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3+ SAMPLE Accountancy Firm Business Plan in PDF

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Bookkeeping Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Bookkeeping Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 9,000 entrepreneurs create business plans to start and grow their bookkeeping companies. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a bookkeeping business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Bookkeeping Business Plan?

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

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Bookkeeping Business

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

Sources of Funding for Bookkeeping Startups

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a bookkeeping business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. With regards 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 confirm that your financials are reasonable. But they will want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

The second most common form of funding for a bookkeeping company is angel investors. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding or, like a bank, they will give you a loan.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for a bookkeeping company.

Your business plan should include 10 sections as follows:

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 type of business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a bookkeeping business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of bookkeeping companies.

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the bookkeeping business industry. Discuss the type of business you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target market. Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of bookkeeping business you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types:

• Traditional Bookkeeping and Accounting Business : the traditional bookkeeping and accounting business can provide the entire range of bookkeeping services, including maintaining journals and ledgers, balancing and reconciling accounts, preparing payroll, preparing and filing taxes, and providing billing and collection services.
• Tax Preparation Services : this type of bookkeeping business primarily prepares, reviews, and/or files tax returns and supplementary documents.
• Payroll Services : this type of bookkeeping business typically collects payroll information, processes paychecks, processes withholdings, and files reports.
• Billing Services : this type of bookkeeping business deals with sending bills and collecting payments.

In addition to explaining the type of business you operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include sales goals you’ve reached, new store openings, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the bookkeeping business.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

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

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy particularly if your research identifies market trends. For example, it would be helpful to ensure your plan takes into account the seasonal nature of certain services such as tax preparation.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section:

• How big is the bookkeeping 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 market for your bookkeeping 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 must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments : families, entrepreneurs, businesses, retirees, etc.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of bookkeeping business you operate. Clearly, families would want different pricing and product options and would respond to different marketing promotions than established businesses.

Try to break out your target market 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 customers you seek to serve. Because most bookkeeping companies primarily serve customers living in the same city or town, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

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

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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 other bookkeeping services and companies.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t direct competitors. This includes accountants, companies’ internal accounting departments, professional employer organizations, and entrepreneurs/individuals doing their own bookkeeping. You need to mention such competition to show you understand that not everyone engages in bookkeeping services.

With regards to direct competition, you want to detail the other bookkeeping companies with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be bookkeeping companies located very close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses 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 services do they offer?
• 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 superior bookkeeping services?
• Will you provide bookkeeping services that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you make it easier or faster for customers to acquire your services?
• 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 bookkeeping business plan, you should include the following:

Product : in the product section, you should reiterate the type of business that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, in addition to account reconciliation, will you offer services such as tax preparation?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections, you are presenting the services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your business. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. Discuss how your location might provide a steady stream of customers. 

Promotions : the final part is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Email marketing to prospective clients
• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Reaching out to local bloggers and websites 
• Social media advertising
• Pay per click advertising
• Local radio advertising
• Banner ads at local venues

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 bookkeeping business such as serving customers, procuring supplies, keeping the office clean, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to serve your 1,000th customer, or when you hope to reach $X in sales. It could also be when you expect to hire your Xth employee or launch a new location.

Management Team

To demonstrate your bookkeeping business’s ability to succeed as a business, 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 the bookkeeping or accounting business. 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 bookkeeping businesses and/or successfully running small businesses.

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 sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues 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 serve 10 customers per week or 20? 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 While balance sheets include much information, to simplify them to the key items you need to know about, balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. For instance, if you spend $100,000 on building out your bookkeeping business, that 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 bank writes you a check for $100.000, 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 make sure 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.

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

• Location build-out including design fees, construction, etc.
• Cost of equipment like computers and software
• Cost of maintaining an adequate amount of office supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

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 design blueprint or location lease.

Bookkeeping Business Plan Summary

Putting together a business plan for your bookkeeping business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will have an expert bookkeeping business plan; download it to PDF to show banks and investors. You will really understand the bookkeeping business, your competition, and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful bookkeeping business.

Bookkeeping Business Plan FAQs

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

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete your Bookkeeping Business Plan.

What is the Goal of a Business Plan's Executive Summary?

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of bookkeeping business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a bookkeeping business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of bookkeeping businesses.

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Bookkeeping 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 consultant can create your business plan for you.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

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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• Business Templates
• Sample Plans

FREE 4+ Accountancy Firm Business Plan Samples in PDF | MS Word | Apple Pages | Google Docs

Accounting is required in order to keep track of all of your company’s spending. You will have to spend as well as earn money during your company interactions. You can wind up with a jumble of transactions if you don’t keep good records. That said, accounting firms is critical . Accountants provide clients with a variety of services, including accounts payable and receivable, accounting, and payroll processing. They ensure that financial transactions are both accurate and lawful, and they assist individuals and organizations in understanding the health of their finances through financial statements . Accounting businesses are one of the most lucrative sectors of the economy. In spite of its popularity, you still need a solid plan to guarantee the profitability and success of your business in the long run. You’ve come to the right place! In this article, we provide you with free and ready-to-use samples of Accountancy Firm Business Plans in PDF and DOC formats that you could use for your firm. Keep on reading to find out more!

Accountancy Firm Business Plan

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A business plan for an accounting firm is a written document that covers a company’s main activities, goals, and methods for reaching those goals. A strong business plan should include an executive summary, goods and services, marketing strategy and analysis, financial planning, and a budget.

Beginning an accounting company is similar to starting any other small business in that it takes a lot of time and effort, which is why you need a business plan. An Accountancy Firm Business Strategy Template may help you create the foundation you need to create a well-written and well-structured plan. You may do so by selecting one of the excellent templates shown above. If you wish to write one on your own, use the steps below as a guide:

Although the executive summary is the first component of a business plan, many business owners write it last, after all of the other sections have been completed. The executive summary summarizes the plan’s material and serves as an overview. It comprises your accounting firm’s aims and mission, as well as a description of your accounting services and how they vary from those offered by competitors. Your work premises, company equipment , and staff are also described in the executive summary.

You determine who your clients are in the market analysis section by demographic data such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Because accounting services may be supplied to both organizations and people, you can categorize your clients according to their size or kind of business, such as small business owners or fitness gyms. Determine the appropriate marketing techniques to reach them, such as display advertising , tax articles in trade journals they read, or networking at local groups they would join, once you’ve established your market.

Make a list of your management team’s names and responsibilities. Include their education and experience in relation to starting and running a successful accounting firm. Next, list the daily duties that must be accomplished in order to run the accounting firm and who is accountable for ensuring that they are completed.

Make a financial statement for the accounting firm that displays current and predicted costs and income for the coming year. Give details about your assets, such as your equipment, and your obligations, such as your debts. Describe your financial risk management and catastrophe recovery strategy.

An accountant is a person who manages bookkeeping and creates financial papers such as profit-and-loss statements, balance sheets, and other financial paperwork. They conduct audits of your books, create tax returns, and handle all of the financial data that comes with running a business.

Although obtaining a certified public accountant license isn’t essential to open an accounting firm, it does limit the sorts of accounting services that can be provided.

Income per partners income as a percentage of fees are the two most popular metrics. The most lucrative businesses earn more than 40% of fees, with income as a percentage of fees ranging from 30–35 percent.

A business plan, in general, is a documented blueprint for a company’s marketing, financial, and operational goals. To help you get started, download our easily customizable and comprehensive samples of Accountancy Firm Business Plans today!

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Free PDF Business Plan Templates and Samples

By Joe Weller | September 9, 2020

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We’ve gathered the most useful collection of business plan PDF templates and samples, including options for organizations of any size and type.

On this page, you’ll find free PDF templates for a simple business plan , small business plan , startup business plan , and more.

Simple Business Plan PDF Templates

These simple business plan PDF templates are ready to use and customizable to fit the needs of any organization.

Simple Business Plan Template PDF

This template contains a traditional business plan layout to help you map out each aspect, from a company overview to sales projections and a marketing strategy. This template includes a table of contents, as well as space for financing details that startups looking for funding may need to provide. 

Download Simple Business Plan Template - PDF

Lean Business Plan Template PDF

This scannable business plan template allows you to easily identify the most important elements of your plan. Use this template to outline key details pertaining to your business and industry, product or service offerings, target customer segments (and channels to reach them), and to identify sources of revenue. There is also space to include key performance metrics and a timeline of activities. 

Download Lean Business Plan Template - PDF

Simple 30-60-90 Day Business Plan Template PDF

This template is designed to help you develop and implement a 90-day business plan by breaking it down into manageable chunks of time. Use the space provided to detail your main goals and deliverables for each timeframe, and then add the steps necessary to achieve your objectives. Assign task ownership and enter deadlines to ensure your plan stays on track every step of the way.

Download Simple 30-60-90 Day Business Plan Template

PDF | Smartsheet

One-Page Business Plan PDF Templates

The following single page business plan templates are designed to help you download your key ideas on paper, and can be used to create a pitch document to gain buy-in from partners, investors, and stakeholders.

One-Page Business Plan Template PDF

Use this one-page template to summarize each aspect of your business concept in a clear and concise manner. Define the who, what, why, and how of your idea, and use the space at the bottom to create a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) for your business. 

Download One-Page Business Plan Template

If you’re looking for a specific type of analysis, check out our collection of SWOT templates .

One-Page Lean Business Plan PDF

This one-page business plan template employs the Lean management concept, and encourages you to focus on the key assumptions of your business idea. A Lean plan is not stagnant, so update it as goals and objectives change — the visual timeline at the bottom is ideal for detailing milestones. 

Download One-Page Lean Business Plan Template - PDF

One-Page 30-60-90 Day Business Plan Template

Use this business plan template to identify main goals and outline the necessary activities to achieve those goals in 30, 60, and 90-day increments. Easily customize this template to fit your needs while you track the status of each task and goal to keep your business plan on target. 

Download One-Page 30-60-90 Day Business Plan Template

For additional single page plans, including an example of a one-page business plan , visit " One-Page Business Plan Templates with a Quick How-To Guide ."

Small Business Plan PDF Templates

These business plan templates are useful for small businesses that want to map out a way to meet organizational objectives, including how to structure, operate, and expand their business.

Simple Small Business Plan Template PDF

A small business can use this template to outline each critical component of a business plan. There is space to provide details about product or service offerings, target audience, customer reach strategy, competitive advantage, and more. Plus, there is space at the bottom of the document to include a SWOT analysis. Once complete, you can use the template as a basis to build out a more elaborate plan. 

Download Simple Small Business Plan Template

Fill-In-the-Blank Small Business Plan Template PDF

This fill-in-the-blank template walks you through each section of a business plan. Build upon the fill-in-the-blank content provided in each section to add information about your company, business idea, market analysis, implementation plan, timeline of milestones, and much more.

Download Fill-In-the-Blank Small Business Plan Template - PDF

One-Page Small Business Plan Template PDF

Use this one-page template to create a scannable business plan that highlights the most essential parts of your organization’s strategy. Provide your business overview and management team details at the top, and then outline the target market, market size, competitive offerings, key objectives and success metrics, financial plan, and more.

Download One-Page Business Plan for Small Business - PDF

Startup Business Plan PDF Templates

Startups can use these business plan templates to check the feasibility of their idea, and articulate their vision to potential investors.

Startup Business Plan Template

Use this business plan template to organize and prepare each essential component of your startup plan. Outline key details relevant to your concept and organization, including your mission and vision statement, product or services offered, pricing structure, marketing strategy, financial plan, and more.

‌Download Startup Business Plan Template

Sample 30-60-90 Day Business Plan for Startup

Startups can use this sample 30-60-90 day plan to establish main goals and deliverables spanning a 90-day period. Customize the sample goals, deliverables, and activities provided on this template according to the needs of your business. Then, assign task owners and set due dates to help ensure your 90-day plan stays on track.

‌Download Sample 30-60-90 Day Business Plan for Startup Template 

For additional resources to create your plan, visit “ Free Startup Business Plan Templates and Examples .”

Nonprofit Business Plan PDF Templates

Use these business plan PDF templates to outline your organization’s mission, your plan to make a positive impact in your community, and the steps you will take to achieve your nonprofit’s goals.

Nonprofit Business Plan Template PDF

Use this customizable PDF template to develop a plan that details your organization’s purpose, objectives, and strategy. This template features a table of contents, with room to include your nonprofit’s mission and vision, key team and board members, program offerings, a market and industry analysis, promotional plan, financial plan, and more. This template also contains a visual timeline to display historic and future milestones.

Download Nonprofit Business Plan Template - PDF

One-Page Business Plan for Nonprofit Organization PDF 

This one-page plan serves as a good starting point for established and startup nonprofit organizations to jot down their fundamental goals and objectives. This template contains all the essential aspects of a business plan in a concise and scannable format, including the organizational overview, purpose, promotional plan, key objectives and success metrics, fundraising goals, and more.

Download One-Page Business Plan for Nonprofit Organization Template - PDF

Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan PDF Templates

Use these fill-in-the-blank templates as a foundation for creating a comprehensive roadmap that aligns your business strategy with your marketing, sales, and financial goals.

Simple Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan PDF

The fill-in-the-blank template contains all the vital parts of a business plan, with sample content that you can customize to fit your needs. There is room to include an executive summary, business description, market analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, financial statements, and more. 

Download Simple Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan Template - PDF

Lean Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan PDF

This business plan is designed with a Lean approach that encourages you to clarify and communicate your business idea in a clear and concise manner. This single page fill-in-the-blank template includes space to provide details about your management team, the problem you're solving, the solution, target customers, cost structure, and revenue streams. Use the timeline at the bottom to produce a visual illustration of key milestones. 

Download Fill-In-the-Blank Lean Business Plan Template - PDF

For additional resources, take a look at " Free Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan Templates ."

Sample Business Plan PDF Templates

These sample business plan PDF templates can help you to develop an organized, thorough, and professional business plan.

Business Plan Sample 

This business plan example demonstrates a plan for a fictional food truck company. The sample includes all of the elements in a traditional business plan, which makes it a useful starting point for developing a plan specific to your business needs.

Download Basic Business Plan Sample - PDF

Sample Business Plan Outline Template

Use this sample outline as a starting point for your business plan. Shorten or expand the outline depending on your organization’s needs, and use it to develop a table of contents for your finalized plan.

Download Sample Business Plan Outline Template - PDF

Sample Business Financial Plan Template

Use this sample template to develop the financial portion of your business plan. The template provides space to include a financial overview, key assumptions, financial indicators, and business ratios. Complete the break-even analysis and add your financial statements to help prove the viability of your organization’s business plan.

Download Business Financial Plan Template

PDF  | Smartsheet

For more free, downloadable templates for all aspects of your business, check out “ Free Business Templates for Organizations of All Sizes .”

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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.    

Useful links

• Tax preparation software
• Accounting software
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• Practice management software
• See all solutions

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.

Bookkeeping Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Bookkeeping Business Plan

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

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Bookkeeping companies.

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

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Pacific Bookkeeping is a new bookkeeping firm located in Seattle, Washington. The firm will focus on providing expert bookkeeping services and exceptional customer service. We will help both small businesses and individuals and provide them with tax preparation, forecasting, budgeting, and other bookkeeping/accounting services.

Pacific Bookkeeping is led by Rebecca Stone, an experienced accountant who has been managing a large bookkeeping firm in Seattle, Washington for the past ten years. She graduated from Washington State University with an accounting degree and has been working at a large payroll firm since then, starting at an entry-level position and working her way up to a management-level role. Her experience and education have fully equipped her to run her own local bookkeeping firm.

Product Offering

Pacific Bookkeeping will provide a full range of bookkeeping services for individuals and small businesses. Some of these services include:

• Recording invoices
• Tax filing and preparation
• Financial reporting
• Payroll processing
• Monitoring accounts receivable
• Documenting receipts
• Forecasting
• Customer analysis

Customer Focus

Pacific Bookkeeping will primarily serve individuals and small businesses in the Seattle, Washington area. The city is home to over four million residents and around 100,000 businesses and many of them have a need for professional bookkeeping services. We will offer a wide variety of bookkeeping services in order to serve as many customers as we can in this target market.

Management Team

Pacific Bookkeeping is led by Rebecca Stone, an experienced accountant who has been working at a large bookkeeping firm in Seattle, Washington for the past ten years. She graduated from Washington State University with an accounting degree and then began working at the firm, starting at an entry-level position and working her way up to a management-level role. Though she has never run an accounting firm of her own, her experience has given her an in-depth knowledge of the bookkeeping industry, including the operations side (e.g., running day-to-day operations) and the business management side (e.g., staffing, marketing, etc.).

Success Factors

Pacific Bookkeeping will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Location: Pacific Bookkeeping is centrally located in the community, which provides ease of access for clients. The firm’s office will be located between the retail and business districts, making it accessible to a larger customer base.
• Competitive pricing: Pacific Bookkeeping’s pricing is more affordable than its closest competitors.
• Management: The management team has years of accounting experience that allows the company to market to and serve clients in a much more sophisticated manner than competitors.
• Relationships: Having lived in the community for over 20 years, Rebecca Stone knows all of the local leaders, newspapers, and other influencers. As such, it will be relatively easy for Pacific Bookkeeping to build brand awareness and an initial customer base.

Financial Highlights

Pacific Bookkeeping is seeking a total funding of $200,000 of debt capital to open its bookkeeping firm. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs including the payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Office space build-out: $20,000
• Office equipment, supplies, and materials: $10,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

Company Overview

Who is pacific bookkeeping, pacific bookkeeping’s history.

Once her market analysis was complete, Rebecca Stone began surveying local office spaces for lease and identified an ideal location for the bookkeeping firm. Rebecca Stone incorporated Pacific Bookkeeping as a Limited Liability Corporation in January 2023.

Once the lease is finalized on the office space, interior design work can begin to make the office an appealing place to meet with clients.

Since incorporation, the company has achieved the following milestones:

• Located available office space for rent that is ideal for the bookkeeping firm
• Developed the company’s name, logo, and website
• Hired an interior decorating company to design and furnish the office
• Determined equipment and necessary supplies
• Began recruiting key employees

Pacific Bookkeeping’s Services

Industry analysis.

The United States Bookkeeping Industry is forecast to generate more than $66B this year. According to research reports, the largest bookkeeping firm in America generates approximately $9.5B annually. There are currently over 1.5M bookkeepers employed throughout the United States.

The top bookkeeping firms industry-wide are Automatic Data Processing (ADP) ($9.5B in annual revenue), Intuit ($7.8B in annual revenue), and Paychex ($4.0 in annual revenue). All other bookkeeping firms in the United States combined generate approximately $43.5B in annual revenue. An estimated 42% of industry revenue is generated through payroll services. Additional services such as billing, general accounting, tax preparation, and bookkeeping make up the remainder.

One of the biggest challenges for bookkeeping firms is the ability to keep up with changes in regulations. Additional hurdles include recruiting and retaining high-quality employees, keeping up with evolving technology, and acquiring new clients.

However, despite the challenges, the bookkeeping industry is expected to grow significantly throughout the rest of the decade. According to Data Intelo, the industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.5% from now until 2030. This large growth shows that bookkeeping services are still in high demand, meaning that Pacific Bookkeeping has a solid chance of succeeding and maintaining a profit.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Pacific Bookkeeping will serve individuals and small businesses in the community of Seattle, Washington, and its surrounding areas. Seattle has thousands of individuals and small businesses that would benefit from affordable bookkeeping services.

The precise demographics for Seattle, Washington are:

Customer Segmentation

Pacific Bookkeeping will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Individuals
• Small businesses and nonprofits
• Government organizations

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Pacific Bookkeeping will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.  

Young & Mitchell

Founded in the 1930s, Young & Mitchell has intentionally remained a small business so that the core group of professionals within the company could get to intimately know each one of their clients. The company is one of the leading tax firms in the Four State Region and offers financial guides and tax tools for individuals for free. Listed below is an outline of the services that the company offers according to its website:

• Tax Preparation and Planning Services
• Assurance and Advisory Services
• Estate and Trust Planning and Tax Preparation
• Bookkeeping/Write-up
• IRS Representation
• Accounting Services
• Audits, Reviews, and Compilation
• QuickBooks Accounting Help and Assistance
• Entity Selection and Restructuring
• Payroll Services

A Plus General Bookkeeping Services

A Plus General Bookkeeping Services is a bookkeeping firm that specializes in financial strategy and consulting for businesses of all sizes. The firm has been in business for over a decade and has acquired a loyal client base.

Clients may work with accountants in person, over the phone, through email, on video conferencing software, or completely through a new digital application. Although this firm has an excellent track record for service, it is also the most expensive bookkeeping company on the market.

Smith Brothers Accounting

Established in 1974, Smith Brothers Accounting is a privately held accountant practice that offers a wide variety of financial services including tax planning and preparation, payroll processing, financial planning, and small business accounting. Smith Brothers Accounting serves individuals and businesses.

Smith Brothers Accounting Services:

• Business Services
• Tax Services
• Individual Services
• Notary Services

Competitive Advantage

Pacific Bookkeeping will be able to offer the following advantages over the competition:

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Pacific Bookkeeping will offer a unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Client-focused bookkeeping services
• Service built on long-term relationships
• Thorough knowledge of the latest regulations
• Big-firm expertise in a small-firm environment

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Pacific Bookkeeping is as follows:

Pacific Bookkeeping understands that the best promotion comes from satisfied customers. The company will encourage its clients to refer others by providing economic or financial incentives for every new client produced. This strategy will increase in effectiveness after the business has already been established.

Website/SEO

Pacific Bookkeeping will invest heavily in developing a professional website that displays all of the features and benefits of the bookkeeping company. It will also invest heavily in SEO so that the brand’s website will appear at the top of search engine results.

Social Media Marketing

Social media is one of the most cost-effective and practical marketing methods for improving brand visibility. The company will use social media to develop engaging content and post customer reviews that will increase audience awareness and loyalty.

Special Offers

Offers and incentives are an excellent approach to assisting businesses in replenishing the churn in their customer base that they lose each year. The company will introduce special offers to attract new clients and encourage repeat business.

Pacific Bookkeeping’s pricing will be moderate so consumers feel they receive great value when purchasing the bookkeeping services. The client can expect to receive quality bookkeeping services at a more affordable price than what they pay at other accounting firms.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Pacific Bookkeeping.

Operation Functions:

• Rebecca Stone is the Owner and CEO of Pacific Bookkeeping. She will be in charge of the executive and operations aspects of the business. She will also provide bookkeeping services for her initial clients until she hires a full staff of accountants, bookkeepers, and tax preparation professionals.
• Rebecca is joined by Rhonda Wolfe who will be the company’s Administrative Assistant. She will help Rebecca with the administrative functions of the business.
• Rebecca is also joined by Samual Wright. He will act as the Marketing Manager and manage all the marketing and advertising functions for Pacific Bookkeeping.
• As the firm grows and takes on more clients, Rebecca will hire a team of experienced accountants, bookkeepers, and tax preparation professionals to help with the company’s service functions.

Milestones:

Pacific Bookkeeping will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

• 3/202X Finalize lease agreement
• 4/202X Design and build out Pacific Bookkeeping
• 5/202X Hire and train initial staff
• 6/202X Kickoff of promotional campaign
• 7/202X Launch Pacific Bookkeeping
• 8/202X Reach break-even

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

Pacific Bookkeeping’s revenues will come primarily from its bookkeeping services. The major costs for the company will include the salaries of the staff, marketing spending, and the rent for a prime location in Seattle.

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.

• Annual rent: $50,000
• Year 3: 100
• Year 4: 125
• Year 5: 150

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, bookkeeping business plan faqs, what is a bookkeeping business plan.

A bookkeeping business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your bookkeeping 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 Bookkeeping business plan using our Bookkeeping Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Bookkeeping Businesses?

There are a number of different kinds of bookkeeping businesses , some examples include: Traditional Bookkeeping and Accounting Business, Tax Preparation Services, Payroll Services, and Billing Services.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Bookkeeping Business Plan?

Bookkeeping 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 a Bookkeeping Business?

Starting a bookkeeping 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 A Bookkeeping Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed bookkeeping 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 bookkeeping 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 bookkeeping business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Bookkeeping Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your bookkeeping 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 bookkeeping 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 Bookkeeping Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your bookkeeping 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 bookkeeping 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 bookkeeping business:

• How to Start a Bookkeeping Business

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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Auditing and Consulting Business Plan

Start your own auditing and consulting business plan

Artemide Auditing & Consulting AG

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">.

Artemide Auditing & Consulting AG (Artemide AC) is in the process of being formed as an ongoing sole proprietorship owned and operated by Sandor Artemide AC. The company is a spinoff of Daten Riffwald-Ennetmoos AG. Between the owners of Daten Riffwald-Ennetmoos and Artemide AC there will be 25% cross-participation. This plan is written as a guide for continuing and managing the business under the new company, and will also serve as the basis for marketing proposals. The two objectives of Artemide AC are to generate a profit and to grow at a challenging and manageable rate.

The mission of Artemide AC is to provide fast and reliable services in auditing and consulting to small and medium businesses (SMB), individuals, and other organizations.

The keys to success for Artemide AC are: visibility to generate new business leads, networking with other professionals, responsiveness, and quality.

The initial primary service offered will be auditing, although specialized fields will be considered in future growth.

The overall objective is to focus the activities towards the specialized services (analyses, investigations, startups, etc.) and to become a leader in this niche in the Luzern area. The company projects growth to be ~10% of sales in the next three years.

The most important keys to success for Artemide AC are developing visibility to generate new business leads, strong concentration on relationships with clients, and a high level of quality in our services.

The cooperation between Daten Riffwald-Ennetmoos and Artemide AC is flexible–with the objective to change rapidly if the market demands.

The sole proprietorship company “Sandor Artemide dipl. Wirtschaftsprüfer” was founded on 8 March 1996. In the first 10-month period, the company generated sales of $50,000.

Artemide AC is established in a separate office from Daten Riffwald-Ennetmoos AG, in Luzern. Secretary and telephone response is assumed by Daten Riffwald-Ennetmoos.

There are four major classes of competition in the actual fiduciary business in Switzerland. These include individual proprietors and small fiduciary and accounting offices and medium fiduciary offices with between 6 and 25 employees, these offices are available for general financial and tax consulting. There are also large auditing and consulting companies. These companies have several hundred employees. They tend to operate more in the lucrative consulting business. Banks, Assurances and other financial consultants are also new competitors in this field. Banks are now active in start-up consulting, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and others.

Technology is, of course, very important to the success of Artemide AC. It is imperative that the company stay up-to-date on technological developments and it will be important to devote a reasonable portion of each year’s revenues toward upgrading the equipment and software used in normal operations.

Artemide AC will adopt a focused market strategy. Logical segmentation breaks the market down into the following: Individuals, Investors, Small Businesses, Medium Businesses, Large Businesses, and Authorities and Public Organizations. For our further development, we consider Individual persons and Investors plus Small and Medium Businesses to be crucial.

For our business, we do not have main competitors. We have a lot of widely-sized competitors in a vast market of services.This market environment gives ample opportunity for Artemide AC to create and expand a niche in the chosen market fields. Finally, worth noting is the growth trend for the general market, estimated between 5% and 10%, annually.

There are three different major opportunities (needs) in the fiduciary business over the next years:

• Bookkeeping and other services related to the operative financial management (payroll, cost-accounting, accounting for pension funds, etc.).
• Consulting and special mandates such as financial planning, business evaluation, merger and acquisition valuation, special audits, etc.
• Legal Auditing (incl. IAS and other standards) as an independent and responsible institution.

In addition, the company sees three primary market trends which seem to be most important in our business.

• Rapid growth in the complexity of business that requires rapid adaptation in the strategy and structures of companies.
• More litigation due to higher percentages of unsuccessful ventures.
• The growth of outsourced financial consulting.

All of this provides continuing opportunities for a dynamic company such as Artemide AC.

We believe our business is in a grand change. The competitors must be generalists and specialists at the same time. For small and medium fiduciary businesses, a focus of one primary segment of business is necessary. For example, if the “core” business is accounting, the other fiduciary businesses like tax, auditing, consulting must be reduced to a general level. In the core business, the company must be current with the services, while having the capacity to innovate (like new accounting services related to the Internet).

Artemide AC’s competitive edge is in the well-established reputation of Sandor Artemide who has been in the consulting business for over a decade, and the company’s ability to focus in this niche market.

The company’s sales strategy will be based on building long-term customer relationships, which will result in repeat sales. The company estimates that revenues will be approximately $232,000 by Year 3, yielding profits. The company will manage its assets and create profits with no debt financing. It does not anticipate any cash flow problems.

Sandor Artemide, the majority owner of Artemide AC, will assume strategic management functions. Brigitte Artemide will be in charge of market research and customer support. Since no major increases in personnel are expected in the next three years, Mr. Artemide will retain his managerial functions throughout these years.

1.1 Mission

Artemide AC’s mission is simple and straightforward:

• Purpose – Artemide AC exists to provide complete, reliable and high quality services to SMBs, individuals, lawyers, and authorities. Services must give solutions and results!
• Vision – By providing innovative services, Artemide AC generates a name in Luzern and the surrounding area.

1.2 Keys to Success

The keys to success for Artemide AC are:

• Developing visibility to generate new business leads.
• Relationships with clients (developing loyal, respectful, and intensive contact with both clients and potential clients).
• Marketing/strategy and networking with other professionals.
• Collaboration with Daten Riffwald-Ennetmoos AG for generally fiduciary services and IT services.
• Responsiveness to clients (fast response time for special problems).
• Quality (especially in reporting information).
• Excellence in fulfilling the promise.
• Openness: languages and willpower for creating interregional and international contacts.

1.3 Objectives

The objectives of this business plan are:

• To provide a written guide for managing this business; a strategic framework for developing a comprehensive tactical marketing philosophy.
• This plan is not intended to obtain financing, it is purely for internal improvements.
• The scope of this plan is to provide detailed monthly projections for the current plan year, as well as yearly summaries for the following two years.

The objectives of Artemide Auditing & Consulting are:

• The overall objective is to focus the activities towards the specialized services (analyses, investigations, startups, etc.) and to become a leader in this niche in the Luzern area.
• Cash flow – To generate sufficient cash flow to finance future growth and development, and to provide the resources needed to achieve the other objectives of the company and its owners.
• Growth – To expand the business at a rate that is both challenging and manageable, serving the market with innovation and adaptability. (Growth projected at 10% of sales in the next three years.)

Company Summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">

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• The goal will be to continue the activities on a larger personal and organizational basis, still with no debt financing.
• Artemide AC will assume operations of one of the Daten Riffwald-Ennetmoos AG’s divisions.
• Between the owners of Daten Riffwald-Ennetmoos and Artemide AC there will be a 25% cross-participation.
• The cooperation between Daten Riffwald-Ennetmoos and Artemide AC is flexible–with the objective to change rapidly if the market demands.

2.1 Company History

The sole proprietorship company “Sandor Artemide dipl. Wirtschaftsprüfer” was founded 8 March 1996. In the first 10-month period, the company generated sales of $50,000.

In the time of general recession, between 1996 and 2000, with a concentrated basis work, the owner created and assured his independent existence. The name Artemide was made known, and he has established a good professional reputation in Luzern.

Before starting his own business, Sandor Artemide acquired extensive professional experience as listed below:

• 5 years ATAG Graff & Altern in Geneva, Switzerland.
• 3 years Ziegfeld in Bern, Switzerland.
• 4 years KUGN in Bienne, Switzerland.

2.2 Company Ownership

Artemide Auditing & Consulting AG will be incorporated in the city of Luzern by Sandor Artemide, who will be the majority owner. Twenty-five percent of the company will be owned by Daten Riffwald-Ennetmoos AG, the parent company.

2.3 Company Locations and Facilities

Artemide AC is established in a separate office from Daten Riffwald-Ennetmoos AG, in Luzern. Secretary and telephone response is assumed by Daten Riffwald-Ennetmoos. In the same building, on the first level, is established ATO Geistesblitz (sale and consulting of SMB software sage-KHK).

The structure is well established and satisfies the needs of both Daten Riffwald-Ennetmoos and Artemide AC. Both companies intend to optimize the office location in the future.

Artemide AC will be the number one company in the Luzern area for specialized and investigative services in the modern business environment. Artemide AC also offers both classic, auditing, and general consulting services.

• Artemide AC will offer three main services – Auditing, Consulting, and Investigation.
• There appear to be four main classes of competition, as indicated under section 3.2.
• Fulfillment of services will be provided in the future by Sandor Artemide and other equally qualified professionals.
• It’s important to be current with the classic and special business software.

Detailed descriptions of these points are found in the sections below.

3.1 Service Description

Artemide Auditing & Consulting AG offers three main services:

• Consulting – Includes business planning, business evaluation, merger and acquisition, start-up planning, restructuring, and business-succession planning, etc.
• Investigation – Our auditing and business expertise provides us with the ability to perform analysis, specialized audits, and valuation of businesses in business disputes, fraud, or other cases of incertitude and disputes.

3.2 Competitive Comparison

There seems to be four major classes of competition in the actual fiduciary business in Switzerland:

• Individual proprietors and small fiduciary and accounting offices . The primary business of these competitors is accounting and tax compliance (for individuals and companies). This offices normally employ between 1 and 5 people. These offices deal in a large spectrum on a general level, but without specialization. These offices are often members of the STV.
• Medium fiduciary offices with between 6 and 25 or more employees. These offices are also dealing in a large and general spectrum. If there are several partners–with different formation and specialties–these offices are available for general financial and tax consulting. This offices are member of the STV or/and the TK.
• Large auditing and consulting companies . These companies have several hundred employees. They tend to operate more in the lucrative consulting business. Public companies are normally audited by these companies. Large companies are normally not interested in dealing with small and medium business. All large companies have an international network.
• Banks, Assurances and other Financial Consultants are new competitors. Financial services are “in.” Banks are active in start-up consulting, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and others.

3.3 Fulfillment

The fulfillment of services was provided in the past by the owner himself. The ultimate delivery was the owner’s expertise and problem solving capability, coupled with an open mind and ease of communication. The end result is an established trust with complete customer confidence and satisfaction.

In the future, the clients must also accept the work of other qualified personnel–it is necessary to transfer and expand the established personal goodwill into company goodwill. This will only be possible with qualified and motivated employees.

3.4 Technology

Technology is, of course, very important to the success of Artemide Auditing & Cconsulting. It is imperative that the company stay up-to-date on the technological developments in the classic business software like MS-Office, etc. as well as in the special software and tools for auditing, financial planning, business planning, etc.

In addition, it will be important to devote a reasonable portion of each year’s revenues toward upgrading the equipment and software used by Artemide AC in its normal operations.

Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan.">

Artemide Auditing & Consulting AG will adopt a focused market strategy.

• Logical segmentation breaks the market down into the following: Individuals, Investors, Small Businesses, Medium Businesses, Large Businesses, and Authorities and Public Organizations. Descriptions are provided below.
• The largest and most logical target markets for Artemide AC at the present are small and medium businesses. In a new “Financial Industry” Individuals and Investors become an important market segment.
• For our business, we do not have main competitors. We have a lot of widely-sized competitors in a vast market of services. This market environment gives ample opportunity for Artemide AC to create and expand a niche in the chosen market fields.
• Finally, worth noting is the growth trend for the general market, estimated between 5% and 10%, annually.

4.1 Market Segmentation

• Individual persons and Investors
• Small Businesses – Defined as businesses with 1 to 24 employees, this is the second largest and fastest growing segment in our region.
• Medium Businesses – 25 to 499 employees.
• Large Businesses – 500 or more employees.
• Authorities and Public Organizations

4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy

For our further development, we consider the following market segments to be very important:

• Individual persons and Investors.
• Small and Medium Businesses.

Artemide AC will focus its marketing strategy primarily on these market segments.

4.2.1 Market Needs

There are three different major opportunities (needs) in the fiduciary business over the next years:

• Consulting and special mandates.
• Financial-Planning
• Business-Planning
• Business-Evaluation
• Merger & Acquisition
• Startup-Planning
• Restructuring
• Business Succession-Planning
• Coaching in Financial-Managing
• Special Audits, Reviews
• Investigation, Forensic Services

We think that the need for consulting and other specialized fields has a strong growth potential.

4.2.2 Market Trends

Three primary market trends seem to be most important in our business:

• Trend 1- (most important) Rapid growth in complexity of business in an ever-changing market and competitive environment needs continuous and rapid adaptation in both strategy and structures of companies.
• Trend 2- (moderately important) In the future there will be a percentage of unsuccessful ventures resulting in more litigation, which, in turn, will emphasize the need for specialized audits, investigation, restructuring, etc.
• Trend 3-  (least important) Predicted continued growth in consulting because companies will be unwilling to pay fixed costs of salaries, choosing instead to treat specialized financial knowledge and needs as variable costs from external sources.

Economically it is more expedient to acquire specialized services from a consulting firm that has its own specialized employees.

4.2.3 Market Growth

As noted in the previous section, several factors are predicted to continue well into the next decade, not the least of which we estimate the annual market growth rate between 5% and 10%.

4.3 Service Business Analysis

The fiduciary and consulting business for the local area is already well established, yet still allows ample opportunity for us. This is supported by the following points:

• Already in existence are a large number of firms – we think that most of the small and medium firms are operating in a limited spectrum of traditional fiduciary services (accounting and tax) and they do not have enough knowledge and/or time for entering the field of specialized services  – so we have new participants like banks, assurances, lawyers, and others entering the market.
• Customers in the fiduciary business tend to be loyal, relying on the same consultant for future needs once a relationship has been established – this fact requires establishing a good and intensive personal relationship with client. This, in the large, “big 6,” firms, is often not realizable because of staff turn over and inaccessibility of personnel.
• The globalization of markets will increase the demands for expansion of new services related to our business.

We believe our business is in a in a period of grand change. The competitors must be generalists and specialists at the same time. For small and medium fiduciary businesses, a focus of one primary segment of business is necessary. For example, if the “core” business is accounting, the other fiduciary businesses like tax, auditing, consulting must be reduced to a general level. In the core business, the company must be current with the services, while having the capacity to innovate (like new accounting services related to the Internet).

For our business, we do not have main competitors: We have many competitors in diversified services. More important than the competitors, is the need to get established in the right market and to develop this market with a strong and flexible strategy.

4.3.1 Competition and Buying Patterns

Competition in the general field of business consulting in the Luzern area is quite intense. Although numerous established companies offer a variety of services to different customer segments, Artemide Auditing & Consulting AG considers competition in our focus market niche of small and medium businesses to be modest. Customers in this segment strongly rely on the consultant’s professional qualifications and the ability to come up with viable solutions in a time- and cost-effective manner.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

Artemide AC will offer auditing, consulting, and investigation services to small and medium businesses in the Luzern area. The company will focus on providing excellent customer service, and that will generate favorable client referrals and increase customer retention.

5.1 Competitive Edge

Artemide Auditing & Consulting’s competitive edge is in the well-established reputation of Sandor Artemide who has been in the consulting business for over a decade. Combining his professional expertise with the financial, marketing, and technical support of Daten Riffwald-Ennetmoos AG, the company is positioned to further entrench itself in the growing market of small and medium business consulting in the Luzern area.

5.2 Sales Strategy

The company’s sales strategy will be based on building long-term customer relationships, which will result in repeat sales. Customer service and ‘face time’ with clients will be aimed to maintain a high level of customer retention. The charts and table below outline the Sales Forecast for the next three years.

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

Sandor Artemide, the majority owner of Artemide AC, will assume strategic management functions. Brigitte Artemide will be in charge of market research and customer support. No major increases in personnel are expected in the next three years.

6.1 Personnel Plan

The following table outlines the two-person management system of Artemide AC.

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

The following sections include the annual estimates for the standard set of financial tables. Detailed monthly pro-forma tables are included in the appendix.

7.1 Important Assumptions

This information is presented in the table below.

7.2 Key Financial Indicators

The Benchmark chart below uses index values to compare past and future financial indicators. The bars show relative change, not absolute values.

7.3 Break-even Analysis

With our average monthly fixed costs, Artemide will surpass break even consistently throughout the next year of operations.

7.4 Projected Profit and Loss

The projected profit and loss information is presented in the table and charts below.

7.5 Projected Cash Flow

The projected cash flow and cash balance information is presented in the chart and table below.

7.6 Projected Balance Sheet

The projected balance sheet information is presented in the table below.

7.7 Business Ratios

Business ratios for the years of this plan are shown below. Industry profile ratios based on the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code 8721.01 – Auditing services, are shown for comparison.

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