree that loads of mom and pops, businesses, and start – up ventures that do not have the capacity to hire chattered accountants to handle their accounting tax concerns would naturally hire the services of accounting services providers who would usually charge them service charge.

Relatively, it is cheaper and less stressful to hire the services of accounting service providers as against employing a qualified accountant especially when you run a small business.

The truth is that, it is common to find even bigger firms contracting their accounting, tax and auditing concerns to competent financial / auditing firms because it is cost effective to do so. Another notable trend in the financial consulting services industry is that in the last five years, the industry has performed impressively as a large reduction in unemployment boosted the revenue generated in the industry.

So also, the financial consulting services industry has benefited from the advancement of online and computer payroll and accounting services, with new cloud-based offerings providing a new revenue stream for operators, and attracting new customers. Going forward, increasing product penetration and of course an expanding customer base is expected to drive growth in the industry.

8. Our Target Market

The demographic and psychographics composition of those who need the services of accounting services providers cuts across both small businesses and large corporations.

Rowland Pence & Co® Financial Consulting, LLC will initially serve small to medium sized business, from new ventures to well established businesses and individual clients, but that does not in any way stop us from growing to be able to compete with the leading accounting service firms in the United States.

As a standard and licensed accounting service firm, Rowland Pence & Co® Financial Consulting, LLC offers a wide range of financial consulting services hence we are well trained and equipped to services a wide range of clientele base.

Our target market cuts across businesses of different sizes and industries. We are coming into the industry with a business concept that will enable us work with the small businesses and bigger corporations in and around New York City – New York and other cities in the United States of America.

Below is a list of the businesses and organizations that we have specifically design our products and services for;

• Mom and Pop Businesses
• Blue Chips Companies
• Corporate Organizations
• Religious Organizations (Pilgrimage journeys et al)
• Political Parties / Politicians
• Hotels and Restaurants
• The Government (Public Sector)
• Schools (High Schools, Colleges and Universities)
• Sport Organizations
• Entrepreneurs and Start – Ups

Our competitive advantage

The level of competitions in the financial consulting services industry depends largely on the location of the business and of course the niche of your financial consulting services. If you can successfully create a unique brand identity for your accounting services firm or carve out a unique market, you are likely going to experience less competition.

For instance, if you are one of the few accounting services firms in your locations that also offer tax consulting and bookkeeping and payroll services you are likely going to have a competitive advantage over your competitors.

Although the competition in the accounting services industry is not just within same service providers but also other financial consulting related service providers in the financial consulting services industry. For example, it is now easier for a tax consulting firm to also handle accounting services and bookkeeping and payroll services for its clients.

We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the financial consulting services industry means that we should be able to deliver consistent quality service, our clients should be able to experience remarkable difference cum improvement and we should be able to meet the expectations of clients.

Rowland Pence & Co® Financial Consulting, LLC might be a new entrant into the financial consulting services industry in the United States of America, but the management staffs and owners of the business are considered gurus. They are people who are core professionals and licensed and highly qualified and chattered accountants in the United States. These are part of what will count as a competitive advantage for us.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (start – ups accounting service firms) in the industry meaning that they will be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Rowland Pence & Co® Financial Consulting, LLC is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the financial consulting industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract clients on a regular basis and sign ‘retainer – ship’ with most of our clients.

Rowland Pence & Co® Financial Consulting, LLC will generate income by offering the following financial consulting services for start – ups, NGOs and for corporate organizations;

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain, there would always be mom and pop shops, start – ups, NGOs and corporate organizations who would need the services of professional accounting services firms.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in New York City and other key cities in the United States of America and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow the business and our clientele base beyond New York City to other cities in Nevada and other states in the U.S.

We have been able to critically examine the financial consulting market and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projections are based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to startups in New York City – New York.

Below are the sales projections for Rowland Pence & Co® Financial Consulting, LLC, it is based on the location of our business and the wide range of financial consulting services that we will be offering;

• First Fiscal Year-: $250,000
• Second Fiscal Year-: $450,000
• Third Fiscal Year-: $950,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and natural disasters within the period stated above. There won’t be any major competitor offering same additional services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We are mindful of the fact that there are stiffer competitions amongst accounting service firms and other related financial consulting service providers in the United States of America; hence we have been able to hire some of the best business developer to handle our sales and marketing.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited base on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of the organization. We will also ensure that our excellent job deliveries speak for us in the market place; we want to build a standard accounting service firm that will leverage on word of mouth advertisement from satisfied clients (both individuals and corporate organizations).

Our goal is to grow our accounting consulting firm to become one of the top 20 accounting services firms in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategy that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in the New York City but also in other cities in the United States of America.

Rowland Pence & Co® Financial Consulting, LLC is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;

• Introduce our business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to corporate organizations, schools, Businesses, Non-Profit Organizations and key stake holders in New York City and other cities in New York.
• Promptness in bidding for financial consulting contracts from the government, religious organizations and other cooperate organizations
• Advertise our business in relevant financial and business related magazines, newspapers, TV stations, and radio station.
• List our business on yellow pages’ ads (local directories)
• Attend relevant international and local finance and business expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Create different packages for different category of clients (start – ups and established corporate organizations) in order to work with their budgets and still deliver quality services to them
• Leverage on the internet to promote our business
• Engage direct marketing approach
• Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients
• Join local chambers of commerce and industry with the aim of networking and marketing our services.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with our brand and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market. We are set to take the financial consulting services industry by storm which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our accounting services firm.

Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Rowland Pence & Co® Financial Consulting, LLC;

• Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around New York City – New York
• Engage in road show from time to time to create awareness of our business
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
• Ensure that all our workers wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are well branded with our company’s logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Hourly billing for financial consulting services is a long – time tradition in the industry.  However, for some types of financial consultancy services, flat fees make more sense because they allow clients to better predict consultancy costs.  As a result of this, Rowland Pence & Co® Financial Consulting, LLC will charge our clients a flat fee for many basic services such as accounting services and business advisory services and tax consulting et al.

At Rowland Pence & Co® Financial Consulting, LLC we will keep our fees below the average market rate for all of our clients by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance.  In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to start – ups, nonprofits, cooperatives, and small social enterprises.

We are aware that there are some clients that would need regular access to financial consultancy and advisory services and assistance, we will offer flat rate for such services that will be tailored to take care of such clients’ needs.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Rowland Pence & Co® Financial Consulting, LLC is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options that Rowland Pence & Co® Financial Consulting, LLC will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via credit cards / Point of Sale Machines (POS Machines)
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via mobile money transfer
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for farm produces purchase without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials to clients who may want to deposit cash or make online transfer for services rendered.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

Starting an accounting services firm can be cost effective; this is so because on the average, you are not expected to acquire expensive machines and equipment.

Basically, what you should be concerned about is the amount needed to secure a standard office facility in a good and busy business district, the amount needed to furniture and equip the office, the amount to purchase the required software applications, the amount needed to pay bills, promote the business and obtain the appropriate business license and certifications.

This is the financial projection and costing for starting Rowland Pence & Co® Financial Consulting, LLC;

• The total fee for incorporating the business in the United States of America – $750.
• The budget for basic insurance policy covers, permits and business license – $2,500
• The Amount needed to acquire a suitable Office facility in a business district 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) – $40,000.
• The cost for equipping the office (computers, software applications, printers, fax machines, furniture, telephones, filing cabins, safety gadgets and electronics et al) – $5,000
• The cost for purchase of the required software applications (CRM software, Accounting and Bookkeeping software and Payroll software et al) – $10,500
• The Cost of Launching our official Website – $600
• Budget for paying at least three employees for 3 months plus utility bills – $10,000
• Additional Expenditure (Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al) – $2,500
• Miscellaneous: $1,000

Going by the report from the market research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need over one hundred and fifty thousand ( 150,000 ) U.S. dollars to successfully set – up a medium scale but standard accounting services firm in the United States of America.

Generating Funds / Startup Capital for Rowland Pence & Co® Financial Consulting, LLC

Rowland Pence & Co® Financial Consulting, LLC is a business that will be owned and managed by Rowland Pence and his business partner Stanford Darlington. They are the sole financial of the firm, but may likely welcome partners later which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital for the business to just three major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings
• Source for soft loans from family members and friends
• Apply for loan from my Bank

N.B: We have been able to generate about $50,000 ( Personal savings $40,000 and soft loan from family members $10,000 ) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $100,000 from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Rowland Pence & Co® Financial Consulting, LLC is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to offer our financial consulting services a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Rowland Pence & Co® Financial Consulting, LLC will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner of our business strategy.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more as determined by the board of the organization. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in the United States: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of All form of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating part of the start – up capital from the founders: Completed
• Applications for loan from our Bankers: In Progress
• Securing a standard office facility in a business district in New York City (Renovation inclusive): Completed
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed software applications, furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business (Business PR): In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors and key players in the industry: In Progress

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How To Write a Winning Accountant Business Plan + Template

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for accountant businesses who want to improve their strategy and/or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines the vision for your company, but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you are going to accomplish it. In order to create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the key elements that every accountant business owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Business Plan Template

What is an Accountant Business Plan?

An accountant business plan is a formal written document that describes your company’s business strategy and its feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a key document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write an Accountant Business Plan?

An accountant business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide of your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Accountant Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful accountant business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of an accountant business plan is a one to two page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

• Start with a one-line description of your accountant company
• Provide a short summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started, and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

If you are just starting your accountant business , you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your accountant firm, mention this.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of an accountant business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

• What part of the accountant industry are you targeting?
• How big is the market?
• What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support the success of your company)?

You should also include sources for the information you provide, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, the customers of an accountant business may include small business owners, individuals with complex financial situations, or other businesses that need accounting assistance.

You can include information about how your customers make the decision to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or accountant services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will be different from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation and/or advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

• Product/Service : Detail your product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
• Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
• Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
• Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, launch a direct mail campaign. Or, you may promote your accountant business via word-of-mouth or referrals from satisfied customers.

Operations Plan

This part of your accountant business plan should include the following information:

• How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
• What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, in your Operations Plan, you will lay out the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for an accountant business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include adding new products or services, expanding to new markets, or opening new locations.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific accountant industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

• Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
• Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
• Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss.

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Accountant Business

Balance Sheet

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

• Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
• Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
• Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Accountant Business

Cash Flow Statement

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

• Cash Flow From Operations
• Cash Flow From Investments
• Cash Flow From Financing

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup accountant business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Accountant Business

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

• Your complete financial projections
• A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
• Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your accountant company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

The goal of any business plan is to provide a roadmap for the future. A winning accountant business plan does this by providing a detailed overview of your company, its operations, and its financials. If you are seeking funding, your business plan should also include an appendix with your full financial projections and supporting documentation.  

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