Is an electronic signature valid?

Yes. Electronic signatures are legally valid in interstate commerce under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and in most states under UETA. Ensure the record shows intent to sign, consent to transact electronically, signer attribution, and retention capability.

When is notarization required?

Notarization is usually optional for fee agreements unless state law or a recording requirement applies. Use notarization when the agreement will be recorded or when a third party demands notarized acknowledgment.

What happens if the signer name is incorrect?

A mismatched signer name can create enforceability issues or tax-reporting complications. Correct errors before execution or have the correct party re-execute the agreement to avoid disputes.

Do consumer-facing disclosures apply?

Yes. For consumer-facing financial arrangements, provide an ESIGN consumer disclosure explaining the right to receive paper, how to withdraw consent, and how to access electronic records, per 15 U.S.C. §7001(c).

How should I store signed copies?

Store signed records in secure, access-controlled systems with tamper-evident storage and the ability to reproduce the record. Retain audit trails showing timestamps, IP addresses, and signer authentication events.

Can I amend the agreement after signing?

Yes, but amendments should be in writing and executed by authorized signers using the same formality as the original agreement. Track versions and retain both original and amendment records.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Finance
Finance Management Fee Agreement

Finance Management Fee Agreement

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

FINANCE MANAGEMENT FEE AGREEMENT

This Finance Management Fee Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of (the "Effective Date"), by and between:

Manager

Manager Name Manager Address Manager Contact

Entity Type: Individual Corporation LLC Trust Other

Client

Client Name Client Address Client Contact

Entity Type: Individual Corporation LLC Trust Other

Recitals and Scope

Manager will provide financial management services to Client, including but not limited to portfolio management, investment advisory, reporting and related administrative services (the "Services"). Manager shall manage assets placed under its discretionary authority, subject to the terms and limitations set forth in this Agreement.

Fees and Calculation

Management Fee Rate: Manager shall be entitled to a management fee equal to per annum, calculated on the basis described below.

Calculation Basis

Billing Period: Fees will be calculated and invoiced in arrears, based on the average daily value of Assets Under Management during the billing period. In the event of deposits or withdrawals within a billing period, fees will be prorated.

Minimum Annual Fee (if any)

Performance Fee (optional) Performance fee applies

If a performance fee applies, the rate shall be and shall be calculated in accordance with the performance calculation methodology set forth below.

Performance Calculation Methodology

Invoicing and Payment

Manager shall deliver an invoice to Client following each billing period. Payment shall be due within days of invoice receipt. Accepted payment methods include wire transfer, ACH, or such other methods agreed in writing by the parties.

Payment Instructions / Bank Details

Late Payment: Overdue amounts shall accrue interest at an annual rate of or the maximum permitted by law, whichever is lower, until paid in full.

Reimbursable Expenses

Authorized Expenses

Manager shall be entitled to reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the performance of Services, provided that Manager obtains prior written consent from Client for expenses in excess of the amount specified in writing by the parties.

Reporting and Records

Manager will provide Client with account statements and performance reports no less frequently than . Client shall have the right to inspect records relating to the Services during normal business hours upon reasonable prior notice.

Representations, Warranties and Covenants

Each party represents and warrants that it has the full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. Client warrants that it has provided all material information necessary for the Manager to perform the Services and will promptly notify Manager of any material changes to such information.

Confidentiality

Each party shall maintain the confidentiality of non-public information received from the other party in connection with this Agreement and shall not disclose such information except as required by law or with the prior written consent of the disclosing party. This confidentiality obligation shall survive termination of this Agreement for a period of three (3) years.

Indemnification and Limitation of Liability

Client shall indemnify and hold harmless Manager, its affiliates and their respective officers, directors and employees from and against any losses, liabilities, damages, claims or expenses arising out of Client's breach of this Agreement, willful misconduct or negligence. Manager's liability to Client for any claim arising under this Agreement shall be limited to direct damages and shall not include consequential, punitive or exemplary damages, except in the case of Manager's gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Term, Termination and Survival

This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and continue for an initial term of months, thereafter renewing automatically for successive periods of equal length unless either party provides written notice of non-renewal at least days prior to the end of the then-current term. Either party may terminate this Agreement for cause upon written notice if the other party materially breaches this Agreement and fails to cure such breach within thirty (30) days following receipt of written notice.

Termination shall not affect accrued rights and obligations of the parties, including payment of fees and expense reimbursements owing for periods prior to termination. Sections concerning confidentiality, indemnification, limitation of liability, and governing law shall survive termination.

Notices

All notices and communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the addresses set forth below or such other address as either party may designate by notice in accordance with this section. Notices shall be deemed given when delivered personally, sent by certified mail, or sent by a nationally recognized courier.

Manager Notice Address Client Notice Address

Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of without regard to its conflict of laws principles. The parties agree to submit any dispute arising out of this Agreement to arbitration in the agreed jurisdiction if requested by either party, provided that either party may seek interim or injunctive relief in a court of competent jurisdiction.

Miscellaneous

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings. No amendment or modification shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by both parties. Neither party may assign its rights or delegate its duties under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party, except that Manager may assign this Agreement to an affiliate.

Additional Terms or Special Instructions

Manager:

By:

Date:

Client:

By:

Date:

What the Finance Management Fee Agreement Covers

A Finance Management Fee Agreement is a contractual document that defines the fee structure, scope of services, payment schedule, reporting obligations, and termination rights between a party that manages financial activities and the party that pays for those services. Typical uses include property management, investment advisory retainers, back-office bookkeeping, and outsourced finance operations. The agreement sets measurable deliverables, billing intervals, and dispute-resolution processes so both sides understand obligations and remedies. Properly executed, it becomes an enforceable contract under general contract law and applicable electronic-signature statutes.

Why a Clear Fee Agreement Matters

A well-drafted Finance Management Fee Agreement reduces disputes, clarifies deliverables and payment timing, and protects both parties by documenting accepted methods of billing, performance metrics, and remedies for breach.

Who Typically Uses This Agreement

The Finance Management Fee Agreement is commonly used by organizations and individuals who delegate recurring or project-based financial services and need a clear billing and performance framework.

Small business owners and founders who outsource bookkeeping or CFO services to third-party providers.
Property managers and real estate owners contracting ongoing rent collection and financial reporting services.
Investment advisors, family offices, or trustees engaging fee-based portfolio administration or reporting services.

Parties completing the agreement should ensure signatory authority, accurate payment details, and any required consumer-facing disclosures have been included before execution.

Key Signer Roles

Finance Manager

An authorized individual or entity providing services. This signer must have authority to bind the management company and accept fee schedules, performance metrics, and termination clauses on the company’s behalf.

Payor / Client

The individual or organization that agrees to pay management fees. The client must provide accurate billing details, identify authorized payer accounts, and confirm acceptance of the governing law and payment methods.

Essential Data Fields to Include

Legal Names: Full legal names

Tax ID: EIN or SSN

Bank Details: Routing and account

Fee Amount: Fixed or formula

Payment Cycle: Monthly/Quarterly/Annually

Governing Law: Chosen state

Primary Risks and Consequences

Late Payment: Interest, collection costs

Breach: Contract damages, injunctions

Tax Exposure: Incorrect reporting risk

Unenforceable Terms: Ambiguous fee formulas

Improper Signatory: Voidable or void agreement

Missing Disclosures: Consumer consent issues

Common Preparation Errors to Avoid

Using vague language for fees (for example, 'reasonable fee') instead of a clear dollar amount or explicit formula tied to measurable metrics.
Failing to identify the authorized signer or to confirm corporate authority, which can render the agreement unenforceable in dispute.
Omitting payment method details (ACH routing or invoicing instructions), resulting in delayed payments and collection disputes.
Not including a termination process or notice period, which complicates wind-down and final accounting at contract end.

Step-by-step: Completing the Agreement

Follow these practical steps to prepare and execute a Finance Management Fee Agreement accurately and efficiently.

01

Gather Information: Collect legal names, tax IDs, and bank details for all parties.
02

Define Fees: Specify fixed amounts or clear formulas for fee calculation.
03

Set Terms: Include billing cycle, reporting cadence, and notice periods.
04

Execute: Obtain authorized signatures and retain a final copy with audit details.

How to Configure an Online Signing Workflow

Set up a clear digital workflow to ensure correct signing order, authentication, and reuse of the template for recurring agreements.

Field	Configuration
Signature Order	Sequential or parallel signer order
Authentication	Email, SMS code, or KBA
Conditional Fields	Show fields based on responses
Template Save	Save for recurring use

Typical Digital Execution Flow

A standard e-signing workflow reduces processing time and records an auditable trail of every action through the signing lifecycle.

Upload Document: Import PDF or DOCX and confirm layout.
Place Fields: Add signature, date, and data fields where needed.
Send to Signer: Dispatch by email or share a secure signing link.
Complete & Archive: Signed copy and audit trail are saved for records.

Technical and Format Considerations

Ensure the chosen e-signature platform supports required formats, authentication options, and integration endpoints before sending the agreement.

File Formats: PDF and DOCX commonly supported
Integrations: Connectors for CRM, ERP, cloud storage
Authentication: Email, SMS, or multi-factor options

Key Dates and Timing to Track

Track initial payment dates, recurring billing milestones, and notice periods to avoid missed payments or unintended renewals.

Initial Payment Due:

Due on Effective Date or as specified

Recurring Billing:

Monthly or quarterly on stated due date

Renewal Notice:

Provide 30–60 days notice before renewal

Final Accounting:

Deliver final report within 30 days of termination

Tax Reporting:

Retain records to meet IRS retention rules

Typical Processing Milestones

Use this sequencing to manage preparation, execution, and post-execution obligations for each agreement.

01

Draft Completion

Prepare and review complete agreement terms.

02

Approval Signatures

Obtain authorized signatures from both parties.

03

First Payment

Collect initial fee per payment terms.

04

Ongoing Reporting

Deliver periodic financial reports per schedule.

Real-world Examples

Below are two examples of how organizations structure Finance Management Fee Agreements to support recurring financial services.

Optica Ventures

Optica standardized fee terms to reduce billing disputes and centralize reporting.

Central templates reduced turnaround time.
Brian Fitzgibbons, COO, said: "The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers."

Martin Properties

Martin Properties used a recurring management-fee agreement for portfolio accounting and tenant reconciliations.

Automated invoicing improved cash flow.
Tim Martin, Founder, reported compliant mobile signing and efficient document retrieval across devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common practical and legal questions about preparing, executing, and preserving a Finance Management Fee Agreement.

Need help? Contact support

Is an electronic signature valid?
Yes. Electronic signatures are legally valid in interstate commerce under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and in most states under UETA. Ensure the record shows intent to sign, consent to transact electronically, signer attribution, and retention capability.
When is notarization required?
Notarization is usually optional for fee agreements unless state law or a recording requirement applies. Use notarization when the agreement will be recorded or when a third party demands notarized acknowledgment.
What happens if the signer name is incorrect?
A mismatched signer name can create enforceability issues or tax-reporting complications. Correct errors before execution or have the correct party re-execute the agreement to avoid disputes.
Do consumer-facing disclosures apply?
Yes. For consumer-facing financial arrangements, provide an ESIGN consumer disclosure explaining the right to receive paper, how to withdraw consent, and how to access electronic records, per 15 U.S.C. §7001(c).
How should I store signed copies?
Store signed records in secure, access-controlled systems with tamper-evident storage and the ability to reproduce the record. Retain audit trails showing timestamps, IP addresses, and signer authentication events.
Can I amend the agreement after signing?
Yes, but amendments should be in writing and executed by authorized signers using the same formality as the original agreement. Track versions and retain both original and amendment records.

eSignature Pricing and Feature Comparison

Compare typical starting prices and key feature availability for common e-signature vendors; signNow appears first in the comparison per vendor ordering rules.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

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