Horizon Accounting Services is a new accounting firm located in Memphis, TN that will provide tax, management accounting, bookkeeping, and investment services primarily to small businesses and individuals. The business plan outlines the company's mission to offer top quality, affordable accounting services through a team of trusted CPAs. Financial projections include a sales forecast, profit and loss statement, balance sheet, and estimates for capital needs to launch the business.
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Fashion Consulting business plan sample prepared by Newton Group Marketing's professional business plan writing services.
Website: www.NewtonGroupMarketing.com
NOTE: The following is a plan for a fictional company and business situation. Any similarities with actual companies are purely coincidental.
Sample business plan for Newton Group Marketing's professional business plan writing services.
NOTE: The following business plan is fictional and project based, and is in now way affiliated with GCG Corporation.
Business plan prepared by Newton Group Marketing for a start-up metal work company which resulted in successful bank funding.
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This was a team effort with 4 other classmates. It was our final presentation for our capstone project. In it, we created a business plan for starting a design and strategy company that made sustainable products for the market at the base of the economic pyramid (BOP). I designed the logo and the graphics. May 2011.
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Business plan prepared by Newton Group Marketing for a start-up metal work company which resulted in successful bank funding.
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NOTE: Although based on actual plan, company name, financials and other pertinent information have been modified and made fictional for client privacy and protection. Any similarities with actual companies are purely coincidental.
Here is an example of a business plan for a hotel. For confidentiality reasons most of the content was blurred. More examples on www.BizPlanTonight.com
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This was a team effort with 4 other classmates. It was our final presentation for our capstone project. In it, we created a business plan for starting a design and strategy company that made sustainable products for the market at the base of the economic pyramid (BOP). I designed the logo and the graphics. May 2011.
My final MBA capstone presentation: Glia Business Plan, August 2011carlisle_h
These are the slides from my final capstone presentation for my MBA in Sustainable Enterprise. We had 8 minutes to present a business plan for an entrepreneurial venture, in front of about 200 people in the greater Dominican University community.
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India's Most Reliable Accounting And Tax Consultants - 05 Copies (1).pdf
KArcutt Business Plan
1. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 1
Horizon Accounting Services Business Plan
Kristina L. Arcutt
Owner
934 Bruce St.
Memphis, TN 38104
(662)403-9846
Kristina.Arcutt@hfs.com
June 07, 2015
2. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 2
Executive Summary.....................................................................................................................................................5
Company Identification.............................................................................................................................................5
Mission of the Company ...........................................................................................................................................5
Business Goals ..........................................................................................................................................................6
Keys to Success.........................................................................................................................................................7
Company Summary.....................................................................................................................................................8
Industry History.........................................................................................................................................................8
Legal Form of Ownership .........................................................................................................................................9
Location and Facilities ..............................................................................................................................................9
Management Structure ............................................................................................................................................10
Current ................................................................................................................................................................11
Future..................................................................................................................................................................11
Products and Services..............................................................................................................................................12
Market Analysis.........................................................................................................................................................14
Target Market..........................................................................................................................................................14
Industry Analysis.....................................................................................................................................................14
SWOT Analysis.......................................................................................................................................................15
Strengths.............................................................................................................................................................16
Weaknesses.........................................................................................................................................................17
Opportunities ......................................................................................................................................................17
Threats ................................................................................................................................................................18
Market Strategy.........................................................................................................................................................19
4Ps...........................................................................................................................................................................19
Product................................................................................................................................................................19
3. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 3
Price ....................................................................................................................................................................19
Place....................................................................................................................................................................19
Promotion ...........................................................................................................................................................19
Price List .................................................................................................................................................................20
Promotional Strategy...............................................................................................................................................22
Promotion Milestones.........................................................................................................................................22
Sales Forecast..........................................................................................................................................................23
Implementation Strategy...........................................................................................................................................25
Overall Strategy.......................................................................................................................................................25
Launch Strategy ..................................................................................................................................................25
Monitoring Plan.......................................................................................................................................................27
Financial Statements and Projections......................................................................................................................29
Forecasted Profit and Loss Statement .....................................................................................................................29
Forecasted Balance Sheet........................................................................................................................................30
Financial Report ........................................................................................................................................................31
Financial Projections...............................................................................................................................................31
Financial Position....................................................................................................................................................32
Estimated Capital/Investment Needs.......................................................................................................................32
References ..................................................................................................................................................................33
Appendix A.................................................................................................................................................................34
Sales Forecast Spreadsheet......................................................................................................................................34
Appendix B.................................................................................................................................................................40
Organizational Chart ...............................................................................................................................................40
5. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 5
Executive Summary
Company Identification
Horizon Accounting Services is a new company venture currently located at 934 Bruce Street in
Memphis, Tennessee. The company will be focused mainly on tax and management accounting, but will
also provide bookkeeping and investment services to its customers. Although the main focus of the
company is small businesses, we will also provide our services to individuals. With the growth of the
small business sector, more people are looking for accounting and financial services. While many
companies choose to hire and staff bookkeepers, accountants, and financial analysts, there are still a
number of companies that will choose to outsource these positions. That is where Horizon Accounting
Services comes on to the field. We are a small accounting services outsourcing group that will be able to
handle anything from day to day bookkeeping and journal entries to taxes, both business and individual,
as well as preparing financial statements. In the future we will employ a team of CPAs that are ready and
capable of performing audits for our clients.
Mission of the Company
The mission of the company is to provide top of the line accounting services, backed by
trustworthy, reliable individuals, all at a price that is affordable, compared to other accounting firms in the
area. We aim to employ people who are great at what they do, who are also passionate about the services
they provide to our customers. Our goal is to offer a full service menu of accounting services to our
clients, while keeping our costs low enough that it is still more favorable for them to outsource and utilize
our services, rather than hire their own accounting staff. We wish to assist our clients to ensure that they
are compliant with tax laws, and to aid them in making important future financial decisions.
6. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 6
In order to achieve the goals set forth in this business plan, Horizon Accounting Services will
require an investment in not only staff, but also building, equipment, and a good marketing portfolio. At
some point, we wish to expand and offer auditing services; however, in order to do so, we will need to
ensure the success of the business for at least the first year.
Business Goals
Launching a brand new “baby” company in the accounting industry may not be the easiest task, given
the number of successful, long standing companies throughout the area that offer the same, as well as
additional services. In order to be successful and achieve the goal we have set forth, Horizon Accounting
Services has set the following goals:
To contract with a minimum of 8 small businesses in the first year.
To attain at least a 20% profit above expenses, including operating and administrative
expenses, while keeping lower fees compared to the other companies in the area.
To employ one financial analyst to work closely with our companies to help with their
financial planning and offer consulting services.
To contract one CPA after one year, according to the success of the business.
7. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 7
Keys to Success
To achieve these goals, there are certain keys to success that we need to ensure that we are
meeting or exceeding not only our own goals and expectations, but those of our clients. The following
keys to success will ensure that we are doing our due diligence in making sure that we are on track to
meet our goals:
Building and gaining the trust of our clients.
Maintain transparency when it comes to what we are doing for the customer, why we are
doing it, and what we hope to achieve by taking these actions for the customer.
Staying up to date on all local, state, and federal tax and accounting standards, to ensure we
are keeping our clients complaint.
Exceeding the clients’ expectations by doing more than just preparing and maintaining their
financial information, but helping them save money and increase their revenues.
8. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 8
Company Summary
Industry History
The accounting industry has been a necessity for many years. Although accounting has been used for
thousands of years, it was in 1494 when Luca Pacioli first recounted the process of double entry
bookkeeping, describing the system as consisting of debits and credits in journals and ledgers (Schneider,
2014). This system is what shapes the accounting system we are used to today. The accounting industry
has grown substantially, replacing the ancient abacus with computers and scientific calculators made
specifically for business or finance calculations. From the Industrial Revolution and the creation of cost
accounting systems to the Great Depression and the establishment of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC), the accounting industry has grown by leaps and bounds in the last 150 years. Perhaps
the biggest influence on the accounting standards that we know and practice today is the Enron scandals
of 2001, which led to the creation of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX). The Sarbanes-Oxley Act
created a lot of opportunity in the accounting industry, as it brought about a lot of changes in the financial
reporting standards, as well as increased the penalties for not following the standards to the letter. Despite
the implications on accountants and the industry brought on by companies such as Arthur Andersen with
the Enron scandal and other accounting firms due to various other accounting scandals, the need and
demand for accountants has grown significantly in the 21st
century.
In recent years, the global financial crisis has given leverage to the growth of the accounting industry.
New laws and regulatory standards set in place after the SOX Act have paved the way for exponential
growth in the accounting industry. With the new reporting and financial regulations came increased
scrutiny of financial statements and reports from publicly traded companies. Also, as the world’s
economy is emerging from a recession and business is growing, the demand for accountants and auditors
9. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 9
is increasing as well. The number of new businesses entering the market has increased in recent years,
and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, projected growth for employment in the accounting,
bookkeeping, and auditing industry is 11% growth from 2012 to 2022 (“Bookkeeping, Accounting, and
Auditing Clerks: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics”, 2014). This is the
prime time for Horizon Accounting Services to enter the market and establish its name during this time of
projected growth.
Legal Form of Ownership
Kristina Arcutt is the founder of Horizon Accounting Services and is the 100% owner of this sole
proprietorship. She is considering forming a partnership in the future, with the right person. This decision
will be considered in the future, once the company has a proven track record and the right candidate for a
partnership is found.
Location and Facilities
At the current time, the company is operated out of a 180 square foot home office. The company
is currently located at 934 Bruce, Memphis, Tennessee, 38104. At the present time, Kristina only has two
customers. She travels to their place of business for any information she needs. Most information is
transmitted by fax or email. There are no permits needed to operate the business at the present time. If
customers need to visit Kristina’s office, she has a 2 car garage with one empty stall and a drive way that
will accommodate 4 additional passenger vehicles. The current costs associated with a home office are
approximately $300 per month, or 12% of the total costs of mortgage interest and property taxes, utilities,
security, and insurance costs.
10. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 10
Kristina has invested $20,000 worth of startup capital into the company account and is in search
of a small office in the local area to operate her company out of. Once she has located the proper space
needed to maintain the business and equipment, such as desks, computers, and other office equipment that
will be necessary for operations, Kristina will look to hire other employees.
In order to operate as efficiently as possible, Horizon Accounting Services is looking to acquire a
small office. Ideally we are looking for a 1350 square foot office that will have one large office, for
Kristina, two smaller offices, one for the junior staff accountant, and one open office for a meeting room
at the current time, which can be converted into an office for an auditor at a future time. The rest of the
space will be an open area with 2 desks for the company’s part time bookkeepers and a desk for the
company’s secretary. There will also be enough space left over to accommodate additional employees if
the need presents itself to hire additional help. It is estimated that costs for the office will be
approximately $10,000 a month for rent, utilities, insurance, and other necessary operating expenses.
These are subject to fluctuation due to electricity and telephone expenses, which could fluctuate
depending on the season and client volume.
Management Structure
The management structure at the present time is simple; Kristina is the sole owner, as well as the
only accountant and bookkeeper on staff. Once the company has an established place of business and
more office space, Kristina will be the owner and senior staff accountant. There will be one junior staff
accountant, which will report directly to Kristina. The goal is to also hire at least 2 part time bookkeepers,
which will report to the junior staff accountant, however, all operations will be overseen by Kristina. In
the future, we will also have an auditor on staff, who will also report directly to Kristina. Finally,
Horizon Accounting Services will need to hire a secretary to answer phones, prepare correspondence
11. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 11
letters, and do other office errands. The secretary will primarily report to Kristina, but will assist other
office employees if the needs arise. Assignment of responsibilities is as follows:
Current
Kristina – Owner, Accountant, Bookkeeper. (Currently, Kristina is the only person
working for Horizon Accounting services, and carries all responsibilities).
Future
Kristina – Owner, Senior Staff Accountant, Operations Manager. (Kristina will
oversee all operations of HAS. She will approve all financial statements before they
are provided to customers to maintain accuracy. She will be the lead accountant at
HAS.)
Future Hire – Junior Accountant, Bookkeeping Manager. (The Jr. Accountant will
help prepare financial statements and monitor journals and general ledgers of clients.
Will make sure we have all information necessary to complete financial statements or
any other services we provide to our customers.
Future Hire – Secretary. (Secretary will be responsible for basic office duties,
including answering phones, sending and receiving correspondences from customers
and getting them to the appropriate employee, monitoring industry trends to keep
HAS prices and services up to date. Will assist employees with other duties as
necessary.)
Future Hire – Bookkeepers. (Bookkeepers will be responsible for monitoring and
entering financial transactions from information provided by customers, such as
receivable invoices, cash receipts, and payable invoices. Will also be responsible for
monthly and periodic reconciliations.)
See Appendix B for Organizational Chart
12. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 12
Products and Services
Horizon Accounting Services is a new company trying to establish itself in the accounting
industry. Founded in 2015 by Kristina Arcutt, Horizon Accounting Services is an outsourcing company
that provides bookkeeping, tax, and other accounting services for small businesses, as well as individuals.
At the present time, Horizon Accounting Services is prepared to offer its services to individuals and small
businesses (less than $3M in annual revenues) in the greater Memphis and closely surrounding areas. The
company will offer its services primarily to farmers and companies in the service or manufacturing
industry.
The company’s two primary focuses are bookkeeping and tax services, but will also offer
financial planning, auditing (in the future), and consultation services. The company will assist small
businesses in creating or maintaining their financial records, or “books”. We will record all transactions
for the businesses and prepare financial statements for any owners, shareholders, or legal entities that
require these reports. In addition to this, we will also offer payroll processing services, accounts payable
and receivable (including entry, bill pay, invoicing, deposit, and any collection services our clients may
need), bank reconciliation, and inventory management.
We will also offer tax services for our clients, preparing their taxes, locating and utilizing the
maximum tax savings for them. We will also offer tax planning services, as well as addressing any prior
or future tax troubles that may arise. These services will include back company and/or payroll tax
troubles, representation of our clients in the event of an audit, and any other tax agency issues, whether
state or federal.
In addition to these services, we will offer financial planning and consultation services. We will
work closely with our clients to prepare plans for them to reduce costs, maximize profits, and reach their
13. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 13
financial goals. We will also offer consultation services, which will include investment management,
estate planning, borrowing decisions, and any other financial advice our customers may need.
Our goal is to offer these services to our customers, all at a price that is affordable, and will keep their
costs low enough that it is still more financially sound for them to outsource these services to Horizon,
rather than doing them in house. We will have efficient, reliable workers that will help build our company
reputation with small business owners in the surrounding area.
14. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 14
Market Analysis
Target Market
Horizon Accounting Services will offer its services to mainly small businesses in Memphis and
its surrounding areas, within 100 miles. Our clients will own companies with less than $5 million dollars
in annual revenue. This will allow our company to provide the services our client’s need, while
maintaining our record low prices.
Industry Analysis
Small businesses are generally run by sole owners or partnerships with people who have lasting
relationships (close friends, family members, and/or spouses), and most of the people operating these
companies have experience in regards to what their business entails, but most of them do not have the
accounting knowledge or experience to manage their own finances, or train employees to manage them
for them. Because of this, accounting outsourcing services are quickly becoming a successful business
venture. Horizon Accounting Services looks to offer those services to these small businesses in our area.
A recent market study shows that the financial accounting outsourcing market services exceeded
$25 billion in 2013, and is expected to continue to grow 8% compounding annually up to 2017 (Byrt,
2013). This shows that more companies are deciding to cut costs by outsourcing their accounting work to
firms like Horizon Accounting services. This shows that now is the prime time to enter the market and
take advantage of this growth.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 27.9 million small businesses (businesses having
fewer than 500 employees) in the US, in 2012. Of that 27.9 million, 52% of those companies were home
based businesses, and 73.2% of them were sole proprietorships (definitions overlap so totals exceed
15. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 15
100%). Small businesses created more than 64% of new jobs made available between 1993 and 2011.
This shows that the small business industry has been growing exponentially in the last decade, and, if the
historical data shows anything, it will continue to grow in the next decade. With the number of small
businesses growing, the financial accounting outsourcing industry will continue to grow as well, due to
the number of small business owners not having them time or skills necessary to devote to accounting
work or train an employee to do so for them.
SWOT Analysis
S (Strengths)
1. Low Costs: Company will have a small
number of employees, as well as low
overhead, keeping client fees low
2. Experienced accountant overseeing
business activities.
3. Involved owner: clients will know who
they are working with, as well as who is
viewing their financial information.
W (Weaknesses)
1. New company: No established client
base
2. Tax season: Seasonal business that could
make it challenging to maintain steady
profits and year round staff.
3. Company does not currently offer
auditing services for clients like many of
our competitors.
O (Opportunities)
1. Real people offering services, not
software. Less room for computation
errors.
T (Threats)
1. Accounting software, such as
QuickBooks or Peach Tree offer lower cost
alternative to live accountants.
16. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 16
2. Number of services provided will allow
clients to have a “one stop shop” for all of
their financial service needs.
3. Growing amount of small businesses in
the area that will need our services.
2. Larger accounting companies with
proven success provide a more established
competitor.
3. Misconception that accounting firms
provide only tax related services.
Strengths
1. Horizon Financial Services will employ 3 full time employees at the present time, the
owner and senior staff accountant, the junior staff accountant, and the company secretary.
The other two employees, the bookkeepers, will only work part time. The office building
will be small compared to most office buildings in the area, so rent and other overhead
operating expenses will be low. This will allow Horizon Accounting Services to maintain
low costs for the client.
2. The owner, Kristina, is an experienced accountant, working in the industry for nearly
10 years. She will be overseeing all daily activities to maintain the integrity of all work
completed by Horizon Financial Services.
3. Aside from overseeing daily activities, Kristina will be very involved in the work that
is completed by the company. She will be preparing financial reports for the company’s
clients. She will be the face of the company, a face her clients can trust. This will allow
clients to know who is preparing their financial statements. She will maintain complete
17. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 17
transparency with the clients, so they know who has access to view their financial
information.
Weaknesses
1. Horizon Accounting Services is a new company in the area. They have no established
client base. Due to the lack of client base, there is no name recognition, so gaining new
clients will prove to be the company’s biggest challenge.
2. Tax season is the busiest time of year for accounting firms. After tax season, business
declines for the remainder of the year. This will make it difficult to employ a year round
staff and maintain steady profits during tax off season.
3. At the current time, Horizon Accounting Services does not employ an auditor, and
therefore will not offer auditing services to its clients. This could prove to be a challenge
as most of the company’s competitors employ an auditing team.
Opportunities
1. Horizon Financial Services will have real employees entering and calculating financial
information, rather than a computer service. This will allow less room for calculation and
entry errors. There will also be someone reviewing all entries and financial statements for
accuracy, to further provide attestation to accuracy.
2. Due to the number of services we offer, Horizon Financial Services will be a “one stop
shop” for all accounting services our clients will needs, with the exception of auditing.
This will be a service offered in the future.
18. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 18
3. Due to the growth in the small business industry, there are many small businesses
emerging into the market in the area that will need accounting services. This provides an
opportunity for Horizon Financial Services to grow its client base and establish our name
in the small business accounting industry.
Threats
1. Perhaps the biggest threat to Horizon Financial Services is the number of accounting,
bookkeeping, and tax preparation software options that inundate the market. Programs
like QuickBooks, Peach Tree, Quicken, and Turbo Tax provide a lower cost alternative to
a live accountant.
2. Another threat that poses itself to Horizon Accounting Services is established
accounting firms in the Memphis area that pose as our competitors. Firms like Patrick
Accounting & Tax Services PLLC and Robinson CPA Firm PLLC have been servicing
small business accounting needs in the Memphis area for years.
3. Most individuals perceive accountants as people who only work during tax season,
preparing and filing taxes. Due to this, most people to not use accounting services year
round.
19. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 19
Market Strategy
4Ps
Product
The product marketing objecting for Horizon Financial Services is to educate our target
market about services we offer and the benefits they would incur from employing our services.
With this objective, we hope to gain eight companies that will employ our services year round
and see a consistent monthly profit in the first year. The overall goal of Horizon Financial
Services is to have a 12% profit after the first year.
Price
The price objective for Horizon Financial Services is to utilize a competition pricing
strategy as well as bundle pricing. We will research the average cost of identical services
provided by our competitors, and reduce our costs by a minimum of 10% off of their prices. In
addition, we will offer “bundle” discounts, where clients who use 2 or more of our services will
get a discounted rate on the services they utilize.
Place
Horizon Financial Services will have only one office location for the time being.
Customers are able to come to our offices, call, or email us to request information regarding their
financial reports. We will transmit in person, via mail, fax, or email.
Promotion
The promotion objective for Horizon Financial Services is to increase market presence by
radio ads, internet ads, and billboards. We will increase billboard promotions during the months
of November, all the way through the beginning of April, to coincide with tax season. By
20. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 20
increasing our market presence, getting our name out there, we will be exposed to more potential
candidates. The overall promotional goal is to increase our number of clients by 15% after the
first year, and 10% each year after for the next 5 years.
Price List
The following price list will be used for all services unless otherwise stated in any firm/client
contract:
Hourly Rates
Owner/Sr. Accountant $130
Junior Accountant $95
Bookkeepers $35
Service Packages
Standard Package
$180 Monthly/$540 Quarterly
Bookkeeping ONLY
1. Record all month transactions, including
Accounts payable and accounts receivable.
2. Balance books/bank reconciliation.
3. Monthly/Quarterly/Yearly Financial statements
Deluxe Package
$325 Monthly/ $975 Quarterly
Bookkeeping
1. Record all month transactions, including
Accounts payable and accounts receivable.
2. Balance books/bank reconciliation.
3. Monthly/Quarterly/Yearly Financial statements
4. Bill pay
5. Invoicing (preparing and sending customer statements).
Accounting
1. Payroll (additional one time set up fee of $75 for 20 employees or less,
greater number of employees will require evaluation and agreed upon price.)
2. Tax Services
Premier Package
21. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 21
$600 Monthly/$1800 Quarterly
Bookkeeping
1. Record all month transactions, including
Accounts payable and accounts receivable.
2. Balance books/bank reconciliation.
3. Monthly/Quarterly/Yearly Financial statements
4. Bill pay
5. Invoicing (preparing and sending customer statements).
Accounting
1. Payroll (additional one time set up fee of $75 for 20 employees or less,
greater number of employees will require evaluation and agreed upon price.)
2. Tax Services
3. Prepare and mail quarterly, semiannual, and/or annual reports.
4. W-2 Processing
5. Inventory control.
Ala Carte Services
(Prices shown with services)
Sales Tax Return $65 per form
Payroll Services $65 per month for first 5 employees
$20 per month for each add'tl 5 employees
One time initial setup fee, $150
Includes:
Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Semi-Monthly, or Monthly Payroll
Processing
(Direct deposit included, paper checks extra, price dependent
on
number of paper checks printed, minimum $20 per month.)
Email, fax, or mailing of pay stubs to
office
W-2
Processing
Up to 8 1099s processed at year end, included
(Additional 1099s, $7 each)
Consultation Services Billed at hourly rate
Includes:
Investment Management
Financial
Planning
Estate
22. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 22
Planning
Borrowing
Decisions
Tax Preparation $575
Promotional Strategy
We will promote Horizon accounting services using the following promotional tactics:
1. Get referrals from local business and professional contacts. Get at least 10 referrals by
September 1, 2015. This will be the responsibility of Kristina, the owner.
2. Create a website for Horizon Accounting Services by September 15, 2015. This will
allow our potential clients to see what services we offer, include our contact information,
and get our name out on the internet. This will be the responsibility of Kristina, the junior
accountant, and the secretary.
3. Contract with local business radio stations for an ad spot to get our name out there over
the radio. This will be the responsibility of Kristina and the secretary. This needs to be
completed by October 1, 2015.
4. Contact a billboard company and come up with a billboard design to advertise at start
up and during tax season. This will be the responsibility of the junior accountant and the
secretary. This needs to be completed by October 15, 2015.
Promotion Milestones
Deliverable Due Date Budget Responsible Party
Referrals 9/1/2015 $0 Kristina, owner
Website 9/15/2015 $500
Owner, jr. accountant,
secretary
Radio Ad 10/1/2015 $750
Owner and
secretary
23. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 23
Billboard 10/15/2015 $1,500
Junior Accountant and
secretary
Total Advertising Budget $2,750
Our marketing campaign will focus primarily on the benefits a company will receive based on the
decision to use outsourced accountants from Horizon Financial Services, while being overseen by an
accountant with Kristina’s experience.
Sales Forecast
Package prices represent the average cost to perform the services in the package for each of our
clients on an individual basis. If a client’s situation is more or less complex, we are willing to adjust the
cost of the packages. We will not advertise pricing; instead we will offer free estimates to each client
considering our services, to make sure we are giving them the best price, while ensuring we are able to
remain operational and working for a profit. Bookkeeper services are based at $35 per hour. Direct
overhead costs for these services are extremely low, as accounting services are primarily labor based.
The total profit is expected to rise as the business grows, as the market is continually growing, as
well as the utilization of financial accounting outsourcing. At the current time, there is no revenue flow,
as the company is just starting up. As we advertise and begin to get referrals, we expect revenues to
increase, gradually at first, and then take off after the fourth month of business.
The sales forecast included below is based off of the company after the purchase of an office
building and hiring employees other than Kristina, the owner. The projections figure in two part time
bookkeepers working an average of 20 hours per week. Also included in the figure is the owner’s and
junior accountant’s salary, as well as wages for the secretary. The three of these will work full time.
24. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 24
The cost for bookkeeping hours is $35. Of that, 40%, or $14, is direct labor costs. The cost of senior
accountant hours is $130, of which 40%, or $52 hours is direct labor cost. The cost of junior accountant
hours is $95, of which 40%, or $38, is direct labor hours. Direct costs for service packages are about
60%, or $108 per month, per standard package, $195 per month, per deluxe package, and $360 per month,
per premium package. Direct labor costs for payroll services are about 30% per account, per month.
Consultation services are billed at the hourly rate of the accountant preparing them. The direct cost is
50%, or $65 for the senior accountant, and $47.50 for the junior accountant. Sales tax preparation is billed
at $65 per form, of which 30%, or $19.50 is direct labor. Tax preparation services are billed at $575 per
return, of which 70%, or $402.50 is direct costs associated with the service. All payroll services have
direct costs in the amount of 60%.
See Appendix A for monthly sales forecast
25. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 25
Implementation Strategy
Overall Strategy
Horizon Accounting Services will implement a strategy that mainly focuses on name recognition
and competitive pricing to attract new clients. We will mainly advertise our service packages, which are
priced lower than the median cost of similar services in the area. Once we have attracted enough clients,
we will then implement a referral strategy that will offer our current clients incentives for referring us to
other customers/referring other customers to us. This will be an especially important strategy, as it will
introduce our name to new clients via existing, already satisfied clients.
Once we have acquired the necessary number of clients that we need to operate efficiently and at
a profit, we will begin to offer our clients additional services, such as financial planning and consultation
services, thereby increasing our profit margins and providing services to our clients that they would not
receive if they were outsourcing to other companies.
Launch Strategy
Deliverable Due Date Responsible Party
Conduct pricing research and
develop education material
showing how HAS service fees
compare to other similar
companies in the area.
August 2015 Owner (Kristina), Secretary
Research costs of advertising to Middle August 2015 Secretary
26. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 26
plan and begin development of
marketing and promotional
material.
Contract with advertising
companies to promote business
September 2015 Owner, Jr. Accountant, and
Secretary
Finish all marketing and
promotional material (i.e web
page, billboard, radio ad, etc.)
October 2015 Owner, Jr. Accountant, and
Secretary
Contract with first client January 2016 Owner
Contract with a total of 6
clients
March 2016 Owner, Jr. Accountant
Hire 2 additional part time
bookkeepers
March 2016 Owner, Jr. Accountant
Launch Referral Program March 2016 Owner
Gain 3 clients from current
client referrals
May 2016 Owner, Jr. Accountant
Begin Search for CPA to add to
staff
June 2016 Owner
Hire CPA and begin offering
additional services to clients
July 2016 Owner
27. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 27
Monitoring Plan
The monitoring procedures listed below are necessary to ensure Horizon Accounting Services is
operating at optimal efficiency, as expected, as well as to ensure that the marketing plan has enable
Horizon Financial Services to attain the goals set forth for the launch of the company.
Monitoring Activity Due Date/Frequency Responsible Party
Develop financial
reporting procedures to
compare revenue per
period to expenses per
period to determine
profitability.
Monthly, Quarterly,
Semi-Annual, and
Annual reports from the
Sr. Accountant and Jr.
Accountant due on the
third Tuesday following
the close of the period.
Owner, Jr. Accountant
Monitor price changes
of similar companies in
the area, offering the
same services to ensure
HAS pricing remains
competitive.
Quarterly and Semi
Annual trend analysis
due to the second
Monday following the
close of the period.
Secretary
Client Feedback
Meetings
Bi-monthly meetings to
be held by Sr. and Jr.
Accountants with their
respective clients to
Sr. Accountant, Jr.
Accountant
28. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 28
receive feedback
concerning services
offered and any changes
desired by clients
Quality and accuracy
checks of all financial
statements.
End of Month, End of
Quarter, End of Year
quality checks of all
financial statements
produced by employees.
Sr. Accountant/Owner
29. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 29
Financial Statements and Projections
Forecasted Profit and Loss Statement
Horizon Accounting Services
Profit and Loss Statement
Year Ended December 31, 2016
Monthly Profit and Loss January February March April May June July August September October November December
REVENUE (Package Sales): -$ 180$ 180$ 780$ 1,285$ 2,210$ 3,315$ 4,095$ 4,095$ 5,200$ 5,380$ 5,380$
Accounting/Bookkeeping Hours 63,000 100,265 108,080 136,605 112,375 72,620 88,735 82,155 77,906 87,927 78,106 71,785
Misc. Services 15,090 23,985 28,470 44,945 3,650 3,315 2,065 3,035 8,030 13,555 5,415 $6,255
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Rent Expense 5,820 5,820 5,820 5,820 5,820 5,820 5,820 5,820 5,820 5,820 5,820 5,820
Wage and Salary Expense 32760 52231 56295 71440 59103 38912 47866 44850 42641 48426 43413 40126
Electricity Expense 11714 18665 20510 27350 17597 11722 14117 13393 13505 16002 13335 12513
Telephone Expense 627 627 627 627 627 627 627 627 627 627 627 627
Insurance Expense 1468 1468 1468 1468 1468 1468 1468 1468 1468 1468 1468 1468
Office Supplies 1562 2489 2735 3647 2346 1563 1882 1786 1801 2134 1778 1668
Misc. Expenses 7809 12443 13673 18233 11731 7815 9412 8929 9003 10668 8890 8342
61759 93743 101127 128584 98692 67926 81192 76872 74864 85145 75331 70564
Total Operating Expenses: 61759 93743 101127 128584 98692 67926 81192 76872 74864 85145 75331 70564
Profit before Interest 16331 30688 35603 53746 18618 10219 12923 12413 15167 21537 13570 12856
Interest Expense 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Net Profit (Loss) - Monthly 16331 30688 35603 53746 18618 10219 12923 12413 15167 21537 13570 12856
Net Profit (Loss) for year 253,670
30. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 30
Forecasted Balance Sheet
Horizon Accounting Services
Balance Sheet
December 31, 2016
Projected Balance Sheet
ASSETS:
Current Assets:
Cash 253,670$
Furniture 16,200.00$
Equipment-Computers 6,500.00$
Total Assets 276,370$
LIABILITIES:
Current Liabilties:
Accounts Payable 1,760.00$
Salaries Payable 40,126$
Total Liabilities 41,886$
Owner's Equity
Kristina Arcutt, Capital 234,484.00$
Total Liabilities and
Owner's Equity 276,370$
31. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 31
Financial Report
Financial Projections
Based on the sales forecast, Horizon Accounting Services will have enough income from the first
year of operations to cover all liabilities and expenses, and produce a return on investment to Kristina of
over 11.5%. The forecasted financial statements are based on the sales and services provided in the sales
forecast, shown in Appendix A. The information is what Kristina, the owner, believes will be the
expected assets, liabilities, expenses, and revenues to the best of her ability.
The company’s revenue consists mainly of accounting and bookkeeping hours, followed by
accounting service packages. Projections are based on the goals Kristina has set for the company and how
she expects operations to proceed for the first year of business.
Horizon Accounting Services expenses consist primarily of salaries and wages, rent, and utilities.
The only other liabilities HAS currently has are two accounts payables, one for the office furniture, and
one for the office computers.
Although costs will vary month to month for certain expenses, such as electricity, telephone, and
office supplies, the average revenue Horizon Accounting Services needs to earn in order to break even is
$84, 650. This is just an average, most months it will be lower, other months it will be higher.
Based on the forecasted Profit and Loss Statement, Kristina asserts that the average profit per
month for Horizon Accounting Services is $21,139. As with the breakeven analysis, this is just an average
of the totals for the year, and some months will be higher and others will be lower.
32. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 32
Financial Position
Based on the projected Balance Sheet, Kristina believes that Horizon Accounting Services will be
in a great financial position at the end of 2016. It is projected that Horizon Accounting Services will have
approximately $276,370 in assets, and only $41,886 in liabilities. This means that, if an unseen event
occurs, Horizon Accounting Services will have the ability to pay off all liabilities with just cash on hand,
and still have money left over to keep the company afloat. Although it is not foreseen that anything
catastrophic will happen, the projected financial position for Horizon Accounting Services is favorable in
case of such an event.
Estimated Capital/Investment Needs
To get the company started, Kristina, the owner, is going to invest $20,000 from her savings in
the company to pay for any starting expenses, such as first and last months’ rent, utility hookups, and
advertising expenses. At the present, Kristina does not feel like there will be any need to have any other
investments, or take out any loans to start the company. She is confident that her investment will be
sufficient to launch the company.
Based on the current financial projections, Kristina thinks that it may be a good idea to find
another partner to invest in the company, although not for financial reasons. Kristina feels that if the
company grows at the rate she expects, she will need to add a partner so that HAS is fully staffed to make
sure they are able to handle the capacity of work and make sure their clients are completely satisfied with
the services they provide. This is a decision that will happen after the first year of business, depending on
how well business goes. Otherwise, Kristina does not feel that any other investment in the company is
necessary, and will re-evaluate this thought if the need arises at a later time.
33. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 33
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2014, January 8). Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks :
Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved from
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/bookkeeping-accounting-and-
auditing-clerks.htm
Byrt, F. (2013, August 9). Financial Outsourcing Services Seen Growing 8 Percent Annually
Through 2017 | AccountingWEB. Retrieved from
http://www.accountingweb.com/technology/trends/financial-outsourcing-services-seen-
growing-8-percent-annually-through-2017
Schneider, B. (2014). Accounting Basics: History Of Accounting | Investopedia. Retrieved from
http://www.investopedia.com/university/accounting/accounting1.asp
34. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 34
Appendix A
Sales Forecast Spreadsheet
Sales Forcast
Unit Sales Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Service
Packages
Standard 0 1 1 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 6 6
Deluxe 0 0 0 0 1 2 3 3 3 4 4 4
Premium 0 0 0 1 1 2 3 4 4 5 5 5
Tax
Preperation 24 36 48 76 5 2 0 0 6 15 0 0
Bookkeeping
Hours 650 768 792 1121 982 486 628 650 650 650 650 650
Accounting
Hours, Sr.
Accountant 200 365 396 483 364 286 352 200 200 200 200 200
Accounting
Hours, Jr.
Accountant 150 273 304 364 323 194 221 150 150 150 150 150
Payroll
Services
Initial
Setup Fee 2 3 0 1 0 2 0 1 2 3 0 0
First 5
Employees 2 5 5 6 6 8 8 9 11 14 14 14
Each
Additional 5
Employees 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 6 8 8 8
Consultation
Svcs(Hours), Sr.
Accountant 3 12 2 0 1 3 7 10 17 16 21 24
Consultation
Svcs(Hours), Jr.
Accountant 2 8 1 2 0 6 4 9 13 14 17 19
Sales Tax Prep 4 2 2 7 3 5 3 1 0 0 0 4
Total Unit
Sales 1038 1476 1554 2065 1691 1001 1235 1045 1066 1084 1075 1084
40. Student ID 000283536 Arcutt Business Capstone Business Plan Version 1 page 40
Appendix B
Organizational Chart
Kristina,
Owner
Jr.
Accountant
Bookkeeper Bookkeeper
Secretary