SaaS
Annual subscriptions, Stripe, deferred revenue, ARR, CAC payback, burn and runway, and a model that's ready for the next round.
Finance for SaaSAll services
Outgrown your accountant?
Your accountant handles tax, VAT and year-end well. But the company now needs monthly reporting, forecasts and someone who understands how a tech business works.
When your accountant isn't enough anymore
Compliance accountants look backward. Growing companies need someone looking forward: explaining performance, warning when margins or cash are slipping, and understanding recurring revenue, projects and payment platforms.
- You only hear from your accountant at tax deadlines
- A P&L every month, but no commentary or forecast
- No one warns you when cash is getting tight
- Your accountant doesn't understand ARR, PSAs or deferred revenue
What to do when you've outgrown your accountant
You don't always have to switch. The right answer depends on what's missing.
- 1
Add a management layer
Keep your tax accountant and add management accounts, forecasts and reporting from a separate finance team.
- 2
Or switch completely
Move everything to one team that handles both compliance and reporting, and understands tech businesses.
- 3
Plan the handover
A new accountant can take over mid-year. The handover covers files, open balances and ongoing obligations.
- 4
Agree the scope upfront
Write down what you get each month and when, so fees and expectations stay clear.
What a tech-focused accountant should understand
MSPs
ConnectWise, MRR, service gross margin and technician COGS, not just QuickBooks and tax.
Finance for MSPsIT services & agencies
Fixed-fee projects, contractors, utilization, delivery margin and clients in several countries.
Finance for IT services & agenciesFrequently asked questions
What type of finance support are we missing if our accountant only does compliance?
Management accounting: monthly reporting with budget comparison, forecasts, KPIs and commentary.
What's the difference between an accountant, management accountant, finance director and fractional CFO?
An accountant handles compliance. A management accountant produces reporting and forecasts. A finance director runs the finance function. A fractional CFO brings strategic finance part-time.
Can I keep my tax accountant and use another firm for management accounts?
Yes. It's a common setup: the existing accountant keeps compliance, and a separate team takes the data and produces management reporting.
Do I have to wait until year-end to switch accountants?
No. A new accountant can take over mid-year with a structured handover.
Do we need to change accountants or bring in someone else?
If the compliance work is good, adding a management reporting team is often enough. If the basics are also weak, switching makes more sense.
What should a SaaS-specific accountant handle that a general one doesn't?
Subscription revenue recognition, deferred revenue, payment platform reconciliation and SaaS metrics like ARR and churn.
Our accounting fees keep rising but the service is getting worse. What should we do?
Write down what you get today and what you need, then compare that scope against a few alternatives rather than on price alone.
Your company has enough moving parts already.
Start with a clear look at where things stand and what should improve.