Engineering & Architecture Firms
In the world of A&E, your inventory isn't stored in a warehouse - it’s stored in the hours and expertise of your team. Managing a $1M–$25M firm requires more than just tax filings; it requires a deep understanding of project accounting, multiplier effects, and long-term succession planning.
At Topspin Finance, we help firm principals step back from the spreadsheets so they can get back to the design and strategy that built their reputation.
You’ve Got Questions. We Have the Data.
We don't just provide reports; we answer the burning questions that keep firm principals up at night:
"We are billing a lot, but we aren’t profitable. Why?" Revenue is a vanity metric. We dive into your Project Profitability to see if "scope creep" or inefficient drafting phases are eating your margins before the project is even halfway through.
"Why is my business short on cash?" In professional services, the gap between "Work in Progress" (WIP) and a cleared check can be months. We help you fix your billing cycle and manage your AR so your cash flow matches your output.
"How do I find time to work on the business when I’m so busy day-to-day?" Our Controller and Fractional CFO services act as your "Finance Department in a Box." We take the operational weight off your shoulders, giving you back 10–15 hours a month to focus on high-level business development.
"Do I have the right people doing the right jobs?" We analyze your Utilization Rates. If your senior principals are doing $50/hr administrative tasks, your firm is losing money. We help you optimize your team structure for maximum leverage.
"How do I grow my professional services business?" Growth in A&E requires a balance of hiring and business development. We build the financial models that tell you exactly when you can afford that next senior associate or a second location.
Planning for the Future: Partner Transitions
One of the most complex stages for an Engineering or Architecture firm is the change in leadership. We provide the neutral, data-backed roadmap for these transitions:
"How should we manage a new partner joining the firm?" We help structure buy-in agreements, valuation metrics, and compensation models that are fair to both the firm and the incoming partner.
"How can we finance the exit of a partner?" A partner's retirement shouldn't destabilize the firm’s capital. We assist in "Exit Readiness," stabilizing profits and preparing the financing structures needed for a smooth, professional buyout.
The Topspin Finance Solution
With decades of combined experience, our team of Fractional CFOs know the challenges you’re most likely to face in the professional industry. We work with you to develop tailored solutions to addresas your business’s unique requirements.
Some of the challenges our professional services clients face:
Managing Cash Flow
Implement best practices to manage time tracking, AR, AP are important to maintaining strong business operations.
Owner Transitions
Ownership structure will change over time. To ensure seamless transition with minimal disruption to operations, a detailed plan around finances and logistics is critical.
High Overhead Costs
When payroll is your biggest expense, financial planning becomes critical. Knowing how to manage your overhead expenses while remaining profitable will be key to long-term success.
Understanding Utilizations
When your top line is strong, but profits are lower than expected, it’s time to examine the company’s resource allocation, expenses, margin trends and the overall financial model.