If that’s the case, you have to wait for the client to initiate this step—or nudge them to do so. Countingup’s free accounting software has been built specifically to help practices manage self-employed and sole trader clients. While your clients get an excellent value business current account with in-built accounting software, you can save your practice time on manual admin.

• Then, move on to other fundamental questions that help you understand the essential elements of their business structure.
• When starting work for a new client, it is critical to have all the necessary documents, reports, and information from the customer at hand.
• Moreover, consider using shared interaction spaces like cloud-based collaboration tools.
• Effective delivery involves implementing the tasks identified in the project plan, keeping your clients updated on the progress, and delivering on time.

The client will probably tell you about their business checking and savings accounts, and maybe a few credit card accounts. More likely than not, they also have a PayPal account, bank loans, equipment leases, and other accounts that will need to be reconciled. You’ll need to have a handle on their accounts payable and receivable, so you can work with their account and bank statements to ultimately help their small business flourish. Payroll challenges and mistakes are a common problem for businesses so your bookkeeper checklist for new clients must help you understand their payroll needs. One common problem with both lead nurturing and on-boarding is that there’s too much talking and not enough listening. With the right questions, it’s possible to collect the information you need to close the deal with prospective clients and demonstrate your value to new clients.

Respond promptly to correspondence and questions

For instance, you’ll want to set out an agreement between the CPA and client on when reviews will be performed. Take a look at the apps and tools the business uses now, and ask your client how comfortable they are with each one. Use your knowledge of their business goals to demonstrate your expertise and advise them on how they can work more efficiently.

In conclusion, a well-crafted checklist for onboarding new accounting clients is a valuable tool for accounting firms. It not only ensures a smooth transition for new clients but also enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of your services, leading to higher client retention and satisfaction. As the world of accounting continues to evolve, harnessing the power of AI and automation will undoubtedly be a game-changer in providing superior client service.

First Steps for Accounting Client Onboarding

But you forgot to ask them a bunch of questions at the initial meeting and now you have to call them again, which isn’t a great way to start off the working relationship. Let us show you how you could save your clients thousands of dollars and make tax planning easier than ever with Corvee. In addition to their financial statements, you can help them keep track of their capital asset activity, vehicle log, and other important documents for reporting sales tax. Also, make them aware of certain deductions they might qualify for, such as mortgage interest and home office expenses.

Bookkeeping Client Onboarding Checklist (Free Template)

If they have yet to send you some documentation that you really need, then don’t hesitate to chase them up on this, and be clear that you can’t begin working on their finances before you have it. Don’t start the work until you have this signed and approved, as the client will not be legally bound to pay for the hours you worked. Gathering information, assigning work to other employees and departments, and keeping track of deadlines through 5 steps to filing partnership taxes this software is a breeze. Clear & organized – This allows the checklist to be efficiently utilized by all staff members during the engagement and lets everyone know what is completed and what’s not. See how Corvee allows your firm to break free of the tax prep cycle and begin making the profits you deserve. This will also show that you care about their happiness and satisfaction and that you intend to deliver top-notch service.

If you want to grow your practice with happy and profitable clients, a smooth client onboarding process is a must. Here are the steps and activities you should be completing when going through the onboarding process with a new client. You can create a checklist and make sure you’ve covered each area once you’ve brought on a new account. Have communications plans for a new client checklist for bookkeepers to enable you to deliver with fewer challenges.

This onboarding process begins the moment a new client signals that they’re ready to move forward with your services. To ensure this goes smoothly, a new client checklist can be used for each new arrival. Below, we’ve put together a CPA firm new client checklist so you can start your client relationships out on the right foot. Initiating a positive, professional relationship from the start is essential when onboarding a new client. Begin by sending a warm, personalized welcome email to your new accounting client, expressing your enthusiasm about the new partnership. The welcome email should also include some essential basic information and documentation about your firm, such as its history, team members, services offered, and success stories.

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To prevent delays, have a process for following up with clients who haven’t provided all the information needed. Begin by instilling confidence in your clients through a meeting that sets out their expectations regarding your services. A well-written CPA-Client letter of engagement can accomplish this by outlining who’ll be responsible for what.

Business owners always think and worry about the future, and it’s your job as their accountant to help them manage their finances to reach their goals. Proactively dealing with your clients’ accounts shows them that you work hard to make their lives easier. Rightly or wrongly, you’re not only being compared to other accountants but top companies such as Apple, who have created amazing customer service experiences. Getting to know your client will ensure you start creating value quickly and build a strong relationship with purpose. This will reduce client churn, which occurs when the client’s expectations aren’t met.

A shorter onboarding time will make your accounting firm more successful over the long term. Each additional day that clients sit in the onboarding phase waiting to give you the right documents is time wasted. The goal should be to speed up this process to make it as efficient as possible. Know of any other accounting or bookkeeping client questions that can help firms show their value to prospective clients?

A good client onboarding checklist determines whether a customer will remain faithful to using your products. Use whatever resources you can to eliminate lag time, make it easier to send and receive documents, and organize the client’s entire profile in one place. For this reason, many accountants are now using accounting practice software such as Corvee Client Collaboration to implement a smoother onboarding process and get more accounting clients.