I have used a template engagement letter for a while but wanted to make so changes.
What I planned to do was have the basis of the letter at the front with a list of all my services with tick boxes. Then the signature at the bottom of the page.
Then have a second and third page attached with the full detail of each service (all the blurb) so I can attach it and have the actual letter as the front page.
Non that I can think of but I am wondering if your engagement letter is too short. My front section runs to four pages and covers :
Period of Engagement
Client Obligations
Work to be performed
Fee Schedule
Subcontracting of Work
Force Majeure Events
Suspension of Service
Termination of Service
Money Laundering
Applicable Law
Confidentiality
Limit of Liability
Complete Agreement statement
I don't share my letter as it was written by myself rather than legal council so there may be a flaw in it somewhere. However, just thought that you might want to ensure that your engagement letter covers at least all of the above.
The work to be performed could be linked to an appendix which is a check list of services included with everything in addition to that being charged seperately.
ensure that each page of your agreement is not just numbered but also numbered giving the maximum pages in the document. i.e. 1 of 5. Not had an issue with any bookkeeping clients on that one but have had a problem in corporate many years ago of a manager removing a couple of pages that they didn't like.
Hope that helps,
Shaun.
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Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
Hi With my 'legal' head on - re the tickboxes part only. This blank tick box list idea with a signature at the bottom of the form has resulted in a few problems for several firms over the past few years. Staff at some well known firms have ticked more boxes than the clients did, mostly so the staff could earn extra commissions etc. Some substantial compo payouts have resulted. For best practice....add something so that no blank boxes can be left or a signature is required next to each service or something along those lines. Not saying you will alter your own forms once you get them back, but certainly saves on a potential argument from a client in the future. May be a bit over the top - but I too have seen removal of pages...so always number them too.
Only issue then is what you do if you want to add a service.
-- Edited by Cheshire on Tuesday 21st of April 2015 10:29:21 AM
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Joanne
Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017
Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.
You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
Hmm there's a bit to think about with this. It's currently an AAT template with a few adjustments. At the moment I am copying and pasting from the appendix depending on what services the client wants. I just thought it would be more streamlined to have the overview page listing all the services then all the bits and bobs at the back. Does everyone else do the copy and paste thing or is there an easier way I am missing?
