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Billing Models Overview

This guide explains the two billing models available in the Accountant Portal and helps you select the right model for each client relationship.

Two Billing Models​

The Accountant Portal supports two distinct billing models. You can use both models within your practice, mixing them across clients and branches based on your needs.

Bill Us Model​

Your accounting firm pays for client subscriptions.

How it works:

  • Your firm owns and controls the client account
  • You pay all subscription fees through your branch payment method
  • Client cannot disconnect the accountant relationship
  • You control all billing and plan changes

Best for:

  • Managed service arrangements
  • Full-service bookkeeping clients
  • White-label services
  • Clients who want all-inclusive pricing

Client Pays Model​

The client pays their own subscription directly to Fiskl.

How it works:

  • Client owns and controls their account
  • Client pays Fiskl directly for their subscription
  • Either party can disconnect the relationship
  • Client manages their own billing and plan

Best for:

  • Advisory relationships
  • Consulting engagements
  • Clients who prefer to pay directly
  • Referral program participants (earns commission)

Key Differences​

FeatureBill Us ModelClient Pays Model
Account ownershipYour firmClient
Subscription paymentYour firm paysClient pays
Relationship controlFirm controls, client cannot disconnectEither party can disconnect
Setup processAdd payment method, create accountSend invite link, client creates account
BillingMonthly invoice per branchClient billed directly
Referral commissionNot eligibleEligible for commission
Best use caseManaged servicesAdvisory services

Mixed Billing Within Your Practice​

You can use both billing models within the same organization and even within the same branch.

Example practice:

  • London Branch (GBP):
    • 15 clients on Bill Us (full-service bookkeeping)
    • 8 clients on Client Pays (advisory only)
  • Paris Branch (EUR):
    • 10 clients on Bill Us
    • 12 clients on Client Pays

This flexibility lets you match billing to the service level each client needs.

Financial Considerations​

Bill Us Model Costs​

Your monthly invoice includes:

  • All client subscription fees on Bill Us model
  • Prorated charges for mid-month additions
  • Prorated credits for mid-month removals or downgrades
  • One invoice per branch per month

Payment requirements:

  • Valid payment method required before adding clients
  • Payment method currency must match branch currency
  • Automatic monthly billing via Stripe
  • Past due accounts may have service interruptions

Client Pays Model Costs​

Your costs:

  • None - client pays Fiskl directly
  • No payment method required from your firm
  • No monthly invoices for these clients

Your revenue:

  • Eligible for referral commission (if enrolled in partner program)
  • Commission based on client subscription value
  • Monthly referral payments

Selecting the Right Model​

Consider these factors when selecting a billing model:

Select Bill Us when:

  • You offer full-service bookkeeping
  • Clients want all-inclusive pricing
  • You want complete control over the account
  • You provide white-label services
  • Client relationship is long-term and stable

Select Client Pays when:

  • You offer advisory or consulting services
  • Client prefers to manage their own subscription
  • You want to earn referral commission
  • Relationship is project-based or short-term
  • Client needs flexibility to disconnect

You can also:

  • Start with Client Pays and switch to Bill Us later
  • Offer different models to different clients
  • Let client preference guide the decision

Setup Requirements​

Bill Us Setup Requirements​

Before adding Bill Us clients:

  • Branch created with appropriate currency
  • Valid payment method added to branch
  • Payment method currency matches branch currency
  • Payment method verified by Stripe

Client Pays Setup Requirements​

No advance setup required:

  • Generate invitation link from portal
  • Send link to prospective client
  • Client completes their own setup
  • Accept invitation when client sends it

Optional:

  • Enroll in partner program for referral commission
  • Create custom referral links for tracking

What's Next​

Learn more about each billing model:

Implement Bill Us: Bill Us Model

Implement Client Pays: Client Pays Model

Switch models: Switching Billing Models

Earn commissions: Partner Program

Available Guides​