Knowledge Base
How to Build an SOP Library for Your Accounting Firm
A practical guide to documenting accounting processes: what to write first, how to structure SOPs, review and approval, and keeping them up to date.
Built for UK accountants, bookkeepers and growing accountancy practices.
How it works
An SOP library is one of the most useful things a growing accounting firm can build. Start with the processes that carry the most risk or volume: client onboarding, VAT returns, year-end accounts, payroll and Self Assessment. Write each one using the same template so readers always know where to find the checks, the deadlines and the sign-off steps.
In Remindoo, each SOP gets a title, a summary and structured content with headings and lists. Categories show who the procedure is for, and tags show what it covers, so staff can find it by search or filter. New procedures go In Review before they are Published, which gives a manager the chance to check accuracy and keeps quality control in the hands of senior staff.
Documented procedures also support AML compliance. A year-end SOP that starts with confirming the engagement letter and AML check, and FAQs on client due diligence and the MLRO, show that the firm's controls are written down and shared. Client-facing explanations can be set to External so clients get consistent answers.
Finally, measure and refresh. Read time, views, likes and star ratings show which SOPs are used and which need rewriting. Review the library at least once a year, and whenever HMRC rules, rates or deadlines change. The payoff is faster onboarding, fewer errors and a practice that does not depend on any one person's memory.
Every SOP and policy as a card
Status tabs (All, Draft, In Review, Published) and visibility tabs (Internal, External, Both), search, New Article, FAQs & Support, Articles Management and Tags. Each card shows category, visibility, summary, tags, read time, views, likes, rating and last update.
What you can see
- Status tabs to track Draft, In Review and Published SOPs
- Visibility tabs for Internal, External and Both
- New Article button to start each SOP
- Cards for onboarding, telephone standards, VAT, s455, fixed asset, depreciation, holiday and HR policies
- Views, likes and ratings on each card
Why it matters: It shows what a well-organised SOP library looks like once your core processes are written up.
Editor and article settings
Title, summary and rich-text content with headings and lists; settings for categories, tags, status and visibility; upload attachments and add links.
What you can see
- Title, Summary and Content fields for a consistent template
- Heading and list tools for step-by-step procedures
- Categories and Tags for filing
- Status and Visibility settings
- Upload Attachment and Add Link for supporting material
Why it matters: The same fields on every SOP make one firm-wide template easy to enforce.
A new SOP in minutes
Example: a Year-End Accounts Review SOP covering engagement and AML checks, control account reconciliations, fixed assets, director's loan account (s455) and preparer/reviewer/approver sign-off.
What you can see
- *Year-End Accounts Review SOP* drafted with numbered sections
- Engagement letter and AML check as the first step
- Control account, fixed asset and director's loan account (s455) checks
- Status set to In Review, Visibility set to Internal
Why it matters: It shows a real-world SOP being held for approval before the team relies on it.
Ready answers to common questions
Questions such as staff entertaining, salary or dividends, corporation tax rates, Self Assessment deadlines, trivial benefits, director's loan accounts, AML, ACSP, P11D changes, client due diligence, Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, mileage, VAT registration and the MLRO.
What you can see
- New FAQ button for client-facing answers
- FAQs on Self Assessment deadlines, VAT, corporation tax and trivial benefits
- Compliance FAQs on AML, CDD and the MLRO
- Read More to open each detailed answer
Why it matters: FAQs extend your SOP library to the questions clients and staff ask most.
Why SOPs matter for quality and scaling
Your best people shouldn't be the only place your processes live. Document core processes using one template, then categorise and tag them in a searchable library.
Supporting AML and quality control
Example: a Year-End Accounts Review SOP covering engagement and AML checks, control account reconciliations, fixed assets, director's loan account (s455) and preparer/reviewer/approver sign-off.
Onboarding new staff faster
Keep SOPs, firm policies and technical guides together. Review before publishing, track views and ratings, and refresh yearly.
Explore the complete guide
Frequently asked questions
What can I store in the knowledge base?
SOPs, firm policies, technical guides (for example Section 455, fixed asset and depreciation policies) and client-facing FAQs, with attachments and links.
Can I share articles with clients?
Yes. Each article's visibility is Internal, External or Both.
Is there an approval step?
Yes. Articles move through Draft, In Review and Published.
Can I see if staff read the SOPs?
Each article shows read time, views, likes and a star rating.
Which SOPs should an accounting firm write first?
Start with core, high-volume processes: client onboarding, VAT returns, year-end accounts, payroll and Self Assessment.
How often should SOPs be reviewed?
At least once a year, and whenever rules, rates or deadlines change. Use views and ratings to spot guides that need attention sooner.
Continue the Knowledge Base guide
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