A new accounting business can go in a number of directions. Tax preparation is the big, once-a- year business opportunity for an accounting firm. Many small accounting firms – one to five person shops – will work twelve hour days, and even longer through March to mid-April during tax season. For some, it’s probably like Christmas for a retailer: the season carries them through subsequent slow months.
Tax preparation as a profession has gotten a lot more time-efficient with the advent of tax preparation software. Most accountants have moved beyond the consumer-level Turbotax or Taxcut products to more sophisticated accounting programs. It’s then a matter of plugging in the figures provided by the client, helping make decisions on itemization, and dividing taxable from non- taxable expenses.
Small accounting businesses can handle an extraordinary number of tax returns these days. That is one reason for starting an accounting business: everyone has to pay taxes once a year. A good accountant can build a customer base that is all he can handle for tax season and most will return each year. It’s a retail level business with a guaranteed clientele.
Accounting is a business that builds its clientele on personal relationships. Timely, friendly service will keep tax customers coming back. Building an accounting business that provides accounting services for existing businesses requires some marketing and footwork.
Probably the best investment for a small accountant is an ad in the Yellow Pages, as that is where much of your unsolicited business will come from. The rest will probably come from personal referrals. A new accounting business can invest in some direct mail to introduce the firm. You can purchase mailing lists of businesses by zip code and put out a letter or brochure introducing your firm and your services. Send your mail to the CEO, NOT the accounting department. Follow up your mailing with a telephone call to see if you can get in the door for an introductory meeting.
For a new business, professionally done presentation materials are a good investment. Prepare a sheet with a biography and photo of yourself, highlighting your credentials and experience. Prepare another sheet, or brochure, that illustrates the potential cost savings of outsourcing accounting services. Write a personal cover letter to the person you’re meeting or hope to meet. Put it all in a two or three color folder with the name of your firm on it and mail it – or hand carry it, if you’re going to a meeting. Never run out of business cards.
For a small, new accounting firm its phone work and footwork. If you do enough of it, you’ll get some response. So one of the things you want to do before you open your doors is decide how much business you want. Can you handle the books for two firms? Three? Remember that a tax practice blows a big hole in the schedule every year.
There comes a point for every small business when the owner will have to hire an employee in order to continue growth. Perhaps the toughest decision for any small business is when that cycle of growth reaches a point of diminishing returns – when the additional income doesn’t pay for additional staff or for the headaches that always accompany success.
Click on a program or degree below to request information from the school of your choice.
There are no obligations and it's completely free!
|
Westwood College isn't your typical institution of higher learning. With our career-focused education, students can earn a bachelor's degree in just three years and some associate degrees in as little as 20 months.
|
|
| Associate Degree - Business Administration |
About
|
Request Info
|
| Bachelor Degree - Business Administration: Major in Accounting and Financial Management |
About
|
Request Info
|
| Bachelor Degree - Business Administration: Major in Fashion Merchandising |
About
|
Request Info
|
| Bachelor Degree - Business Administration: Major in Healthcare Management |
About
|
Request Info
|
| Bachelor Degree - Business Administration: Major in Management |
About
|
Request Info
|
| Bachelor Degree - Business Administration: Major in Marketing Management |
About
|
Request Info
|
| Bachelor Degree - Business Administration: Major in Retail Management |
About
|
Request Info
|
| Master Degree - Business Administration (MBA) |
About
|
Request Info
|
| Master Degree - Master of Business Administration |
About
|
Request Info
|
|
|
|
With convenient class locations as well as online learning, University of Phoenix makes quality higher education highly accessible. Whether you’re seeking an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, we can help you reach your goal while you work – and much sooner than you might expect.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
An accredited online university founded in 1970 and dedicated to enabling the success of working professionals around the world. Join 33,000+ students making a positive change in their careers and the lives of others.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At ITT Tech we are committed to helping men and women develop the skills and knowledge to pursue many opportunities in fields involving technology, criminal justice, and business.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Whether you want to change or advance your career, Kaplan University will help you get the education you need for the life you want to live. Offering online flexibility, the personal attention of a campus-based experience, reduced costs, financial aid assistance, and a quicker path to your degree, Kaplan University is a smart choice for working adults.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Florida Career College has been specializing in career training since 1982. All our programs are specially designed with employers' requirements in mind. We train individuals who want to succeed in the fields of Allied Health, Cosmetology, Information Technology, and Business and Wellness.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As an accredited university, Capella University takes online education to a higher level. We believe that real, life-changing learning happens in an environment of academic excellence, challenge, and personal connection.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Founded in 1970, American InterContinental University offers a wide range of Associate, Bachelor's and Master's degree programs. Our institution of higher learning is focused on helping students acquire industry-current knowledge and skills as they pursue, build and advance their careers in many of today's most in-demand fields.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Programs at Argosy University are geared to your lifestyle. Depending on the program you select, you may be able to choose from day, evening and weekend schedules. Many of our classes are accessible online providing outstanding instruction and resources no matter where you are or what time of day it is.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tags: accounting, business, business owners, marketing, small business
This entry was posted
on Sunday, December 14th, 2008 at 12:43 pm and is filed under Business and Management.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
