Accounting client onboarding checklist
Onboarding checklist template
Check this template against your local regulations and your own policies before you use it.
- Employee
- Role
- Start date
- Buddy or manager
Client onboarding
From accepting the client to their first piece of work
| Done | Task | Due | Date | Initials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acceptance | ||||
| Check the firm has the skills and capacity for the work | Before acceptance | |||
| Check for conflicts of interest with existing clients | Before acceptance | |||
| Verify the identity of the client and its owners, and run your anti-money laundering checksFollow your AML and identification procedure, and record the risk rating. | Before acceptance | |||
| Engagement | ||||
| Agree the scope of work, deadlines and fees | Week 1 | |||
| Send the engagement letter and get it signed | Week 1 | |||
| Set up the client in the practice management system, with billing details | Week 1 | |||
| Write to the previous accountant for professional clearance and handoverAsk for prior-year returns, working papers and any outstanding issues. | Week 1 | |||
| Access and records | ||||
| Get access to the client’s accounting software and bank feeds | Week 2 | |||
| Get authority to act with the tax authority | Week 2 | |||
| Collect prior-year financial statements and tax returns | Week 2 | |||
| Set up the client’s folder and secure document sharing | Week 2 | |||
| Record key dates, such as year end and tax filing and payment deadlines | Week 2 | |||
| Kickoff | ||||
| Hold a kickoff meeting to introduce the team and agree how you’ll work | Week 3 | |||
| Send a list of the records you need, and when | Week 3 | |||
| Add the client’s recurring work and deadlines to the firm’s workflow | Week 3 | |||
| Check in after the first piece of work, and ask for feedback | Month 2 | |||
- Completed by
- Checked by (manager)
- Date
- Notes
