3:I[5613,[],""]
5:I[1778,[],""]
4:["slug","driver-based-planning","d"]
0:["J0uTATMGtF6WSlnERJRdv",[[["",{"children":["resources",{"children":["financial-forecast",{"children":[["slug","driver-based-planning","d"],{"children":["__PAGE__?{\"slug\":\"driver-based-planning\"}",{}]}]}]}]},"$undefined","$undefined",true],["",{"children":["resources",{"children":["financial-forecast",{"children":[["slug","driver-based-planning","d"],{"children":["__PAGE__",{},["$L1","$L2",null]]},["$","$L3",null,{"parallelRouterKey":"children","segmentPath":["children","resources","children","financial-forecast","children","$4","children"],"loading":"$undefined","loadingStyles":"$undefined","loadingScripts":"$undefined","hasLoading":false,"error":"$undefined","errorStyles":"$undefined","errorScripts":"$undefined","template":["$","$L5",null,{}],"templateStyles":"$undefined","templateScripts":"$undefined","notFound":"$undefined","notFoundStyles":"$undefined","styles":[["$","link","0",{"rel":"stylesheet","href":"/_next/static/css/2e6661b0417b461e.css","precedence":"next","crossOrigin":""}]]}]]},["$","$L3",null,{"parallelRouterKey":"children","segmentPath":["children","resources","children","financial-forecast","children"],"loading":"$undefined","loadingStyles":"$undefined","loadingScripts":"$undefined","hasLoading":false,"error":"$undefined","errorStyles":"$undefined","errorScripts":"$undefined","template":["$","$L5",null,{}],"templateStyles":"$undefined","templateScripts":"$undefined","notFound":"$undefined","notFoundStyles":"$undefined","styles":null}]]},["$","$L3",null,{"parallelRouterKey":"children","segmentPath":["children","resources","children"],"loading":"$undefined","loadingStyles":"$undefined","loadingScripts":"$undefined","hasLoading":false,"error":"$undefined","errorStyles":"$undefined","errorScripts":"$undefined","template":["$","$L5",null,{}],"templateStyles":"$undefined","templateScripts":"$undefined","notFound":"$undefined","notFoundStyles":"$undefined","styles":null}]]},[null,["$","html",null,{"lang":"en","children":[["$","head",null,{"children":[["$","meta",null,{"name":"robots","content":"index, follow, max-image-preview:large, max-snippet:-1, max-video-preview:-1"}],["$","link",null,{"rel":"icon","href":"/images/website-icon.svg"}]]}],["$","body",null,{"itemScope":true,"itemType":"https://schema.org/SoftwareApplication","className":"a1","children":[["$","meta",null,{"itemProp":"applicationCategory","content":"Business Planning Service"}],["$","$L3",null,{"parallelRouterKey":"children","segmentPath":["children"],"loading":"$undefined","loadingStyles":"$undefined","loadingScripts":"$undefined","hasLoading":false,"error":"$undefined","errorStyles":"$undefined","errorScripts":"$undefined","template":["$","$L5",null,{}],"templateStyles":"$undefined","templateScripts":"$undefined","notFound":"$L6","notFoundStyles":[],"styles":null}]]}]]}],null]],[[["$","link","0",{"rel":"stylesheet","href":"/_next/static/css/1ded2b608972c48b.css","precedence":"next","crossOrigin":""}]],"$L7"]]]]
6:E{"digest":"NEXT_REDIRECT;replace;/;307;"}
8:I[4699,["6081","static/chunks/6081-024259f4f6c69551.js?v=1760441547594","3842","static/chunks/3842-51d079e75b73c308.js?v=1760441547594","6142","static/chunks/6142-fe3b722656e566bf.js?v=1760441547594","4181","static/chunks/app/resources/financial-forecast/%5Bslug%5D/page-f7dccd0e5de8435a.js?v=1760441547594"],""]
9:T7326,{"id":"cG9zdDoyMTU4","title":"What Is Driver-Based Planning and Why Is It Important?","content":"\n<p>Effective financial planning and analysis are crucial in today&#8217;s fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape. Driver-based planning is a pivotal strategy that allows organizations to focus on the most influential aspects of their operations. It directly links business activities with financial outcomes. This approach streamlines planning processes and enhances adaptability and decision-making accuracy. In this article, we will explore driver-based planning, its key benefits, and why it&#8217;s an essential practice for modern businesses aiming to optimize performance and achieve strategic goals.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Driver-Based Planning?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Driver-based planning is an approach to business forecasting and budgeting that emphasizes the impact of specific key factors, or &#8216;drivers&#8217;, on the overall financial performance of an organization. This methodology revolves around identifying and focusing on variables fundamental to business operations, such as sales volume, production capacity, or workforce efficiency. By leveraging driver-based planning, companies can create more accurate, adaptable, and actionable financial strategies.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Importance of Identifying Key Drivers</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A company pinpoints the essential elements that drive business success through driver-based planning. These drivers are quantifiable metrics directly linked to financial outcomes. Understanding these connections allows organizations to streamline their planning processes, reduce complexity, and focus on what truly impacts the bottom line. For example, a driver for a retail company could be the number of store visitors, which directly correlates with sales outcomes.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benefits of Driver-Based Planning</h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Enhanced Forecasting Accuracy</strong>: Focusing on variables that directly affect financial outcomes, allows for more accurate and meaningful forecasts. This specificity helps in reducing the uncertainty typically associated with traditional forecasting methods that often rely on broad financial assumptions.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Increased Organizational Agility</strong>: Driver-based planning offers the flexibility to quickly adjust forecasts and budgets in response to changes in key business drivers. Businesses must adapt quickly to market shifts, technological advancements, and competitive pressures in today&#8217;s fast-paced business environment.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Streamlined Decision-Making</strong>: This approach simplifies decision-making by highlighting the impact of specific operational changes on the financial health of the organization. It helps managers understand the financial implications of their day-to-day decisions, promoting more financially aware management across all levels of the organization.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Businesses implementing driver-based planning can adjust their strategies in real-time, improving their ability to effectively meet forecasts and manage resources.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Implementing Driver-Based Planning</h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Step 1: Identifying Business Drivers</strong>: The first step involves a detailed analysis to identify the most significant drivers. These might include metrics like unit costs, customer acquisition rates, or output efficiency. Each industry and business may have different drivers based on their unique operational characteristics.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 2: Modeling Financial Impacts</strong>: After identifying key drivers, the next step is to model how these drivers influence financial outcomes. This involves creating mathematical models that link driver metrics changes to financial performance. This linkage allows for scenario planning and sensitivity analysis, providing insights into how different operational strategies might impact the bottom line.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 3: Integrating Drivers into Financial Planning</strong>: Integrating these drivers into financial planning processes involves using driver-based models to set budgets, forecast financials, and plan for future financial scenarios. This integration results in budgets and forecasts being directly tied to operational plans, making them more practical and actionable.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tools and Technologies</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Effective driver-based planning requires robust software that can handle complex financial models, integrate diverse data streams, and provide real-time analytics. Driver-based planning software typically features tools for scenario analysis, real-time performance tracking, and predictive modeling. It enables companies to adapt their financial strategies quickly. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Find out more about financial planning and the use of technology in our article, <a href=\"https://www.modeliks.com/resources/financial-forecast/how-to-create-an-advanced-financial-plan-like-a-pro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">&#8220;How to Create an Advanced Financial Plan Like a Pro&#8221;</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Continuous Monitoring and Adaptation</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Companies can identify when adjustments are needed by continuously monitoring key performance indicators. This proactive approach helps maintain alignment with strategic goals and optimizes financial performance.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Driver-Based Planning Matters</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, driver-based planning stands out as a critical strategy for financial management. It aligns financial forecasting with operational strategies, ensuring every budgetary decision supports overarching business objectives. Hence, companies that embrace it position themselves better to navigate uncertainty, capitalize on opportunities, and drive sustained growth.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Driver-based planning transforms traditional budgeting. From a passive, backward-looking exercise into a proactive, strategic tool tailored to a company’s specific operational realities. It empowers organizations to react to changes and to anticipate and strategically prepare for future challenges and opportunities.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maximize your strategic planning with Modeliks. <a href=\"https://www.modeliks.com/features/financial-planning-software\">Dive deeper into how driver-based forecasting can refine your business planning.</a> Visit Modeliks today to explore our comprehensive tools designed to link your operational activities to your financial goals seamlessly. <a href=\"https://app.modeliks.com/register/ACBD5AB2-6994-40EE-A43A-B4370C09EDA1?_gl=1*1bu428j*_gcl_au*MTIxMzA4MjUwOS4xNzA2NzgzODI2\">Begin your journey towards smarter, data-driven decision-making now!</a></p>\n","slug":"driver-based-planning","date":"2024-04-22T11:43:46","categories":{"nodes":[{"id":"dGVybToxMQ==","name":"Business Plans"},{"id":"dGVybToxNA==","name":"Financial Forecast"},{"id":"dGVybToxMw==","name":"Reports & Dashboards"}]},"mainCategory":{"mainCategory":["financial-forecast"],"videoHeader":null},"tags":{"nodes":[{"name":"business planning"},{"name":"financial reporting"}]},"featuredImage":{"node":{"id":"cG9zdDoyMTYx","sourceUrl":"/images/cms/What-Is-Driver-Based-Planning-and-Why-Is-It-Important.jpg","altText":"Modeliks guide: Optimizing strategic management with driver-based planning techniques."}},"seo":{"metaDesc":"Discover the benefits of driver-based planning for precise financial forecasting and strategic management. Explore key methods with Modeliks."},"modified":"2024-04-22T11:43:47","related":[{"id":"cG9zdDoxMjA4NQ==","title":"Driver-Based Financial Planning for Restaurants: Why Table-Turns Matter","content":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Restaurant Profit Margins Are So Tight?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Running a restaurant is one of the most rewarding and most challenging businesses out there. Dining rooms fill up every weekend, but behind the scenes, operators fight to control costs, forecast demand, and protect razor-thin margins.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to industry benchmarks, <strong>average restaurant net profit margins range from just 3% to 6%</strong> for full-service establishments, while quick-service restaurants may perform slightly better. Small improvements in efficiency or revenue drivers can be the difference between struggling and thriving.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>That’s why <strong>driver-based financial planning</strong> is becoming essential for restaurant owners, accountants, and consultants. Instead of relying on static spreadsheets or simple revenue projections, it ties <strong>operational drivers</strong> directly to financial outcomes — giving decision-makers more clarity and control.</p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Driver-Based Planning?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Driver-based planning connects the key operational levers of your restaurant (the “drivers”) with your financial statements and forecasts.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of saying <em>“we’ll grow revenue by 10%”</em>, you ask:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How many table-turns per service can we realistically achieve?</li>\n\n\n\n<li>What’s the average check size per guest?</li>\n\n\n\n<li>How many staff hours do we need at different times of the day?</li>\n\n\n\n<li>What’s our food cost percentage and how much waste do we allow?</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>By building financial models around these real-world inputs, you create forecasts that are <strong>more accurate, more dynamic, and easier to explain</strong>.</p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Drivers Every Restaurant Should Track</h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Table-Turns</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Table-turns measure how many times a table is occupied during a meal service.</p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fast casual restaurants:</strong> ~3–4 turns per period</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Family dining:</strong> ~3 turns</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fine dining:</strong> 1–2 turns</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>👉 Increasing table-turns by even 0.2 per service can significantly lift revenue without adding more seats.</p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Average Check Size</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your average check is simply:<br><strong>Total revenue ÷ Number of covers served</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Upselling, smart menu engineering, and bundles can lift check size by 10–15% &#8211; directly boosting top-line revenue.</p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Food Cost % and Waste Control</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Food costs typically range between <strong>25%–35% of revenue</strong> depending on concept. Tracking recipe yields, supplier prices, and waste levels helps protect gross margins. Even a 1–2% reduction in waste can translate into meaningful profit improvements.</p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Labor Costs and Utilization</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Labor is often the single largest controllable cost in restaurants &#8211; commonly <strong>25%-35% of revenue</strong>. By modeling staffing against expected covers and dayparts, owners can avoid overstaffing during quiet hours and understaffing during peak times.</p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Driver-Based Planning Matters</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When restaurants model table-turns, average check size, food cost %, and labor as part of their financial forecasts, they get:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>More accuracy</strong> &#8211; forecasts that reflect real-world operations</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>More insight</strong> &#8211; clear variance analysis when performance shifts</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>More control</strong> &#8211; ability to test “what-if” scenarios before making changes</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Example:<br>A small 80-seat restaurant increases average check size by 5% (from $25 to $26.25) and improves table-turns from 3.0 to 3.2 per service. Combined, that’s nearly a <strong>10% uplift in revenue</strong> without expanding staff or space.</p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Modeliks Helps Restaurants</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Traditionally, building driver-based models requires complex spreadsheets and formulas. With <strong>Modeliks</strong>, restaurant owners and their advisors can:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Build driver-based forecasts around covers, table-turns, average check, and costs</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Generate automated financial statements (P&amp;L, Balance Sheet, Cashflow)</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Track <strong>Actual vs Plan vs Previous Periods</strong> in real-time</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Allocate head office costs across units or locations for true profitability insights</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create dashboards for management reporting with variance analysis, KPIs, and ratios</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Modeliks removes spreadsheet chaos and helps restaurants move from <strong>guessing to planning</strong>.</p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Restaurants don’t live and die by revenue &#8211; they succeed or fail based on their drivers. By planning around <strong>table-turns, check size, food cost, and labor utilization</strong>, operators can make confident decisions and unlock profitability.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the right tools, each restaurant owner can turn complex financial planning into an actionable framework.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>👉 Want to see how driver-based planning works in practice?<br>Start your <a href=\"https://www.modeliks.com/pricing\"><strong>15-day free trial</strong>, choose a plan</a>, or contact us on: <strong>contact@modeliks.com</strong> for a demo session.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Enjoy <a href=\"https://modeliks.com/\">Modeliks</a>! We know we are!</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Author: <br><a href=\"https://www.modeliks.com/about-us\">Modeliks Team</a></p>\n","slug":"driver-based-financial-planning-restaurants","date":"2025-09-29T08:31:17","categories":{"nodes":[{"id":"dGVybToxMQ==","name":"Business Plans"},{"id":"dGVybToxNA==","name":"Financial Forecast"},{"id":"dGVybTozNQ==","name":"News"},{"id":"dGVybTozNA==","name":"Partners"},{"id":"dGVybToxMg==","name":"Pitch Decks"},{"id":"dGVybToxMw==","name":"Reports & Dashboards"}]},"mainCategory":{"mainCategory":["financial-forecast"],"videoHeader":null},"tags":{"nodes":[{"name":"budgeting and forecasting"},{"name":"business planning"},{"name":"Financial analysis"},{"name":"financial forecasting"},{"name":"financial modeling"},{"name":"financial planning"},{"name":"financial reporting"},{"name":"market analysis"},{"name":"modeliks"},{"name":"quickbooks"}]},"featuredImage":{"node":{"id":"cG9zdDoxMjA4Ng==","sourceUrl":"/images/cms/getty-images-q14onzK8wEg-unsplash.jpg","altText":"Driver-based financial planning for restaurants"}},"seo":{"metaDesc":"Discover how driver-based financial planning helps restaurants boost profitability. Learn why table-turns, average check size, food cost, and labor planning matter."},"modified":"2025-09-29T08:31:20","related":null},{"id":"cG9zdDoxMTU0MQ==","title":"How Accountants Can Offer High-Margin Advisory Services","content":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Advisory Services Matter for Accounting Firms</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The accounting profession is shifting. Compliance and bookkeeping remain essential, but today’s clients expect more. They want guidance on <strong>how to run their business smarter, manage cash flow, and plan for the future</strong>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to a <strong>CPA.com survey</strong>:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clients pay <strong>~50% more</strong> for advisory services compared to traditional compliance.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>65% of clients</strong> need advisory support.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>45% expect their accounting firm</strong> to provide it.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This means the demand is already there. The opportunity for accounting firms is clear: <strong>move beyond bookkeeping into high-margin advisory services</strong>.</p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Challenge: Scaling Advisory Without Burning Out</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For most small and mid-sized firms, the hesitation is simple:<br>❌ Limited staff time<br>❌ No standardized tools for forecasting &amp; reporting<br>❌ Concern about overcomplicating workflows</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The good news? Advisory can be delivered at scale, without adding headcount or creating inefficiencies — if you have the right system.</p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Solution: Modeliks for Advisory Services</h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Modeliks</strong> helps accountants transform their existing relationships into advisory partnerships by automating the heavy lifting.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here’s how it works in practice:</p>\n\n\n\n<p>1️⃣ <strong>Connect QuickBooks in Minutes</strong><br>Sync client actuals directly — no messy spreadsheets or manual imports.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>2️⃣ <strong>Build Budgets &amp; Automated Financials</strong><br>Instantly generate a forward-looking <strong>P&amp;L, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow statement</strong>, tailored to each client.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>3️⃣ <strong>Deliver Dashboards &amp; Variance Analysis</strong><br>Clients see Actual vs. Plan vs. Previous Periods. You provide insight into <em>why</em> numbers moved — without building reports from scratch each month.</p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Impact for Accounting Firms</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Firms using Modeliks see:<br>✅ <strong>New revenue streams</strong> by offering planning &amp; reporting as premium packages<br>✅ <strong>Higher client retention</strong> thanks to consistent value beyond compliance<br>✅ <strong>No extra headcount required</strong>, since processes are automated<br>✅ <strong>Improved positioning</strong> as trusted advisors, not just bookkeepers</p>\n\n\n\n<p>As one accountant put it:</p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>“Our clients can now make confident decisions. For us it’s a game-changer — we finally sell insight, not just compliance.”</em></p>\n</blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Now Is the Time</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Client expectations are rising. Competitors are moving into advisory. Technology makes it easier than ever to scale.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you’re an accountant or firm owner, now is the time to position your practice for the next decade. Advisory services are not just an add-on — they’re the future of accounting.</p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Next Steps</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>📽️ Watch the full video playbook here: <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlQEwnWOdKQ\">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlQEwnWOdKQ</a>.<br>🌐 Explore how Modeliks can help you launch advisory services in under an hour -> <strong><a href=\"https://www.modeliks.com/solutions/accountants\">HERE</a></strong>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>📩 Or <a href=\"https://www.modeliks.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">reach out to</a><a href=\"https://www.modeliks.com/\"> </a><a href=\"https://www.modeliks.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">us directly</a> to explore how Modeliks can be tailored for your firm.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Enjoy <a href=\"https://modeliks.com/\">Modeliks</a>! We know we are!</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Author: <br><a href=\"https://www.modeliks.com/about-us\">Modeliks Team</a></p>\n","slug":"high-margin-advisory-services-accountants","date":"2025-09-02T08:30:06","categories":{"nodes":[{"id":"dGVybToxMQ==","name":"Business Plans"},{"id":"dGVybToxNA==","name":"Financial Forecast"},{"id":"dGVybTozNQ==","name":"News"},{"id":"dGVybTozNA==","name":"Partners"},{"id":"dGVybToxMg==","name":"Pitch Decks"},{"id":"dGVybToxMw==","name":"Reports & Dashboards"}]},"mainCategory":{"mainCategory":["financial-forecast"],"videoHeader":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlQEwnWOdKQ"},"tags":{"nodes":[{"name":"accounting advisory services growth"},{"name":"budgeting and forecasting"},{"name":"business planning"},{"name":"consulting firm profitability strategies"},{"name":"Financial analysis"},{"name":"financial forecasting"},{"name":"financial modeling"},{"name":"financial planning"},{"name":"financial planning for professional services firms"},{"name":"financial reporting"}]},"featuredImage":{"node":{"id":"cG9zdDoxMTU0Mg==","sourceUrl":"/images/cms/Screenshot-2025-09-02-at-10.27.59.png","altText":"How to offer Advisory Services at High Margin?"}},"seo":{"metaDesc":"Learn how accounting firms can add high-margin advisory services without extra headcount. Discover how Modeliks helps accountants deliver financial planning, reporting, and dashboards that clients will pay more for."},"modified":"2025-09-02T08:30:10","related":null},{"id":"cG9zdDoxMTQ4Mw==","title":"How to Manage & Grow Your Professional Services Business: A Strategic Playbook","content":"\n<p>Running a professional services business is demanding. Whether you’re a <strong>founder, consultant, accountant, or finance leader</strong>, the challenges are similar:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Managing multiple clients</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tracking projects and timesheets</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensuring profitability while scaling</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moving beyond basic bookkeeping into strategic financial insights</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The truth? Many services firms outgrow spreadsheets faster than they realize. A project-based business requires a planning and reporting framework that adapts as you grow &#8211; not one that breaks every time a new client, project, or team member comes onboard.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>That’s where having a structured <strong>financial planning and reporting system</strong> becomes a game-changer.</p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is This Playbook For?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This strategic framework is designed for:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Founders &amp; Owners of Service Firms</strong> — who need clarity on profitability and growth drivers.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Consultants</strong> — who want to optimize billable hours and scale without burning out.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Accountants &amp; Accounting Firm Owners</strong> — who want to expand beyond bookkeeping and offer high-value advisory services like forecasting, management reporting, and fractional CFO solutions.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Finance Leaders (CFOs, Finance Managers, Controllers)</strong> — who require accurate reporting, scenario planning, and board-ready insights without wasting hours in spreadsheets.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you run a <strong>project-based business, use timesheets, or manage multiple clients</strong>, this playbook is for you.</p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Grow Profitability in Professional Services</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Professional services firms often face profitability challenges because margins are tied to <strong>capacity, efficiency, and client mix</strong>. Here’s where the right planning approach makes a difference:</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Plan by Project (Not Just Company-Level)</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Each project has its own revenue, costs, and resources. Without project-level visibility, it’s impossible to know which work is actually profitable.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Track Actuals vs. Plan</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It’s not enough to create a yearly budget. Monthly actuals vs. plan reporting helps you quickly see where projects are off track and adjust before problems snowball.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Build Scenarios</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>What happens if a big client leaves? Or if you add two more consultants next quarter? Scenario planning gives you the confidence to make tough decisions with numbers to back them up.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Monitor Utilization &amp; Capacity</h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Employee utilization is the heartbeat of a services firm. By linking financial forecasts to <strong>billable hours, staffing, and client demand</strong>, you can identify bottlenecks and prevent costly underutilization.</p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Modeliks Helps</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At Modeliks, we’ve built a platform that turns these best practices into a structured, repeatable process.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>With <strong>Modeliks</strong>, you can:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Plan by Project, Department, or Client</strong><br>Build forecasts by any dimension of your business — project, geography, store, or team.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Automate Actual vs. Plan Reporting</strong><br>Sync with QuickBooks or upload trial balances from Excel. No more rebuilding reports every month.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Get Dashboards &amp; KPIs That Matter</strong><br>Variance analysis, profitability by client/project, utilization, and other insights are ready in minutes.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Run What-If Scenarios</strong><br>Test different client acquisition strategies, pricing models, or staffing plans.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scale Without Adding Headcount</strong><br>Accountants and consultants can serve more clients in less time, while founders and finance leaders gain clarity without extra hires.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why This Matters Now</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most firms wait until they have 100+ employees to rethink planning. But the truth is, <strong>dimensional planning and reporting matters at 20 employees, as much as at 200.</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>The earlier you set up a scalable framework, the faster you can:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Increase profitability per client</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Retain clients longer by delivering insight, not just compliance</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attract investors, lenders, or partners with investor-ready plans</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Free up time to focus on strategic growth instead of fixing spreadsheets</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Takeaway</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Growing a professional services business isn’t just about winning more clients — it’s about <strong>building a system that lets you manage projects, measure performance, and grow profitably.</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p>That’s what this playbook is about — and why we built <strong>Modeliks</strong>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>👉 If you want to see how Modeliks can help you manage and grow your services firm, <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E87pBDPZzPc&amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com\">watch the full video walkthrough here</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>📩 Or <a href=\"https://www.modeliks.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">reach out to us directly</a> to explore how Modeliks can be tailored for your firm.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Enjoy <a href=\"https://modeliks.com/\">Modeliks</a>! We know we are!</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Author: <br><a href=\"https://www.modeliks.com/about-us\">Modeliks Team</a></p>\n","slug":"financial-planning-for-professional-services","date":"2025-09-01T11:47:08","categories":{"nodes":[{"id":"dGVybToxMQ==","name":"Business Plans"},{"id":"dGVybToxNA==","name":"Financial Forecast"},{"id":"dGVybTozNQ==","name":"News"},{"id":"dGVybTozNA==","name":"Partners"},{"id":"dGVybToxMg==","name":"Pitch Decks"},{"id":"dGVybToxMw==","name":"Reports & Dashboards"}]},"mainCategory":{"mainCategory":["financial-forecast"],"videoHeader":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E87pBDPZzPc"},"tags":{"nodes":[{"name":"accounting advisory services growth"},{"name":"budgeting and forecasting"},{"name":"business planning"},{"name":"consulting firm profitability strategies"},{"name":"Financial analysis"},{"name":"financial forecasting"},{"name":"financial modeling"},{"name":"financial planning"},{"name":"financial planning for professional services firms"},{"name":"financial reporting"}]},"featuredImage":{"node":{"id":"cG9zdDoxMTQ4NA==","sourceUrl":"/images/cms/Screenshot-2025-09-01-at-13.39.02.png","altText":"Financial planning for professional services"}},"seo":{"metaDesc":"Discover how to manage and grow your professional services firm with project-based financial planning, reporting, and forecasting strategies."},"modified":"2025-09-01T11:47:11","related":null}]}2:["$","$L8",null,{"post":"$9"}]
7:[["$","meta","0",{"name":"viewport","content":"width=device-width, initial-scale=1"}],["$","meta","1",{"charSet":"utf-8"}],["$","title","2",{"children":"Modeliks | What Is Driver-Based Planning and Why Is It Important?"}],["$","meta","3",{"name":"description","content":"Discover the benefits of driver-based planning for precise financial forecasting and strategic management. Explore key methods with Modeliks."}],["$","link","4",{"rel":"canonical","href":"https://www.modeliks.com/resources/financial-forecast/driver-based-planning"}],["$","meta","5",{"property":"og:title","content":"Modeliks | What Is Driver-Based Planning and Why Is It Important?"}],["$","meta","6",{"property":"og:description","content":"Discover the benefits of driver-based planning for precise financial forecasting and strategic management. Explore key methods with Modeliks."}],["$","meta","7",{"property":"og:url","content":"https://www.modeliks.com/resources/financial-forecast/driver-based-planning"}],["$","meta","8",{"property":"og:site_name","content":"Modeliks"}],["$","meta","9",{"property":"og:locale","content":"en_US"}],["$","meta","10",{"property":"og:type","content":"article"}],["$","meta","11",{"name":"twitter:card","content":"summary"}],["$","meta","12",{"name":"twitter:title","content":"Modeliks | What Is Driver-Based Planning and Why Is It Important?"}],["$","meta","13",{"name":"twitter:description","content":"Discover the benefits of driver-based planning for precise financial forecasting and strategic management. Explore key methods with Modeliks."}],["$","link","14",{"rel":"icon","href":"/favicon.ico","type":"image/x-icon","sizes":"16x16"}]]
1:null