By Sergei Mochtchenkov, CFA
What drives scope
Scope drives the fee: the number of entities, periods, quality of the records and required analyses all affect the work. A clean ledger for one entity is a different assignment from cash-basis records requiring accrual conversion across several entities. Define whether proof of cash, working capital, debt-like items and closing support are included before comparing proposals.
Fixed fee versus hourly
A fixed fee is useful only when the scope is clear. Ask the proposal to specify source data, deliverables, timetable, review process and the treatment of added entities or incomplete records. This site provides an exact fixed fee in the proposal rather than a published price list; no calculator or general guide can establish the fee for a particular business.
Sell-side and buy-side differences
Sell-side work emphasizes presenting supported adjustments and resolving data gaps before buyer scrutiny. Buy-side work tests the seller's earnings case and translates exceptions into pricing and terms questions. Neither label determines the fee on its own: the depth of analysis and readiness of the source records matter more than which side commissioned the work.
What to ask before engaging
Ask who will perform the analysis, what evidence backs each adjustment and how questions will be handled after delivery. Confirm any buyer or lender requirements in advance. At 360 Quality of Earnings, the stated approach is senior CFA-led work with no junior handoff and 30 days of buyer and lender Q&A support; acceptance by a third party is not guaranteed.