Bookkeeping Contract Template
Looking for a free Bookkeeping Contract template? Then look no further. You’ll find one here. Our team has crafted an Bookkeeping Contract template that will help you create a contract between yourself and your client.
Free Bookkeeping Contract Template Samples
- Services
- Contract terms
- Payment terms
What Does a Bookkeeper do?
A bookkeeper, who is most likely an accountant, is someone that is hired to create a process for managing the records of a business or individual for internal financial reports and tax returns. The management tasks of a professional bookkeeper vary depending on the client; however, they may be asked to oversee any of the following:
- Accounts Payable
- Accounts Receivable
- Bank Reconciliation
- Bill Payment
- Budget Preparation
- Customized Reports
- Detailed General Ledgers
- Financial Statements
- General Bookkeeping
- Payroll and Check Registers
What is a Bookkeeping Contract?
When Should You Use a Bookkeeping Contract?
A bookkeeping contract spells out the services that the bookkeeper (accountant or accounting firm) will perform and their payment plan. These services may include journal entries, full reporting, and monthly financials. It also describes the liabilities and responsibilities of each party. An accountant may be responsible for only individual taxes or for maintaining all bookkeeping, corporate financials, and taxes on a business. The contract should also include:
- The accounting firm or accountant’s name and address
- The client’s name and address
- The accountant’s license information
- The date of commencement of the agreement and an indication of how long it is going to take
- The services offered by the accountant to the client
- Services that the bookkeeper will not provide
- Pricing of the services and payment plan
- Steps on the dissolution of the agreement
- State laws that govern the agreement
Do bookkeepers always need to write a Bookkeeping Contract?
Even if your bookkeeping business is brand new, it is crucial to record the details of your work in a contract. You may decide that you want this document due to the fact that, when done properly, it presents these benefits:
- Both parties know when invoicing will happen
- Roles and responsibilities are understood by all
- There are no surprises about how long the engagement will last
Anyone opting not to make a Bookkeeping Agreement, in many cases, should anticipate common issues like questions about timing and uncertainty about fees.
Is a bookkeeper an employee or contractor?
Quite often, the bookkeeper and accountant render services under conditions that are a combination of employee and independent contractor. For example, they may be an employee on one job and an independent contractor on another job.
Many bookkeepers and accountants who work 8-hour workdays as employees may also work for small firms on a contractual basis. They usually work at home, for a specified fee, and must complete the job by a certain time.
When hiring bookkeepers or accountants, it is important to understand these differences to avoid any misunderstandings.
Important Terms
What should be included in a Bookkeeping Contract?
Services: The Accountant’s services should be clearly defined. They may only be involved in accounts receivable or cash flow, balance sheets, business expenses, bank reconciliation, payroll or perhaps they are preparing monthly financials. Whatever the role, their duties should be clearly identified.
Performance: The accountant swears to perform all their listed services as per the high standards clearly stated by the National Tax Preparers’ Association and the National Association of Accountants.
Material and Data Access: The accountant is provided with a full access to the client’s financial records and accounts. The accuracy of the existing financial records is the full responsibility of the client.
Confidentiality: The bookkeeper will have access to the most important data of your business. In order to protect your business or any trade secrets, there should be a clause addressing an expectation of confidentiality between the parties.
Contract Term: The bookkeeping contract comes into effect on the created date and proceeds on a month to month basis. It is ended by a cancellation by either party.
Independent Contractor: The accountant is engaged as an independent contractor as per the agreement of the client. The accountant shall therefore not be considered an agent of the client, a broker or an employee. The accountant or bookkeeper is not a direct employee and is providing their services to set up an accounting system or bookkeeping system to help you better manage your small business.
Payment: Payment terms and methods should be well defined. Whether the accountant submits an itemized invoice or if the client pays the accountant a monthly rate; in either event it should be stated how payment will be set up and issued.
As with any contract, you should be aware of all terms and conditions that you are agreeing to with another party. A well prepared contract will protect you and define the relationship between you and the other party. If you are ever unclear about what you are agreeing to or what you should include to protect you and your business, you should seek the advice of legal counsel.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs about our Bookkeeping Contract Templates
We recognize that your contract layout conditions may need to be changed to be in line together with your client’s needs. That’s why we have made Contrat in Word format as well so that you’ll be able make adjustments as you like. If you want to make important changes to the template, we propose you to get help of a lawyer or conveyancer to make sure you still have protection.
