Median uses the low end of each brand's reviewed Item 7 total in its latest FDD — the cheapest disclosed scenario, not a typical cost. Not a ranking or recommendation.
Accounting brands (7)
DecimalItem 7: $60,050 – $1,134,550 · 2026 FDDNo Item 19 figures on file · 4 outlets
Focus CFO GroupItem 7: $10,500 – $223,050 · 2026 FDDNo Item 19 figures on file · 65 outlets
Journey Payroll & HRItem 7: $38,575 – $82,375 · 2025 FDDNo Item 19 figures on file · 11 outlets
Ledgers Area RepresentativeItem 7: $155,250 · 2026 FDDNo Item 19 figures on file · 3 outlets
MN Filing 36383-202604-01Item 7: $48,200 – $89,700 · 2026 FDDItem 19 figures · 16 outlets- PBPadgett Business ServicesItem 7: $8,700 – $117,295 · 2026 FDDItem 19 figures · 164 outlets
Payroll Vault Franchising, LLCItem 7: $77,000 – $140,010 · 2026 FDDNo Item 19 figures on file
Accounting franchise benchmarks
- How much does it cost to open a accounting franchise?
- Across 7 published accounting brands with a reviewed Item 7 total, the median low end of the estimated initial investment is $48,200, and low ends run from $8,700 to $155,250 (FDDs from 2025 to 2026). The low end is each franchisor's cheapest disclosed scenario, not a typical cost; the median is a Franopolis calculation.
- Which accounting franchises have the lowest disclosed startup cost?
- By the low end of the reviewed Item 7 estimate: Padgett Business Services ($8,700–$117,295, 2026 FDD); Focus CFO Group ($10,500–$223,050, 2026 FDD); Journey Payroll & HR ($38,575–$82,375, 2025 FDD). This orders disclosed estimates only; it is not a ranking or recommendation.
- How many accounting franchisors disclose financial performance (Item 19)?
- 2 of 7 published accounting brands (29%) have reviewed Item 19 financial performance figures on file. A brand without them on Franopolis may still disclose them in an FDD we have not reviewed.
- Which accounting franchises have the most locations?
- By total outlets in reviewed Item 20 tables: Padgett Business Services (164); Focus CFO Group (65); MN Filing 36383-202604-01 (16). Outlet counts do not indicate territory availability or franchisee results.
Calculated by Franopolis from published brands' reviewed figures. Not a ranking or recommendation.