Hourly rate or flat fee? The best pricing models for sole proprietorships in your accounting firm

The way we as accountants view our billing is changing rapidly. Now that the “mass of input” for sole proprietorships is being eliminated by automation, the basis for the traditional hourly rate based on data entry is also disappearing. So how do you ensure that these accounts remain profitable for your accounting firm?

The answer lies in choosing a pricing model that aligns with your vision for service delivery. In practice, we see two successful approaches.

Model 1: The hourly rate for advice (The Paperbox approach)

Yannick De Wael of Paperbox Accounting has deliberately chosen a model based on an hourly rate. His reasoning? “If someone is doing very well, they should pay us for the expertise we provide.”

In this model, Dexxter serves as the tool that empowers the client to handle daily tasks independently. The accountant then bills only for the actual time spent on:

• Resolving complex fiscal issues via the review module.
• Filing VAT declarations and personal income tax returns.
• Strategic discussions about sectors and networks.

Model 2: The flat monthly fee (The Stratevision approach)

At the other end of the spectrum, we find Stratevision.fin. They operate on a flat monthly fee that covers everything. “This way, entrepreneurs know exactly what to expect and aren’t faced with any surprises,” explains Veronique Van de Water.

This subscription model offers major benefits for your firm:

• Predictable cash flow: You have a guaranteed income stream every month.
• Workload distribution: Because the price is fixed, you can better plan your audits and advisory services throughout the year.
• Focus on impact: You’re not selling “hours,” but “strategy, optimization, and peace of mind”.

Which model will you choose?

Whether you opt for the flexibility of an hourly rate or the security of a flat fee, the most important thing is that you stop billing repetitive administrative work. By using Dexxter, you shift the value of your invoice to where it truly belongs: your fiscal advice and strategic guidance.

Find out how these firms determined their pricing models:

• 👉 Paperbox Accounting case study: Why they swear by hourly rates
• 👉 Stratevision.fin case study: How they created peace of mind with monthly plans
• 👉 Carbofisc case study: Alain’s vision on profitability

Want to find out which pricing model works best for your firm? 👉 Schedule a call with Pieter-Jan or Arnout to discuss the options.