Ordinarily, Howard will charge clients fees for time incurred at hourly rates that are somewhat lower than typical partner rates charged by audit firms (because they have considerably higher administrative and other overhead costs). This differential leaves room for CPA firms if desired, to add a profit margin, when passing our charges through to their clients.
However, our flexibility enables us alternatively to make special arrangements involving advance retainers payable annually or quarterly for clients who wish to contract for a minimum number of consulting hours per period at rates that are somewhat discounted from normal rates. Any additional, unplanned hours incurred under such arrangements will be charged following the end of each annual or quarterly period at the same discounted rates if the retainer arrangement is renewed or at normal rates if not.
