Contracts for new client

[oneplusone]

Hi Everyone,

There have been several mentions of contracts between book-keepers and their clients.
Can I ask is this a formal contract i.e. drafted and approved by a solictor or similar. Or is it just an document that the book-keeper writes laying out what they, and the client will do and when - then obviously signed.

Does anyone have any samples that I could use, or advice on what to include?

Many Thanks,
Glen

[jholden]

You need a letter of engagement, in its simplest form this is as you say a letter setting out the terms of the engagement.

You do not need a solicitor, contact the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, they have one, you may be able to buy a copy.

Hope that helps.

Jason

[beverleymoore]

Make sure that whatever you do use protects you as much as possible.
Eg. - worst case scenario situations - what 's the limit of what you promise; use a force majeure (act of god) clause - state that you have the right to sub-contract; what happens if the client doesn't give you the info on time for you to meet legal deadlines and there is a fine. Who is responsible for keeping original documents - you or the client (hopefully the client - but it needs to be clear)

Think of any problems you've had with clients and try to cover all eventualities. It's worth it

[oneplusone]

Thanks for this folks really helpful.

Does anyone have a template, or sample or "pinch"??

Glen

[elainec100@cheapaccounting]

There are some on the ICAEW site but I don;t know if I can see them through my log on. This is the link anyway:

http://www.icaew.com/index.cfm?route=141191

[oneplusone]

Thanks Elaine, the link was most useful - they have hundreds of interesting documents on there, but unfortunately I couldn't find the sort of one I was after.

Excellent reference area though.

Glen

[amanda1111]

Does a bookkeeper have to be registered with an Institute before they can purchase a Letter Of Engagement from them to use for their clients? I would have thought they would have to be a member as this is a legal document which is backed by the Institute

[elainec100@cheapaccounting]

If you can download it then use it!

This one has an example letter in it (page 10 onwards but ignore the first part as it relates to audits etc):

http://www.icaew.com/index.cfm?route=141192

[oneplusone]

Thanks for the link Elaine, but I can't get past the front page - keep getting the following message
"
Thank you for trying to access this content. Please note this page may be restricted or it may no longer be available on our website."

Looks like I'll have to search a little harder and further afield - but thanks all the same.

Glen

[elainec100@cheapaccounting]

oh sorry - it must be restricted to icaew members.

[DFL]

Make sure that whatever you do use protects you as much as possible.
Eg. - worst case scenario situations - what 's the limit of what you promise; use a force majeure (act of god) clause - state that you have the right to sub-contract; what happens if the client doesn't give you the info on time for you to meet legal deadlines and there is a fine. Who is responsible for keeping original documents - you or the client (hopefully the client - but it needs to be clear)

Think of any problems you've had with clients and try to cover all eventualities. It's worth it

Sound advice.

[Fernhurst Solutions Ltd]

Hiya

Sorry to drag this thread back up ..... did anybody ever find an agreement, or would anybody be willing to share their's so I can compare it to mine and see of I need to start again??

Thanks in advance :)

[Jenni384]

There is a comprehensive letter of engagement on the AAT (http://www.aat.org.uk/)website which is available to all, I believe. Type Letter of Engagement in the search bar and the results come straight up.

[Donna M]

Just beat me to it Jenni:D

[Fernhurst Solutions Ltd]

You really are a star Jenni :D ...... and thanks as well Donna