Master Client Accounting Services in 7 Steps

1. Client Accounting Services Explained: A 7 Step Guide ncscorp.com.au/blog/client-accounting-services/ Aayushi Shah August 27, 2025 In Australia’s rapidly changing business environment, client accounting services are emerging as a cornerstone for firms looking to deliver more than compliance. They combine accurate bookkeeping and financial management with forward-looking insights that help businesses grow with confidence. According to CPA Australia, nearly 64% of accountants believe technology-driven services, such as client accounting and advisory solutions, will reshape the profession in the next five years. This shift underscores the value of CAS in empowering businesses to make smarter decisions and strengthening the role of accountants as trusted advisors. What are client accounting services: A Clear Definition When business owners first ask, “What is client accounting services?”, the answer often sounds more complex than it needs to be. At its core, client accounting services (CAS) function as an outsourced accounting department, providing businesses with the same support they would expect from an in-house team, without the overhead. Think of the responsibilities an internal finance team would typically manage: Bookkeeping and day-to-day transaction recording Bill payments and vendor management Accounts receivable and collections Payroll processing and compliance Cash flow monitoring and forecasting Financial statement preparation 1/6

2. Tax planning and compliance reporting These core tasks, typically handled on a weekly or monthly basis by an accounting technician or controller, form the foundation of client accounting services. While some firms expand into higher-value roles through client accounting and advisory services (CAAS) or client accounting advisory services, this guide focuses on the technician- and controller-level work that delivers businesses consistent financial clarity. For years, many accounting firms in Australia and beyond were reluctant to embrace CAS, viewing it as low-margin and operationally heavy compared to audit and tax. Today, however, the outlook is very different. According to Accounting Today’s Top 100 Firms report, client accounting services were among the fastest-growing service lines in 2024, proving their potential for profitability and client retention. This shift is further driven by the rapid adoption of client accounting software, which allows firms to scale efficiently while providing clients with real-time financial insights. Benefits of Cloud-Based Client Accounting Services 1. Seamless Upsell into Advisory Acting as a client’s virtual accounting department gives you clear insights, making it easier to offer client advisory services. 2. Strong Market Demand A Xero survey found 77% of business owners would pay to offload CAS-related tasks, proof that demand is high. 3. Easier Standardisation With client accounting services, you control workflows and data, making it simpler to standardise and scale. 4. Stronger Client Retention Surrounding clients with multiple services increases loyalty and makes switching providers less likely. 5. Greater Compliance Efficiency Managing books and payroll directly saves time and costs, boosting overall margins. Enhanced Client Experience Hands-on involvement shows care for clients’ businesses, creating deeper relationships and long-term trust. 2/6

3. 7- Step Client Accounting Services Guide Step 1: Build a Strong Technology Foundation A robust setup starts with technology. Manual data entry is outdated, automation drives efficiency and insights. Key actions to take: Adopt core cloud software: Use Xero or QuickBooks Online as the central hub for bookkeeping and workflows. Expand with integrated apps: Add tools like Hubdoc or Dext (Receipt Bank) for expense management, and payroll solutions such as Gusto or KeyPay (for Australia). Start small, then scale: Master 2–3 applications before adding more. Become a power user: Deep expertise ensures smooth automation, better efficiency, and the ability to grow your client accounting and advisory services. Step 2: Adjust Your Sales Process for CAS Selling client accounting services requires a different approach than selling a tax plan or annual financial statements. Since CAS is built on workflows, your sales process must focus on identifying, assessing, and improving those workflows to deliver real value. Key actions to take: Evaluate current workflows: Understand how invoices are created, how revenue is collected, and how expenses are managed. Assess payroll processes: Review the number of employees, payroll frequency, and payment methods to identify inefficiencies. 3/6

4. Visualise ideal workflows: Map out how automation and the technology stack from Step 1 can streamline operations. Position value clearly: Show clients how you will take over and improve their workflows, this is ultimately what they are investing in. By aligning your sales process with workflow improvements, you position your firm as not just a service provider, but a strategic partner in their business operations. Step 3: Package CAS into a Subscription Model Since CAS provide ongoing value, they are best delivered through a monthly subscription rather than one-off billing. This ensures consistency and reliability for both your firm and the client. Key actions to take: Package your services: Clearly outline the bookkeeping, accounting, and support you’ll provide. Include technology tools: Specify which client accounting software and apps are part of the package. Set transparent pricing: Establish fixed monthly fees aligned with the scope of work. Communicate recurring value: Position the subscription as an investment in ongoing financial clarity and efficiency. By standardising CAS into a subscription offer, you not only simplify pricing but also build stronger, long-term client relationships. Step 4: Standardise Your CAS Delivery Processes The success of CAS lies in consistency. Since CAS accounting is highly repetitive, your margins and client satisfaction improve when every process is delivered the same way, every time. A simple framework to achieve this: Document tasks: Have an experienced team member write out step-by-step instructions. Optimise workflows: Review and refine the process for efficiency. Centralise knowledge: Store procedures in a shared knowledge base. Train your team: Ensure everyone follows the same steps. Review regularly: Revisit processes quarterly to make further improvements. If a service is new, perform it yourself initially, work through the challenges, and then document it for the team. This discipline ensures scalable, efficient, and reliable CAS delivery. Step 5: Create Client-Specific SOPs 4/6

5. While Step 4 focused on firm-wide processes, each client’s workflows come with unique requirements. To deliver consistent client accounting services, you need to document these variations clearly. For example, payroll approvals might go through a CFO rather than a COO, or rent expenses may need splitting between multiple GL accounts. Without proper documentation, these details can be overlooked, leading to client frustration. By building client-specific SOPs, your team ensures accuracy, consistency, and client satisfaction, no matter who handles the task. Step 6: Plan Capacity Effectively Capacity planning is critical for delivering CAS consistently and on time. Unlike annual tax or audit work, CAS requires routine, clockwork precision, missing something like a payroll cycle is unacceptable and risks losing the client. To avoid this, model your team’s available hours against forecasted client needs. This ensures commitments are met without overloading staff, protecting both service quality and team wellbeing. Strong capacity planning creates reliability, which is the backbone of CAS success. Step 7: Invest in Reskilling Your Team Moving into client accounting services requires new skills and a different mindset compared to annual compliance work. Since CAS is delivered weekly or monthly, your team must adapt to faster cycles, closer client relationships, and new technology. Key areas to focus on: Time management & prioritisation: Meet tighter, recurring deadlines without overloading staff. Technology skills: Master client accounting software and integrated apps (see Step 1). Customer service skills: Strengthen communication and collaboration, positioning your team as an extension of the client’s business. Reskilling ensures your firm delivers consistent, high-quality CAS while building stronger, long-term client partnerships. 5/6

6. Conclusion: Building a Strong Client Accounting Services Framework Implementing client accounting services (CAS) is more than just adding another revenue stream, it’s about reshaping the way your firm delivers value. By following this 7-step guide, from identifying the right technology to reskilling your team, you create a scalable and efficient CAS model that ensures consistency, client satisfaction, and profitability. Every client is unique, but the foundation of success lies in standardized processes, clear capacity planning, and continuous improvement. Firms that embrace these practices not only deliver seamless accounting support but also position themselves as trusted advisors and long-term partners. In today’s competitive landscape, CAS are no longer optional, they’re essential for firms that want to grow, stay relevant, and meet the evolving expectations of businesses. With the right framework and expert, your firm can turn CAS into a sustainable growth engine for the future. 6/6