Professional services firms — law, consultancy, architecture, engineering, IT — share an accounting profile that's poorly served by generic SME packages. Revenue is project- or matter-based, work-in-progress accruals dominate the balance sheet, partner remuneration structures need careful planning, and professional indemnity premiums are non-trivial.
We work with Dublin-based professional services firms from solo consultants through to 30-fee-earner partnerships. The accounting infrastructure we build scales — clients have grown from sole-trader to limited-company partnership without changing accountant.
Professional-services-specific issues we handle
Work-in-progress (WIP) accounting
Time-and-materials businesses have substantial WIP at any month-end — unbilled time, unfinished projects, contingency files. We work with your practice-management system (Clio, MyCase, Pro Bono Net, Synergist, WorkflowMax) to land WIP correctly in the balance sheet, recognise revenue properly, and reveal write-offs honestly rather than burying them.
Billing models
Hourly, fixed-fee, contingency, retainer, milestone, subscription — Irish professional services firms use a mix that varies by matter and client. Each has implications for revenue recognition, VAT timing, debtor risk and partner distribution. We help model price changes and design billing schedules that protect cash flow.
Partner remuneration and distribution
For partnerships and proprietary-director limited companies, getting profit out of the business is half the work. Salary vs dividend, pension contribution capacity, family employment, sub-contractor relationships, and CGT planning for eventual exit all interact. We model annual draws, year-end balances and tax for every partner.
PII and professional fees
Professional indemnity insurance, CPD costs, professional body subscriptions, library fees, indemnity-related provisions — these have specific accounting and tax treatment that generalist firms often misclassify. Recovering relief on legitimate professional costs is one of the easiest wins for new clients.
Client and trust accounts
Solicitors and other regulated professions hold client funds under strict rules (Solicitors Accounts Regulations). We work with regulated practices to maintain the dual-book discipline required, reconcile client and office accounts and produce the annual reporting accountant's report.
Why professional services firms choose us
Firms we serve
- Solicitors (sole practice and small partnerships)
- Management consultants and strategy advisors
- Architects and design studios
- Engineering practices (civil, structural, M&E)
- IT consultancies, software houses and dev shops
- Surveyors, planners and project managers
- HR consultancies and executive coaches
Related reading
Outgrowing your accountant?
Most clients switch to us at the inflection between solo practice and first partner/employee. We make migration painless.
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