Bookkeeping Client Onboarding Checklist

Initial Client Setup

□ Collect business information
□ Obtain EIN/Tax ID
□ Get business structure details
□ Collect owner information
□ Obtain banking information
□ Get credit card details
□ Collect loan information
□ Document fiscal year
□ Identify tax filing requirements
□ Review previous returns
□ Assess bookkeeping needs
□ Determine service level

Legal & Compliance

□ Sign engagement letter
□ Execute service agreement
□ Obtain power of attorney
□ Sign confidentiality agreement
□ Review fee structure
□ Set payment terms
□ Establish billing schedule
□ Get liability waivers
□ Confirm insurance coverage
□ Review termination terms
□ Document file retention policy
□ Establish communication protocols

Access & Permissions

□ Obtain bank login credentials
□ Get credit card access
□ Access merchant accounts
□ Get payroll system access
□ Obtain POS system login
□ Access inventory systems
□ Get tax account access
□ Obtain insurance portals
□ Access loan accounts
□ Get utility accounts
□ Access vendor portals
□ Document all credentials securely

QuickBooks Setup

□ Create QuickBooks account
□ Set up company file
□ Configure chart of accounts
□ Import bank accounts
□ Connect credit cards
□ Set up customers
□ Add vendors
□ Configure items/services
□ Set up payroll
□ Configure sales tax
□ Create invoice templates
□ Set up reports

Historical Data

□ Gather prior year returns
□ Collect previous financials
□ Get bank statements (12 months)
□ Obtain credit card statements
□ Collect receipts and invoices
□ Get depreciation schedules
□ Review loan documents
□ Gather lease agreements
□ Collect insurance policies
□ Get vendor contracts
□ Review customer agreements
□ Document fixed assets

Current Year Setup

□ Set up beginning balances
□ Enter outstanding invoices
□ Record unpaid bills
□ Set up recurring transactions
□ Configure automatic downloads
□ Establish closing procedures
□ Create filing system
□ Set up document management
□ Configure backup procedures
□ Establish review schedule
□ Plan month-end process
□ Schedule tax deadlines

Process Documentation

□ Document receipt handling
□ Establish invoice processing
□ Create expense procedures
□ Set up approval workflows
□ Document payment processes
□ Create deposit procedures
□ Establish reconciliation schedule
□ Document report requirements
□ Create month-end checklist
□ Set up year-end procedures
□ Document tax prep process
□ Create audit trail procedures

Communication Setup

□ Set meeting schedule
□ Establish report delivery
□ Configure client portal
□ Set up secure file sharing
□ Create email protocols
□ Establish response times
□ Set up alert notifications
□ Plan review meetings
□ Schedule tax planning
□ Create escalation process
□ Document preferences
□ Set boundaries

Training & Support

□ Train on client portal
□ Explain document submission
□ Review report reading
□ Teach QuickBooks basics
□ Explain tax requirements
□ Review compliance needs
□ Share best practices
□ Provide resource guides
□ Schedule follow-up training
□ Create FAQ document
□ Establish support process
□ Plan ongoing education

Quality Control

□ Review setup accuracy
□ Verify account mappings
□ Test bank connections
□ Validate beginning balances
□ Check tax settings
□ Review categorizations
□ Verify report accuracy
□ Test workflows
□ Validate permissions
□ Check backup systems
□ Review security settings
□ Document completion