Future-focused accounting: Funding as a service

Small businesses today seek more than traditional bookkeeping and tax preparation; they need proactive financial guidance to plan their future. Economic uncertainties, including rising costs, supply chain issues, and cash-flow problems, can affect even the strongest businesses. This volatility drives demand for accountants who offer strategic financial advice, enabling smarter decision-making.

Forward-looking accountants are stepping into broader advisory roles, going beyond compliance to deliver deeper value. This includes staying informed about the latest technology and financial solutions available on the market, from automation tools to funding platforms, and guiding clients toward the right ones. Business owners increasingly expect their accountants to understand and recommend the tools that can help them grow, manage cash flow, and navigate complex challenges.

Why funding advisory belongs on the accountant’s desk

It’s no secret that many small business owners trust their accountants more than their banks.

And it’s easy to see why: accountants understand the inner workings of their clients’ businesses. They know the cash flow patterns, revenue streams, and growth potential, making them an important asset on all financial matters, especially when funding is needed.

Funding needs don’t always come with a warning; the most urgent of needs typically arise unexpectedly. From a new equipment purchase, a slow revenue month, or an urgent growth opportunity, these moments don’t wait for an annual tax review. They happen in real time, and when they do, clients look for fast, reliable solutions.

This is where accountants can offer far more than just compliance. With their unique view of a client’s financial health, they are positioned to recommend the best funding options when it matters most. This smart shift from traditional accounting to full financial advisory makes accountants truly indispensable.

Introducing “funding as a service” for your clients

Adding funding support doesn’t require a major shift in your business model, In fact, with the right technology, it’s easier than ever. Funding as a service is generally a natural extension of the work you already do. It simply means supporting your clients through three key stages:

1. Identifying the funding need
2. Onboarding your clients with Swoop – a quick, seamless process that takes just a few minutes
3. Advising on the most suitable funding options – whether you want to stay hands-on or simply point clients in the right direction

With the Swoop platform, much of the heavy lifting, from eligibility checks to sourcing funding offers, is automated and streamlined. That means you can offer valuable advice without extra admin or complexity.

Every client is different, and so are their funding needs. Some may be focused on fast growth and need investor capital, while others just need a short-term working capital boost. The good news? These conversations often come up naturally during regular client check-ins, and with the right tech and process, you’ll be ready to guide them with confidence.

Case study: How Orbit Accountants uses Swoop to power better client outcomes

San Francisco-based Orbit Accountants have been using Swoop’s smart tools to make funding easier and faster for their clients. Orbit have leveraged the Swoop platform to match their clients’ with the right funding and savings solutions to help them protect the financial health of their businesses.

Swoop’s platform makes the process of exploring and accessing funding as simple as can be. With just a few details on the business, Swoop’s technology produces matches aligned to the businesses needs. Leveraging the Swoop platform, Orbit are able to identify the funding products our clients might qualify for, without hurting their credit score, all in a few clicks.

Real-world scenario: The Orbit x Swoop partnership in action: One of Orbit’s clients was preparing to launch a new location – an exciting but cash-intensive move. During the early ramp-up phase, the client faced significant upfront costs: inventory, staffing, and fit-out expenses, all before the revenue started to flow. Swoop was able to help them secure flexible working capital financing that bridged this gap. This timely funding gave them the breathing room they needed to focus on growing the new store without cash flow stress holding them back.

Using platforms like Swoop helps Orbit Accountants go beyond just bookkeeping and accounting, it turns Orbit into a true advisory firm, guiding clients toward smarter choices.

Benefits to the accountant-client relationship

Offering funding advice doesn’t just help the client with a key challenge in their business – it strengthens the accountant–client relationship. When clients know you are looking out for their future, they stay loyal, refer others, and view you as an integral part of their success.

This service also presents the firm with a revenue opportunity. Firms can charge for advisory sessions, application support, or even take a success-based fee when funding is approved. It’s a smart way to diversify income beyond tax filings or compliance.

For Orbit Accountants, funding advisory is a key part of what sets us apart. In this ever evolving market, offering useful and timely support keeps us ahead of the curve. While others are still booking journal entries and filing tax returns, we’re helping our clients grow!

Making the shift: How other firms can start offering funding advisory

If you’re an accountant thinking about adding funding support to your firm? It’s easier than you might think. Start by choosing a partner with the smart technology and expert support, like Swoop.

Next, train your team to spot these signals:

These are signs a funding conversation could help.

Make sure your process is clear. Document each step, from identifying a need to final funding decisions. Stay within ethical limits and always make transparent suggestions. If your firm offers bookkeeping and tax compliance services in Canada and the US, adding funding advice is a natural next step.

Final thoughts: Accounting + funding: A smarter financial future

What once felt like a small “nice-to-have” has become essential. Businesses today need fast, smart, and trusted financial guidance – and they increasingly look to their accountants to deliver it. The good news? Through partnerships with Swoop, accountants can take on this role as hands-on or hands-off as they like.

As small businesses face more challenges, forward-thinking firms are stepping in to help clients access capital and make strategic use of it. Platforms like Swoop make this easier – and firms like Orbit are already proving what’s possible.

Bookkeeping, accounting, tax filings, and now funding are no longer standalone services. Together, they create a smarter, stronger financial future for every client!