When it comes to running an accountancy practice, there are a number of factors at play, not least the availability of sufficient funds. So, how could a business take advantage of commercial finance to maintain operations? The answer lies in the many options that exist – and extend far beyond traditional banking. Businesses today have access to numerous credit resources, from asset finance to invoice financing.
Whether the goal is growing quickly and investing in new technology, or simply maintaining cash flow, businesses can dip into commercial finance to do so without having to put up large sums upfront. From small “top up” loans for urgent needs, to full-functioning loans for major investments such as new premises or recruitment drives; secure business lending options allow accountancy practices to become financially agile, protecting against financial burdens that frequently accompany growth spurts.
This accessibility of quick funds allows firms to easily keep up with growth, while continuing their commitment to quality service and customer care. By taking advantage of commercial finance opportunities accounts practices can reach their full potential without the need for long-term debt obligations. Furthermore, this type of financing enables them effectively manage day-to-day expenditure while increasing their range of services they offer – making them more competitive in ever evolving markets.
Therefore, accessing this type of short-term funding can be a viable solution for any accounting practice looking to solidify their financial position and increase their operational flexibility. Ultimately this could make all the difference when it comes delivering an upgraded customer experience – providing a complete set of integrated services with increased expertise and cost efficiency that empower firms expand into new markets or further develop existing ones without worry about accruing multiyear debts.
What is business finance for accountants?
Business finance is a critical component of any accounting practice, from individual practitioners to large firms. Accounting professionals must be able to effectively plan and manage the finances of their business in order to meet their clients’ needs. This requires ensuring that all revenue streams are properly tracked and accounted for while managing expenses in a way that maximizes profit.
As such, accountants need to be well-versed in financial principles, budgeting models, cost analysis, revenue forecasting, risk management strategies and more in order to successfully meet the financial needs of their business. Furthermore, modern accountants must also understand how technology can be leveraged to streamline processes and enhance visibility into key performance indicators.
By understanding these nuances of business finance, as well as being detail-oriented with reporting and regulatory compliance obligations, an accountant can feed their practice for success. Taking the time up front to assess the current state of the business’s finances and developing a solid plan for going forward can pay dividends in terms of the overall success of an accounting practice over time.
Types of finance for accountants
There are a number of different types of financial products for accountants the most common are:
Merchant Cash Advance
A merchant cash advance can provide an attractive alternative to traditional loans for any accountancy practice. it often takes only minutes to sign up, and no collateral is necessary. However, there are still risks involved, most notably in the form of a MCA’s slightly higher cost. The total cost may not be apparent initially; rather, fees and interest rates slowly accumulate as payments are made. On top of that, there can also be potentially costly restrictions when it comes to how repayment is structured or what percentage of profits are taken out of sales every day. With this in mind, before deciding on a merchant cash advance for your business you should assess both the benefits and drawbacks of this financing option.
Unsecured Business Loan
An unsecured loan for accountancy firms doesn’t require any collateral, but the interest rates are usually quite high, making them an unattractive option for many businesses. While secured loans require the borrower to pledge some form of collateral in return for the loan, they often have much lower interest rates and more flexibility with repayment terms.
Because lenders see a secured loan as less risky than an unsecured one, it usually comes with better terms. Furthermore, although there is a certain amount of risk in taking out an unsecured business loan due to its high interest rate and lack of collateral, it can be beneficial in certain cases as well. Generally speaking, this kind of loan is best used by smaller businesses or startups without any assets available to pledge as collateral.
Invoice Finance
Invoice finance is a type of business loan for accountancy practices in which investors provide short-term capital in exchange for receiving payments from outstanding invoices. By purchasing outstanding invoices at a discounted price, invoice finance allows businesses to get the money they need quickly and without using traditional banking methods. This type of loan is ideal for companies who are waiting on bills that have yet to be paid and need cash flow right away. Typically, lenders will pay out up to a certain percentage of the total value of the invoice when it is first funded, usually around 80%.
When businesses receive payments on the invoices, the lender will take their agreed-upon portion, with any remaining money going back to the client. Invoice financing isn’t just beneficial to cash flow management; it can also help businesses increase their sales by providing them with immediate capital needed to take advantage of new opportunities. Longer payment terms allow companies to accept bigger orders and make larger impulse purchases, further increasing profits. Ultimately, invoice finance has become an essential form of financing for many small business owners looking for an efficient way to manage their cash flow efficiently
Working Capital Finance
Working capital finance is an important financial tool for businesses of all sizes. It allows companies to take a more tactical approach to how their cash assets are used, and helps them make more informed decisions about their operating expenses. Working capital finance takes into account the differences between short-term liabilities (such as accounts payable) and long-term assets (such as plant and equipment). It also looks at how efficiently a company is using its funds to generate profits – for example, by investing in research and development or new hires that could bring success down the line.
By analyzing these variables, working capital finance can help businesses acquire additional resources such as cash or capital investments, allowing them to open up new markets, plan strategic expansions, or get through some tough times. It can also free up managerial attention that would otherwise be spent coordinating operations around limited funds. Ultimately, having access to working capital finance can provide much needed relief that leads to increased profitability and growth potential. The bottom line: taking advantage of working capital finance can be a critical part of any good business strategy.
Funding your premises
Funding your business premises is a critical step in successfully managing and growing an accountant practice. Whether it be purchasing or renting, the right location can make all the difference to a business’s success. Commercial mortgage offers companies an effective way to fund their premises as they are able to focus on their business operations while also repaying the loan in installments. Commercial mortgages are generally provided by banks or other financial institutions, offering larger sums at longer repayment terms and lower interest rates than other forms of borrowing.
Depending on your intention for the premises, commercial lenders will often require that sales revenue generated from the property is sufficient enough to cover associated costs per month. This can include taxes, insurance, and repairs/ improvements which must be taken into consideration when seeking out funding from commercial mortgages.
There are other alternative finance options available such as rent-to-own schemes and seller financing, but commercial mortgage remains one of the most competitive and accessible solutions for many businesses looking for long-term premises funding. Hence it is important to do adequate research before selecting an appropriate lending option for your company’s needs.
Should you consider alternative business funding?
When starting and running a business, entrepreneurs need access to financial resources. However, traditional methods of financing – such as bank loans and credit cards – may not be the best option for every business. This is why it is important to consider alternative sources of funding such as venture capital, crowd funding and angel investors
Venture capital funds give early-stage businesses access to money by making an equity investment in exchange for a portion of ownership in the company. Crowdfunding involves appealing directly to the public through online platforms such as Kickstarter or Gofundme, which allow individuals to support startups through donations or by pre-buying products. Similarly, angel investors are private individuals who invest their own money into startups and expect low but steady returns over time
Though these alternative sources are indeed more risky than traditional financing options, they can often provide faster results, fewer commitments and greater flexibility. Additionally, there are far fewer restrictions when seeking out alternative financing compared to conventional banking institutions. As such, any entrepreneur looking for additional ways to finance their business should consider all available options before settling on any one method. Alternative business funding could provide the much-needed cash boost that is needed during crucial stages of a startup’s development cycle.
Setting up a new accountancy practice
Starting a new accountancy practice is a challenging, but rewarding endeavour. There are a number of important considerations that need to be taken into account when setting up the business. Managing finances, gaining trust from potential clients and ironing out efficient workflows are just some of the key areas that need to be addressed before the doors can open.
Understanding industry regulations and passing any required qualifications is also essential, as is figuring out what software and facilities you require for the best possible customer experience. It may also be beneficial to hire other experienced professionals in order to spread knowledge around various areas of your client base’s needs. Advertising and marketing will also play an important role in helping your business expand and grow, while ensuring both you and your team stay up-to-date with changes in the regulatory environment is paramount.
With careful planning and hard work, it’s within reason that any entrepreneur seeking to start their own accountancy practice can do so successfully in due time. Our team can assist with the startup finance to get you up and running in no time.
Compare accountant business loan lenders
When considering a small business loan for an accountant, it’s important to compare lenders in order to find the best deal. After all, the last thing you want to do is take out a loan with unfavorable terms. Start by researching short and long-term rates, fees and total repayment costs. Oftentimes, these will vary greatly between lenders. While cost savings should be at the forefront of your decision making process, you also need to consider each lender’s accessibility and customer service history.
Do they offer online applications? How quickly can they approve your request? And finally research the overall reputation of each lender, as there are companies out there whose main goal is to take advantage of customers in need of emergency funding.
By taking some time upfront to research the market, you’ll have greater peace of mind knowing that you have found the right business loan for your accounting practice.
How to apply for practice funding
Applying for a business loan or cash advance for your accounting practice takes just a matter of minutes. Our dedicated account managers are on hand to help with anything you’re confused about. If you need a hand navigating the application process, get in touch on 01246 233108.
Step 1:
Click to apply for funding. You will be redirected to a page where we will ask for more information about your business, including:
- The name of your accountancy practice
- Number of years it has been trading
- Your practices average monthly card terminal turnover
- Amount you are wanting to borrow for the business
Step 2:
The next step involves us asking a few personal questions:
- Your title, first name and surname
- Your contact details, telephone and email address
Step 3:
Carefully read our terms and conditions, accept them and click ‘get my business finance quote’. Your application will be reviewed quickly by one of our finance specialists.
Step 4:
Please expect a call and email from one of our dedicated account managers, this is to discuss your needs and any questions you may have in regards to your loan or cash advance agreement.
Step 5:
Carefully read through the terms of agreement and sign the relevant documentation ready to return to your account manager. Once the application form has been received funding can be in your account within 48 hours.
Lee Jones is a seasoned Business Finance Specialist with over two decades of invaluable experience in the financial sector. With a keen eye for market trends and a passion for helping businesses thrive, Lee has become a trusted advisor to countless organizations seeking to navigate the complexities of finance.