The Accrual Advantage: Leveling Up Your Practice and Your Clients’ Books

Discover the strategic practice growth opportunities available when helping clients transition from cash to accrual accounting. With over 30 years of accounting experience, Shana Cooper, CPA and founder of The AccountAbility Team, LLC, shares valuable insights on positioning accrual-based services as a competitive advantage for your firm or fractional practice.

This forward-thinking course focuses not on technical accounting details, but on the business strategy behind offering accrual accounting services—revealing how this transition creates opportunities for deeper client relationships, enhanced advisory roles, and premium service offerings. Cooper's approach emphasizes strategic considerations rather than technical implementation, providing a framework that works regardless of your technology stack or client industry mix.

Key topics covered include:

  • Strategic business case for moving clients to accrual accounting

  • Practice transformation opportunities to attract higher-value clients

  • Client selection criteria and engagement scoping strategies

  • Talent development considerations for supporting accrual-based services

  • Pricing models that reflect the enhanced value of accrual-based insights

  • Evaluation framework for supporting your service vision

  • Change management approaches for both clients and internal teams

  • Marketing strategies to highlight your accrual-based service offerings

Through insightful case studies and practical examples, attendees learn how firms and fractional leaders have successfully positioned their practices by embracing accrual accounting as a strategic differentiator. Cooper emphasizes the importance of proper positioning, staffing considerations, and creating a compelling value narrative that resonates with business owners and executives.

The course is designed for firm leaders, practice development managers, and fractional controllers and CFOs looking to elevate their service offerings. Whether managing an established firm or building a fractional practice, this course provides the strategic vision and practical considerations needed to successfully transform your service model. Particular focus is placed on helping practitioners view accrual accounting not as a technical exercise, but as a strategic opportunity for practice growth and client development.

Learning Objectives

  1. Understand the strategic advantages and business case for offering accrual-based accounting services

  2. Develop a practical roadmap for practice transformation, including talent, client transition, and internal control considerations

  3. Explore proven strategies for positioning, marketing and pricing accrual services to attract higher-value clients

Business Benefits

  • Enhanced market positioning as a strategic business advisor

  • Ability to attract and retain higher-value clients

  • Differentiated service offerings in a competitive marketplace

  • Increased revenue through premium service pricing

  • More strategic and forward-looking client conversations

  • Clearer path to advisory services beyond compliance work

  • Ability to attract and retain higher-caliber accounting talent

  • Opportunity for staff development and specialization

  • Scalable service model for practice growth

  • Stronger foundation for specialized industry expertise

 
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