Free Accounting Proposal Template
Below is the sample template found in
- google doc [or]
- pdf [or]
- as a beautiful web proposal (visual example)
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Dear [Client name],
I am writing to express our eagerness to support your financial journey through tailored accounting solutions at Your firm name. With 15 years of industry expertise, we are committed to delivering personalised strategies that drive efficiency, accuracy, and success.
Our client-centric approach ensures your needs remain our priority. We understand your business goals and craft customised strategies aligned with your vision for growth. Explore our range of services—from bookkeeping to strategic consulting—and discover how we can add value to your business.
We look forward to the opportunity to support you in achieving your financial objectives.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your firm Name]
[Contact email]
Services Offered
Our Comprehensive Accounting bundle offers:
Bank Reconciliation: We meticulously reconcile your bank statements with your accounting records to ensure accuracy and identify any discrepancies. Simply provide us with your bank statements and transaction details.
Expense Tracking: We diligently track and categorise all your expenditures, providing organised expense reports for better financial management. Just submit your expense receipts and invoices.
Invoicing: We handle all aspects of invoicing, ensuring timely and accurate billing for your clients. Provide us with the necessary details for each invoice, and we'll take care of the rest.
Credit Control: We manage your credit control process, ensuring timely payments from your clients to maintain healthy cash flow. Provide us with your customer information and credit terms.
Supplier Payment Handling: We handle your supplier payments efficiently, ensuring timely payments while optimising cash flow. Simply provide us with supplier invoices and payment instructions.
Financial Reporting (Monthly): Receive comprehensive monthly financial reports providing valuable insights into your business's performance. All we need is your financial data, and we'll prepare detailed reports for your review.
Corporate Tax filing C-Corp
Our C-Corporation tax filing service ensures that your business remains compliant with federal tax regulations by handling the preparation and submission of your corporate tax returns. Our expert team gathers all necessary financial information, completes the required forms (such as Form 1120 for C-Corporations), and submits them accurately and promptly to the IRS on your behalf. By entrusting us with this essential task, you can minimize the risk of errors, ensure timely filing, and mitigate the stress associated with tax compliance. With our professional assistance, you can focus on running your business with confidence, knowing that your tax obligations are being managed effectively.
Pricing
Recurring 1000$ per month
Terms and Conditions
[Client name]
[Client address]
Dear [Client name]
We are pleased to confirm our understanding of the services we are to provide and the nature and limitations of the services.
Objective and Scope of Services
We will provide you with the services as noted in the “Service Summary”. Our services will be performed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
Delays
For any failure or delay in connection with their engagement caused by any event or cause outside the firm's control, the client will not hold the firm responsible. The firm's fees may reflect any additional cost that the firm incurs from such a delay. If the delay is substantial, the client may terminate the firm's appointment.
Resources
To deliver the best work, the firm may require access to the client's files, records, information technology systems, premises, and people. Other resources may be required to ensure timely approval, development, and sign-off of all project plans, specifications, accounts, and deliverables. The firm would require the client to provide them with reasonable access to these resources without charge.
Disbursements
In addition to the firm's fees, the client agrees to reimburse any other expense that it may incur in the course of rendering the services. These may include copying/printing, call costs, and travel (but will exclude any input tax credit that the firm is entitled to claim). Details of all applicable disbursements will be itemized on the firm's bills.
The firm will charge the client at the firm's standard billing rate if they are required to produce documents or attend any government department as a result of this appointment at proceedings to which they are not a party. This may include reasonable fees incurred in responding to such requests.
Client Responsibilities
You are responsible for the following:
- Providing us with all records, documentation, and other information necessary to perform the services.
- Designating a responsible party to oversee the engagement and communicate with us as necessary.
- Complying with all laws and regulations applicable to your business.
Fees and Billing Arrangements
Our fees for the services are described in the “Pricing” section of this agreement.
Any additional services requested by you will be subject to a separate engagement letter.
Intellectual Property
The firm will not acquire any ownership rights over any information the client provides them with. However, the client irrevocably grants to the firm a free worldwide license to use, copy, modify, adapt and exploit those deliverables, so long as doing so would not disclose any of the client's confidential information.
The processes, know-how, ideas, concepts, and techniques used and developed by the firm in the course of providing services to the client are confidential to the firm. The firm retains sole and exclusive rights to them.
The firm will also retain all copyright and other intellectual property rights in:
- Data, designs, models, methodologies, analysis frameworks, leading practices, specifications, and other elements of the deliverables which the firm owned or developed before, or independently from, this appointment; and
- All tools (and any enhancement, improvement, or other derivatives of those tools) including but not limited to any software that the firm uses, and working paper.
The firm will retain all interests in and rights to their working papers and other internal documents and information.
Confidentiality
The Parties understand that they are vulnerable to the sharing of information, or documentation, written or oral, that is considered confidential or unpublished in nature. Thus, by accepting this clause, the Parties agree to keep all confidential information obtained during this term of the Agreement as private without the written consent of the other Party, during and after the execution of this Agreement.
Complaints
We are committed to providing you with a high-quality service that is both efficient and effective. However, should there be any cause for complaint in relation to any aspect of our service, please contact us.We agree to look into any complaint carefully and promptly and do everything reasonable to try and resolve it.
Termination of Engagement
Either party may terminate this engagement upon [state the notice period, such as 30 days] written notice to the other party.
Our workpapers are our property and will be retained by us in accordance with our record retention policies.
Please indicate your agreement with the terms of this engagement by signing below and returning one copy of this letter to us.
Sincerely,
[Your firm name]
Introduction to Accounting Proposal
- An accounting proposal is a document that details your services and persuades clients to hire your firm. You will find free accounting proposal templates here to use and win new business.
- Accounting proposals help accountants to easily pitch and win clients for their organizations.
- Softwares like Cone Proposal Software offer an affordable, user-friendly solution to improve your proposal creation process and grow your accounting firm
So, how can you persuade a client to use your accounting services and constantly enhance client relationships? By writing impressive accounting proposals. An accounting proposal is like a bridge that connects your expertise with the clients who need it most.
Why is this important? Here is a single example. SCORE research claims that inadequate cash flow management accounts for 82% of small business failures. Many of these companies wait until it's too late to see the importance of hiring a competent accountant. By making a strong proposal, you may assist these companies in realizing your worth and hiring you before they run into financial trouble.
We'll walk you through the steps of creating a strong accounting proposal in this blog. You’ll learn:
- Why you need an accounting proposal to attract clients
- The essential components of a persuasive proposal
- How to use free templates to create professional proposals quickly and efficiently
With this guide, you can transform yourself to create amazing proposals that help you capture your client's attention in seconds.
What Is An Accounting Proposal?
In simple words, an accounting proposal is a document that tells your client about the services you or your accounting firm provides and convinces them to acquire your financial services. It helps to persuade a prospective client that your accounting company is the best fit for their financial requirements. It's similar to a sales pitch but with an emphasis on your accounting knowledge and how it may help the client.
A comprehensive action plan, a scope of work, a price, and other crucial components that support the establishment of trust and the stability of the business relationship are usually included in the proposal.
Importance of An Accounting Proposal
An accounting proposal enables you to land new business, present your value proposition clearly, and establish enduring bonds based on mutual respect and clear expectations. Let us see some more reasons why crafting an effective accounting proposal is important.
Secures New Clients: A well-written proposal highlights the value of your services, gives precise recommendations, and demonstrates that you have given careful attention to their issue. With an acreage proposal success rate of 44%, you increase your chances of attracting new customers and growing your clientele with a sharp accounting proposal.
For more tips, check out how to grow your accounting firm.
Establishes Credibility and Expertise: The proposal highlights the experience and expertise of your company in accounting-related issues. Using industry certifications, relevant experience, and successful case studies can help you gain credibility.
Assists in Decision-Making: An accounting proposal lays out all the details that clients need to make a decision. Through this, the client can compare different proposals and arrive at a decision.
Creates a Clear Expectation: A proposal clarifies the services you will provide, their price, and the expectations placed on you. This transparency helps avoid future misunderstandings and ensures that everyone is on the same page straight away.
Boosts Efficiency: Proposals that clearly define the scope of work at the outset can help onboarding teams save time and money. A smoother working relationship results from knowing exactly what to expect from both you and the customer.
Supports Budgeting: Provides a thorough overview of expenses and payment plans to support financial planning and budgeting for the customer. disseminates guidelines for upfront payments, assists in cash flow management, and lowers risk.
Enhances Client Retention: A solid proposal that takes into account the particular demands of the client creates the foundation for a fruitful, long-term collaboration. You may enhance client relationships, build thoughtful client management strategies, and promote client retention by showcasing your dedication to their financial success.
Pro Tip: Confused about whether to send out a business plan and a business proposal? Check out the differences between a business plan and a business proposal article to know more in detail.
What Should An Ideal Accounting Proposal Include?
An accounting proposal that presents your company as the appropriate financial partner is what makes an accounting proposal great for new clients. Here's a summary of the essential components of a successful proposal:
Compelling Introduction And Understanding the Client's Business
The introduction should provide a quick overview of the expertise, credentials, and any pertinent specializations your firm may have that relate to the client's industry. Demonstrate that you have done your homework on their industry by outlining any particular problems or areas where your services can be useful.
Proposed Services Tailored to Client Needs
Don't just list accounting services. Explain how each service directly addresses the client's needs. Offer different service packages or tiers to cater to the client's budget and specific requirements.
Value Proposition And Expected Benefits
In this section, explain how your services will benefit the client's bottom line. Quantify the value you bring whenever possible (e.g., cost savings, improved efficiency). Include success stories from similar clients (with permission) to showcase the positive impact you've delivered.
Team Expertise And Testimonials
Give a brief overview of the main players working with the customer, highlighting their credentials and relevant experience. Provide gratifying client endorsements to establish credibility and confidence.
Transparent Pricing And Fee Structure
Give a concise and understandable description of your fees for the suggested services. This could be paid on an hourly basis, as a predetermined monthly charge, or in some other way. Mention your openness to talk about rates depending on the particular demands of the client if you are flexible on pricing. You can also talk about advance payments in this section.
Pro Tip: If it is your first time billing a client, check out how to bill a new client for first-time.
Call to Action
Clearly state your next steps and how they can contact you to discuss further or accept your proposal. Set a reasonable timeframe for them to respond to your proposal, keeping the momentum going.
Attachments
Include resumes of the key personnel who will be working on the project. Provide any additional work samples or relevant documents.
Pro Tip: For a more detailed overview, you can check out this blog for everything you need to know about a project proposal outline.
How To Write An Accounting Proposal?
The following ten steps will help you create an accounting proposal that will win over potential customers and turn them into devoted partners:
Step 1: Gather Information And Understand the Client
- Research: Before diving in, gather as much information as possible about the potential client. Examine their social media accounts, website, and any pertinent industry news.
- Make an Appointment: Arrange a consultation call to go over their particular requirements, obstacles, and financial objectives.
Step 2: Develop a Title Page
- Crucial Information: Create a title page with your firm name, your logo, the name of the client, the proposal title, and the submission date.
- Putting Up a Professional Front: Assemble a visually appealing and well-designed title page to make a positive first impression.
Step 3: Write an Executive Summary
- Highlight Key Points: Summarize the proposal by outlining the client's needs, recommended solutions, and the benefits of choosing your company for their accounting needs.
Step 4: Provide an Overview of the Company
- Introduce Your Business: Briefly outline your accounting firm's objectives, guiding principles, significant achievements, and background.
- Highlight Your Expertise: Emphasize your company's experience, expertise, and specialized services that cater to the client's industry or specific needs.
Step 5: Define The Scope
- Write about the Services: Mention all the services given in this section. Specifically mention the accounting services you intend to provide. You can also mention the accounting management tools that you use to give them an insight into how you and your business function.
- Timeline: Give a suggested timetable with due dates for finishing each task and important milestones.
Step 6: Provide Pricing and Payment Terms
- Cost Breakdown: Lay out all the costs for your services, including any fixed fees or hourly rates for each part.
- Time of Payment: Outline the payment terms, like upfront payments, milestones, and accepted payment methods.
Step 7: Address Client Responsibilities
- Describe Your Needs: List any information, documentation, or help you require from the client to complete the project.
- Describe Your Goals: Provide clear instructions about what is expected from the client, when the information must be provided, and the extent of their collaboration.
Step 8: Write a Summary
- Request for Action: Demand that the client finish the remaining stages, such as arranging a meeting to go over the proposal or signing the contract.
- Give Contact Details: To help the customer make decisions, kindly offer your contact details in case they have any more queries.
Step 9: Examine and Complete
- Revise and Verify: Verify the proposal's overall accuracy, readability, and consistency in terms of language and layout.
- Request Information: Consult mentors or colleagues for feedback to ensure the proposal is well-reasoned and effectively fulfills the client's needs.
Step 10: Submit the Proposal
- Delivery Method: Send the completed proposal to the customer via the channel of their choice (e.g., printed copy, email).
- Follow-up: To resolve any issues, address any queries, and go over the next steps in the engagement process, and follow up with the client.
Pro Tip: You can gain more insights about writing proposals by reading 7 Steps to Write a Stellar Business Proposal.
Free Accounting Proposal Templates
It can take a lot of work to create a competitive accounting proposal. We've included links to free accounting proposal templates, so you can get started right away. You can easily modify them to meet the particular demands of each client and the distinctive offers of your business.
Accounting Services Proposal Template - UK
Accounting Services Proposal Template - US
Accounting & Tax Services Proposal Template
You can customize these accounting proposal templates to fit the needs of your clients and projects since they're user-friendly and customizable. There are also many other proposal templates, like Bookkeeping Proposal and CFO services template.
Cone’s templates are highly customizable and easy to use. You can go to the proposal templates page to find various templates and choose the one that you need.
Pro Tip: For guidance on writing proposals, you can check out everything you need to know about a project proposal outline.
How to Use the Templates?
- Download: To get the templates, click the provided links.
- Personalize: Launch your favorite word processing program, open the template, and add your company's information and the particulars of the client's project.
- Review: Verify that all sections are completed correctly and check the document for mistakes.
- Submit: Whether printed or digital, provide the finalized proposal to your client.
Tips for Writing Effective Accounting Proposals
Anyone can write an accounting proposal. But making it perfect so that it hits right on the nerve needs some careful thought process. Here are some rules you can follow.
Embrace Financial Transparency: Estimate potential cost savings or projected revenue increases your services could bring. Show the client how your efforts directly affect their financial results. A "money map" visualization showing expected cost savings or ROI (return on investment) depending on your suggested services might be included.
Industry-Specific Insights And Benchmarks: Exceed general best practices in accounting. Look up industry-specific benchmarks for important financial measures (such as the inventory turnover ratio and the receivables collection duration) that are pertinent to the client's firm. This establishes you as a strategic partner rather than just a number cruncher and shows that you comprehend the particular financial environment of their industry.
Technology Automation And Integration: Emphasize how you use technology to improve accounting workflows and provide value. Showcase your expertise in cloud accounting platforms or automation tools that can save them time and resources. Explain how these integrated solutions will improve accuracy, efficiency, and real-time financial insights.
Proactive Problem Solving And Risk Mitigation: Don't just focus on accounting. Determine any possible financial hazards particular to their sector or type of business. Present proactive tactics and ideas to reduce those risks, showing your capacity to be a visionary financial partner.
Customized Reporting and Data Visualization: Go beyond the standard report format. Use proposal and invoicing software to provide specialized dashboards or reports that are adapted to the unique requirements and decision-making procedures of the client.
Integrate Technology for Real-Time Reporting: Use the best proposal automation solution like Cone or other tools for real-time financial reporting. Describe how automated reporting systems and cloud-based accounting solutions can improve the accuracy, efficiency, and transparency of financial management.
Also Read: Following an accounting proposal, you may also be interested in understanding how to write an accounting engagement letter. Our blog covers that in detail.
5 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Writing An Accounting Proposal
Here are 5 crucial mistakes to avoid when crafting your accounting proposal:
Generic Approach: Don't send a one-size-fits-all proposal. Invest time in understanding the client's specific business, financial situation, and challenges. Tailor your services and proposal narrative to directly address their unique needs.
Concentrating on Features Rather than Benefits: Don't merely enumerate accounting services like tax preparation or bookkeeping. Describe how the client's bottom line is directly benefited by each service. Measure your value wherever you can (e.g., higher profitability, improved cash flow, cost reductions).
Uncertain Fee Schedule: Clearly state what you charge. Clearly and simply explain your pricing structure to potential customers. Avoid hidden fees or confusing terminology. Consider offering different service packages or tiers to cater to the client's budget and specific needs.
Lack of Credibility Builders: Don't rely solely on your own claims. Include social proof components in your proposal to establish your authority and foster confidence. These might be case studies that indicate successful results with comparable businesses, customer endorsements, or pertinent industry qualifications that your staff possesses.
Unprofessional Presentation: Don't submit a sloppy proposal. Maintain a professional presentation throughout. Use a consistent corporate brand, great graphics (charts, graphs), and an easy-to-read style. Check your proposal for errors and grammatical mistakes carefully before submitting it.
Pro Tip: If you are serious about improving and growing your accounting practice, networking and upskilling can go a long way. Here are the top accounting conferences in 2024 in the U.S. and U.K. to attend.
How Can Accounting Proposal Software Be Useful For Accounting Firms?
Accounting organizations can profit greatly from the best proposal software for accountants which increases efficiency and streamlines the client onboarding process. How to do it is as follows:
Effortless Proposal Creation And Increased Speed: With pre-built templates that contain language appropriate to your business, you can quickly create proposals that meet the demands of various clients. Features like drag-and-drop and automatically inserted content save you time by doing away with tedious chores.
Better Collaboration And Enhanced Procedures: Team members working together in real-time on suggestions ensures that everyone is aware of the situation and that decisions can be made swiftly. The ability to integrate with current CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems enables smooth management of client information and proposal phases.
Enhanced Accuracy and Reduced Errors: Data integration with accounting platforms and automated computations reduce the possibility of mistakes in proposals, which instills trust in clients. Your ideas will comply with industry standards and applicable regulations thanks to built-in compliance checks.
Effective Customer Communication And Monitoring: Proposals can be electronically approved by clients using safe electronic signatures, which expedites the approval process. You can strategically follow up by knowing where each proposal sits, thanks to real-time proposal tracking.
Valuable Insights And Data-Driven Decisions: Features related to analytics offer insights into proposal performance, including open rates and client involvement. Track win rates and identify areas for improvement to refine your proposal strategy for future success.
Pro Tip: Check out this article on the best proposal software for small businesses.
Why Is Cone Proposal Software The Best for Creating Accounting Proposals?
Cone Proposal and Billing Software stand out as the premier choice for creating accounting services proposals, offering a combination of modern experience, robust functionality, and substantial cost savings. Here’s why Cone is the best accounting proposal software:
Automated and Streamlined Sales Process: Cone automates and streamlines the entire sales process, addressing common pain points such as manual tasks, inconsistent proposal formats, and difficulty tracking proposal status.
Flexible Proposal Editor: Cone’s flexible proposal editor allows accountants to craft proposals that truly shine. With complete control over design and layout, accountants can tailor proposals to match their unique brand identity and client needs. This customization ensures each proposal makes a captivating first impression and leaves a lasting impact on potential clients.
Sales Pipeline Management: Accounting professionals who are keen on getting accounting leads, keeping an eye on developments, and making sure that no possible client falls between the cracks with the aid of integrated sales pipeline management capabilities can benefit from Cone. A seamless and effective sales process is ensured by this all-inclusive management system.
Pricing Engine: Cone provides precise and effective pricing models for accounting services by automatically calculating service rates based on pricing factors or variables.
User-Friendly Interface: Cone places a high priority on the user experience by providing a clear, uncomplicated interface. Accounting teams can start using the program right away due to its low learning curve, which boosts productivity and shortens the onboarding process.
Invoicing and Billing: Cone's integrated automated billing system supports several payment channels, enabling businesses to use their current payment processors without paying extra costs for each transaction. This function guarantees a seamless billing cycle and streamlines the money collection process.
Cost-Effective Solution: Cone offers a full array of capabilities for a fraction of the price of competitors like Ignition and GoProposal, which vary from $70-$100 per user/month. Prices start at just $8 or 6.5£ per user per month. Cone is the perfect option for small accounting businesses wishing to improve their processes without going over budget because of its clear and reasonable pricing structure.
Large Template Library: With over 100 expertly created templates in Cone's Proposal Template Library, accountants may quickly locate and alter templates to fit their needs.
Cone's pricing is relatively affordable when compared to other software available on the market. Cone offers a free trial for single users. The pricing plan is as follows:
- Essentials: $8 or 6.5£(annual billing) or $11 or 9£ per user/month (monthly billing)
- Growth: $11 or 9 £(billed annually) or $15 or 12£ (billed monthly) per user
Cone Proposal and Billing Software is the finest option for accountants looking to create polished and successful accounting proposals since it offers a powerful tool that combines automation, flexibility, cost, and user-friendliness.
Try for free now!
Final Thoughts
Creating a unique accounting proposal can be a game-changer for your company. Accounting proposals that are properly formatted, eye-catching proposals with a polished appearance show your experience and attract potential clients. You can start writing proposals that wow others by using a free accounting services proposal template and adhering to best practices.
But why stop there? Elevate your proposal game to the next level with Cone Proposal and Billing Software. Cone offers a modern, robust platform that not only simplifies the proposal creation process but also integrates seamlessly with your sales and billing operations.
Try Cone today and see how easy it is to save time, boost your revenue, and impress your clients. Visit our Cone website to get started with a free trial and explore our vast library of free templates designed to make your proposals shine. Don't just write proposals—craft proposals that win business with Cone.
Start Your Free Trial with Cone now!
FAQ
- What is an accounting proposal?
An accounting proposal is a formal document outlining the accounting services you offer to potential clients. It includes details about the scope of work, pricing, timelines, and benefits of hiring your firm.
- How to write an accounting proposal?
- Introduction: Introduce your services and expertise.
- Client Needs: Clearly outline the client’s specific bookkeeping requirements.
- Proposed Solutions: Detail the bookkeeping services you will provide to meet those needs.
- Pricing and Terms: Provide a breakdown of costs, payment terms, and any additional conditions.
- Call to Action: Encourage the client to take the next steps, such as scheduling a meeting or signing the proposal.
- What is the format of a proposal?
- Title Page: Company name, proposal title, client name, and date.
- Executive Summary: Brief overview of the proposal’s key points.
- Introduction: Introduction to your firm and its qualifications.
- Scope of Services: Detailed description of the services you will provide.
- Timeline: Proposed timeline for completing the work.
- Costs: Breakdown of costs associated with your services.
- Terms And Conditions: Agreements and laws pertinent to the engagement.
- Conclusion: a synopsis of the main ideas and an exhortation to act.
- How do I follow up after sending an accounting proposal?
Once you've sent the proposal, follow up with a phone call or email to answer any questions and encourage the client to move forward.
- Can proposal software help in creating accounting proposals?
Proposal software can simplify the creation process and ensure consistency throughout. It offers features such as templates, automated calculations, and collaboration tools. These functionalities help enhance the quality and efficiency of your proposals.
- Where can I find free accounting proposal templates?
Free accounting proposal templates can be found on various websites, such as Cone, industry-specific blogs, and template repositories. Look for templates that are easy to customize and align with your firm's needs.