Consult, Don't Calculate

From job to customer invoice

An invoice workflow for consultants

A consulting engagement combines advisory days with a workshop and a report. A clear period and purchase-order reference help the client's approver distinguish this invoice from the wider engagement.

1. 1

   Use the contracted billing unit

   Start with the consultant template and set the quantity and unit to the agreed hours, days or fixed deliverable. An example day rate is illustrative, not a suggested professional fee.

2. 2

   Reconcile work before billing

   Review tracked time and expenses against the engagement. Keep billable expenses separate from the advisory fee and avoid including confidential recommendations in invoice notes.

3. 3

   Help finance approve it

   Add the PO, service period and a concise deliverable reference. Preview the invoice and use your saved service lines next month, checking scope and quantities again.

Preselected, never automatically applied. Enter your own prices and review the client, dates and tax settings.

Before you invoice: Do not put confidential client findings in a document that may be forwarded to a finance team. Check whether travel is included in the agreed fee.