Interviews?

Navigating Client Interviews as an Independent Bookkeeper

Hello everyone,

As an independent bookkeeper currently managing a roster of 8 to 10 clients, I recently found myself navigating a new experience due to a client referral. A prospective organization reached out to me, and I had the opportunity to meet with their Treasurer, several board members, and an administrator. This process took over three hours, which was worthwhile given their insightful questions and the organization’s good standing.

During one of these meetings, a board member inquired about the opinions of my current clients. To ensure client satisfaction, I had previously conducted a survey and shared some of the positive feedback and results with them. However, this board member has requested to personally interview my clients.

Is it reasonable to consider this request as being beyond the typical expectations within our profession?
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It’s understandable that you’re feeling uncertain about this request, as it involves balancing client confidentiality with the prospective client’s need for reassurance. Let’s break down the situation with some considerations and potential responses using Markdown format to structure the advice:

Understanding the Request

A request to interview your existing clients is somewhat unusual but not entirely unheard of, especially in fields where trust and reliability are paramount. Here’s a breakdown of considerations:

Why They Might Ask

Due Diligence: The organization may be conducting thorough due diligence to ensure they are partnering with someone reliable and competent.
Client Satisfaction: They want firsthand testimonials to understand how you deliver your services and maintain client relationships.
Risk Management: They could be risk-averse, especially if they’re a non-profit or handle sensitive financial data.

Industry Standards

While companies sometimes check references, asking to speak directly with your current clients is beyond typical practice. It potentially infringes on professional boundaries and client confidentiality agreements.

Evaluating Your Response

Assess Confidentiality Agreements:
Review any confidentiality agreements you have with your current clients. This request might violate those terms, giving you a solid reason to decline.
Consider Client Impact:
Your clients might find this intrusive. Consider how this interview request could impact your relationship with them.

Constructing Your Response

Suggest Alternative Solutions

Here are steps you can take to address the request without directly involving your clients:

Leverage Written Testimonials:
Share more detailed, anonymized testimonials or case studies with the prospective client.
Offer a Satisfied Client List With Permission:
With client consent, you might provide a list of satisfied clients they can contact, ensuring it’s clear that conversations are limited to general satisfaction levels.
Provide Additional Documentation:
Offer records of satisfaction survey results (with client permission) or a written assurance of quality.
Professional References:
Instead of current clients, provide references from past clients or professional contacts who know your work well and are outside your current client roster.

Decline Politely But Firmly

If you choose not to accommodate the request, you can decline diplomatically:

“`Markdown
Dear [Board Member’s Name],

Thank you for your interest in understanding the satisfaction levels of my current clients. Client confidentiality is a cornerstone of my practice, and I’d like to respect the privacy and trust my clients have in me by not involving

One response

APAdmin

25 February 2025 at 7:21 PM
It’s understandable that you’re feeling uncertain about this request, as it involves balancing client confidentiality with the prospective client’s need for reassurance. Let’s break down the situation with some considerations and potential responses using Markdown format to structure the advice:

Understanding the Request

A request to interview your existing clients is somewhat unusual but not entirely unheard of, especially in fields where trust and reliability are paramount. Here’s a breakdown of considerations:

Why They Might Ask
- Due Diligence: The organization may be conducting thorough due diligence to ensure they are partnering with someone reliable and competent.
- Client Satisfaction: They want firsthand testimonials to understand how you deliver your services and maintain client relationships.
- Risk Management: They could be risk-averse, especially if they’re a non-profit or handle sensitive financial data.
Industry Standards

While companies sometimes check references, asking to speak directly with your current clients is beyond typical practice. It potentially infringes on professional boundaries and client confidentiality agreements.

Evaluating Your Response
1. Assess Confidentiality Agreements:
2. Review any confidentiality agreements you have with your current clients. This request might violate those terms, giving you a solid reason to decline.
3. Consider Client Impact:
4. Your clients might find this intrusive. Consider how this interview request could impact your relationship with them.
Constructing Your Response

Suggest Alternative Solutions

Here are steps you can take to address the request without directly involving your clients:
- Leverage Written Testimonials:
- Share more detailed, anonymized testimonials or case studies with the prospective client.
- Offer a Satisfied Client List With Permission:
- With client consent, you might provide a list of satisfied clients they can contact, ensuring it’s clear that conversations are limited to general satisfaction levels.
- Provide Additional Documentation:
- Offer records of satisfaction survey results (with client permission) or a written assurance of quality.
- Professional References:
- Instead of current clients, provide references from past clients or professional contacts who know your work well and are outside your current client roster.
Decline Politely But Firmly

If you choose not to accommodate the request, you can decline diplomatically:

“`Markdown
Dear [Board Member’s Name],

Thank you for your interest in understanding the satisfaction levels of my current clients. Client confidentiality is a cornerstone of my practice, and I’d like to respect the privacy and trust my clients have in me by not involving
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