It could be finding the 10-cent variance that keeps their books from balancing or scouring through financial records to save the company a few dollars. Schedule a call 30 days out so you can just check in with the client and make sure everything is up to date. Let them know that you will check in with them monthly, but if anything comes up in the meantime, feel free to be in touch. To ensure nothing slips through the cracks, download Karbon’s Client Onboarding template. It is not uncommon for companies to have ongoing challenges with various regulatory bodies, from the IRS to labor bodies. Including this question allows you to prepare beforehand to help them sort it out.
Practice Management Built for Growth
This bookkeeper onboarding checklist includes everything from acquiring consumer information to implementing accounting systems and building effective communication strategies. It’s intended to save you time while making the onboarding process simpler and less stressful for both you and your clients. Starting the client onboarding process is like beginning a new adventure. For accounting firms, this adventure starts with really getting to know your new clients.
- However, it’s important to also educate your clients on how to use their client portal, along with setting expectations on deliverables and timelines.
- Take time during the onboarding to educate your clients about how your workflow software and processes work.
- Use tools like the Free Bookkeeping Onboarding Checklist and Cone software to make the process easy and professional.
- These could range from tax filing and planning to reviewing financial reports, auditing, and business advisory.
Educate Your Clients
Set up invoice automation systems and link them to the accounting software for seamless payment processing. Integrate expense tracking tools if needed, and train the client on how to use them. No matter where you keep it, just make sure that your new client onboarding checklist is somewhere that’s convenient for you to access. This location will mostly paid family leave depend if you’re handling your workflow manually or if you are using workflow software. Use your client onboarding questionnaire to capture login details for their previous or existing accounting software, like their GL, and any other relevant tech vendor.
Starting a new bookkeeping or accounting relationship with a client can be daunting for entrepreneurs. It’s important to have a checklist of items to go over when onboarding a new client in order to make the process as smooth as possible. This article provides an overview of the process and the specifics of items to be included on a new client intake form for bookkeeping and accounting businesses. In addition to your questions about their business and hopes for the future, also ask about their past experiences with accounting firms. This should include any expectations they may have for this new working relationship. Ultimately, your job is done when your client succeeds, but that’s a long way down the road.
The definitive guide to client onboarding for accounting firms
Clearly outline your services, fees, and the scope of work during this discussion. Onboarding a client is an important process of an accounting firm, Here are a few steps to get to do it right. This interview with Brady Meaux, the founder of the accounting firm Meaux and Co, digs into the technology stack he uses for his own business. Include a plan of the process that the team will use to meet the client’s goals. Also, outline the expectations, such as what to expect from each other and turnaround times. This welcome pack is a summary from the kick-off meeting, but in writing.
Apart from understanding the client’s payroll situation, it shows them you are knowledgeable about different payroll systems. They know whether how to become a bookkeeper they want to expand into new territories, launch new products or services, downsize, or perhaps a merger or acquisition is in the works. Possibilities like these allow your firm to act as a financial advisor rather than just a bookkeeper.
This is especially useful for clients who require continuous bookkeeping support and financial management. For example, if you work with families and individuals, you might just need to send an invoice once a year when they file their taxes. Enter all relevant information on the client, including the full company name, address, and preferred contact details.
Regularly review your onboarding steps, checklists, and client feedback to refine and optimize the process continually. Setting clear expectations is the cornerstone of any thriving client relationship, especially in bookkeeping and accounting. Also remember do i need to file a tax return that while you teach your new clients what they should expect from your services, it’s equally pivotal to understand and respect what your client expects from you. Start by understanding the nuances of your client’s business model, financial goals, and challenges. This way, you can create an onboarding plan that aligns perfectly with their unique needs.