Do you send out new engagement letters/contracts to clients every year?

Should You Renew Engagement Letters or Contracts with Clients Annually?

To Bookkeeping Firm Owners

Do you require your clients to sign a new contract or engagement letter every year? While it makes sense to have clients sign a new agreement when there’s a change in pricing or services, I’ve noticed some bookkeepers opt for an annual renewal of their services with their clients.

Having managed my own practice for the past two and a half years, I’m focused on expanding this year. As part of this growth, I’m refining all of my standard operating procedures. I’d love to hear how others handle this aspect of client relationships. Your insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

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  1. When it comes to managing a Bookkeeping firm, establishing clear and consistent practices is crucial for both operational efficiency and client satisfaction. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, here’s a detailed perspective on whether to send out new engagement letters/contracts to clients annually:

    Reasons to Send New Engagement Letters Annually

    1. Clarity and Transparency:
    2. An annual engagement letter solidifies the scope, terms, and conditions of your services. It ensures that both parties have a clear understanding of what to expect, especially if there have been any modifications in services or terms.

    3. Reflecting Changes:

    4. If your business has undergone changes such as new pricing structures, updated service offerings, or if you’ve implemented new policies (e.g., changes due to new software or tax regulations), a new letter acts as a formal way to communicate these changes.

    5. Ensuring Legal Protection:

    6. Regularly updated contracts can protect both parties legally. They can include important arbitration, confidentiality, and liability clauses that align with the current legal and business environment.

    7. Professionalism:

    8. Regularly renewing contracts or engagement letters underscores professionalism and due diligence. It shows clients that you are organized, attentive to detail, and committed to maintaining a professional relationship.

    9. Opportunity for Feedback:

    10. The renewal process can also act as a touchpoint for feedback, allowing clients to discuss the previous year’s services and provide insights into how you might enhance support.

    Considerations for Circumstances Without Annual Contracts

    1. Long-term Client Relationships:
    2. For clients with whom you have longstanding relationships and where services remain consistent year over year, some bookkeepers prefer not to send annual letters. These clients might appreciate not re-signing a contract unless there’s a notable change.

    3. Administrative Efficiency:

    4. Managing annual renewals can be resource-intensive. Some firms choose to implement multi-year contracts to reduce administrative effort, revisiting terms only when there’s a significant change in service, regulations, or client needs.

    5. Client Preferences:

    6. Some clients prefer not to engage in frequent contractual negotiations. It’s important to gauge your client base’s preferences, as some may view annual contracts as unnecessary if the relationship and services are stable.

    Implementing a Process

    If you decide to adopt an annual engagement letter strategy, consider these steps:

    • Review Services and Terms Annually:
      Ensure each contract aligns

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