Accounting service proposals seek to obtain clients with a well-organized presentation of an accounting agency’s services and, especially, its specialties. This requires a basic knowledge of the client’s needs; however, a proposal can be developed to approach multiple clients simultaneously.
Types of Accounting Service Proposals (10)
- Accounting Software Implementation – Proposals presenting an account’s proficiency in installing as well as training for new accounting software.
- Audit – Proposals concentrating on the accountant’s data recording and analytic skills because the client requires an investigation of their records.
- Consulting and Advisory – A client-specific proposal discussing the client’s problems as well as the accounting agency’s solutions.
- Customized Accounting – The proposal used to address accounting client needs specifically.
- Financial Statement Preparation Proposal – A proposal detailing an accountant’s ability to develop, present, as well as deliver financial statements.
- Forensic Accounting – A proposal presenting the accounting firm’s investigative skills in finding issues such as fraud and financial dangers.
- General Accounting Service – A proposal demonstrating a range of accounting services and applying them to client needs accordingly.
- Payroll Processing – Proposals featuring the accounting firm’s ability to provide payroll functions such as tax withholdings, 401’s, and compliance.
- Review and Compilation – This proposal is used for engagements where the accountant reviews or compiles financial statements without conducting a full audit. It outlines the scope of work, procedures, and reporting.
- Tax Preparation – Proposals promoting the tax services of a firm, such as tax returns, compliance, and planning.
1. Accountant Cover Page
Create an attractive but straightforward title page, thus making it stand out and easily identifiable. For example, if the accounting agency or client has a slogan, logo, or tagline, this should be displayed.
Title, Accountant/Firm Name, Logo
Website, Contact Information
Preparer, Client Name, Date
Visual Elements, Slogan, Table Of Contents
Executive Summary, Client’s Logo
2. Executive Summary Of Accounting Proposal
Put forth a concise preview of the proposal’s main points as well as its purpose. However, keep the client’s needs in focus throughout this summary.
Introduction, Client Overview
Key Challenges, Opportunities, Call To Action
Proposed Solutions, Proposal Benefits
Accounting Skills, Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Timelines, Deadlines, Investment, Cost
3. Introduction To Accounting Proposal
Say a few words summing up the accounting firm or accountant’s background and qualifications. Also, to attract attention, apply the accounting service’s proficiencies to the client’s needs.
Proposal Introduction, Firm Introduction,
Service Benefits, Scope Of Accounting Proposals
Client’s Needs, Objectives, Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Key Deliverables, Timelines, Proposal Deadline
Call To Action, Contact Information
4. Accounting Client’s Needs
Present the accounting firm’s assessment of the client’s accounting or bookkeeping needs, simultaneously promoting the accounting firm’s solutions. It is imperative to impress the client while assuring them of the firm’s excitement to work with them.
Client Introduction, Current Financial Situation
Client’s Goals, Specific Accounting Needs, Client Values
Regulatory Compliance, Operational Plan Points
Risk Assessment, Cost-Efficiency Savings, Pain Points
Personalized Solutions
5. Scope Of Accounting Services
Explicitly discuss every accounting service the client can expect. Here, the specifics of functions such as tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll processing can be spelled out.
Service Overview, Accounting Services
Frequency, Timing, Reporting, Tax (Services, Preparation)
Audit Services, Software (Installation, Training), Tools
Communication, Data Security, Confidentiality
Client Responsibilities, Billing
6. Deliverables
Further, entice the client with the physical productions they will receive, such as financial reports and completed tax functions. Also, include a basic timeline for when the client can expect these deliverables.
Financial Statements, Reports, Tax Returns
Audit Reports, Workpapers, Documentation
Customized Financial Analysis, Tax Planning
Strategy Recommendations, Regular Updates
Data Security, Backup, Communication Findings
7. Accounting Service Timeline
Deliver a full schedule for the accounting project or services in addition to specific event dates. Also, include a communication policy that defines when the accounting agency is available for client feedback.
Project Start Date, Project Duration, Billing Schedule
Milestones, Reporting/Updates, Client Review
Scheduling, Flexibility, Contingencies
Communication Points, Feedback, Sign-Off
Change Management, Completion Date
8. Pricing Structure And Total
Compose a record of every accounting service charge for the project as well as its total. Also include the fees not generated by the accounting agency but must be paid (i.e., filing fees).
Service Fees, Payment Terms, Late Payment Penalties
Additional Costs, Expenses, Billing Methods, Receipts
Currency, Fee Structure Changes, Estimates, Quotes
Scope Changes, Client Review, Approval, Payments
Sign-Off And Acceptance, Alternative Pricing, Invoices
9. Accounting Service Terms And Conditions
Explain, in detail, the contracts, agreements, and legal paperwork that must be satisfied by the accounting firm and client. It is important to realize the client must understand this paperwork to agree to their terms before execution.
Engagement Terms, Scope, Duration, Amendments
Payment Terms, Billing/Invoicing, Client’s Responsibilities
Confidentiality, Data Security, Ownership, Disputes
Change Orders, Termination Clause, Liability
Notices, Entire Agreement, Client Acknowledgement
10. Accounting Client’s Responsibilities
List the expectations the client must live up to in this project since they must be informed early. This requires that topics such as communication and approval are covered.
Provision Financial Information, Change Notification
Prompt Submissions, Access, Availability
Audit Cooperation, Compliance, Deliverables
Reporting/Reviewing, Records Maintenance
Communication, Payment, Termination Requirements
11. References
Continue proving the accounting firm’s capabilities with positive references from satisfied clients since many will appreciate a positive track record. Display these references together with their contact information.
Reference’s Contact Information, Availability
Client Testimonials, Client Case Studies
Industry Recognition, Sample Projects
Relevant Experience, Client Diversity
Permission, Confidentiality
12. Proposal Conclusion
Deliver a closing statement that significantly reminds the client of the accounting firm’s abilities. Additionally, encourage future contact by documenting the accounting firm’s availability and contact information.
Express Interest, Enthusiasm, Gratitude
Key Benefits, CTA, Contact Information
Availability, Invitation, Expiration
Next Steps, Additional Information
Closing Remarks, Signature Block
13. Signature Acceptance
Allow space for the accountant or accounting agency firm’s representative to sign this proposal. Both the firm and the client must sign this proposal, thus requiring a signature area for the client.
Title, Accounting Firm’s Signature
Date, Accounting Firm’s Printed Name
Acceptance Statement, Client Signature Line
Client’s Printed Name, Submission Instructions
Email Acceptance, Receipt Confirmation
Adobe PDF
Microsoft Word
OpenDocument