Free CRM for accountants & bookkeepersFree for two months (60-day trial) · no per-user fees
Checklist · Internal
Engagement Letter Review Checklist for Accountants
Protecting your firm starts with clear, unambiguous terms of engagement.
Built by a practising Chartered Accountant · Unlimited users · 60-day free trial · Last updated 23 September 2026
Quick answer
Review your engagement letters annually. Ensure they clearly define the scope of work, fees, responsibilities of both parties, and include robust clauses for limitation of liability, data protection, and termination. If the client’s requirements change, update the engagement letter *before* you do the work.
What must every engagement letter include?
A clear definition of scope, service delivery standards, fee structure, and the roles of both your firm and the client.
Don’t forget your professional responsibilities (AML, GDPR) and a robust limitation of liability clause tailored to your firm.
When should I update an engagement letter?
Update whenever there is a significant change in scope, a new service is added, or as part of an annual standard review.
Always have a signed copy of the current letter on file before starting any new project or service for an existing client.
Checklist preview
0/4 done · showing 4 of 8 itemsThe full 8-item checklist is in the download below. Enter your name and email to get it as a Word or PDF file.
This is a standard checklist. Each firm's requirements may vary, so please cross-check everything against current GOV.UK, Companies House and professional body guidance before relying on it.
See it working with your own clients
A 30-minute walkthrough using your services, deadlines and templates.
Turn this into a task and subtask template in Remindoo
Save each group as a task with subtasks, attach it to the right service and let recurring tasks create it for every client, every period. Each item gets an owner and a deadline, and nothing depends on someone remembering to print the list. See task and subtask templates.
What are the common mistakes?
- Using an outdated template
- Not getting a signed copy back
- Failing to update scope after a service change
- Ignoring the 'limitation of liability' clause
- Not having a signed letter for every client
“Automated reminders and task templates save countless hours each week.”
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a letter for small jobs?
Yes. Even for small jobs, having a record of expectations protects you.
How often should I review my template?
At least once a year. Regulations, laws, and your own services change, so your template must keep up.
What if they refuse to sign?
Politely explain it’s a professional requirement for both parties' protection. If they still refuse, carefully consider if they are the right client for your firm.
Should I include my full terms of business?
Yes, it’s usually best to incorporate them as an addendum to the main engagement letter.
What about changes in scope?
A simple, signed 'change of scope' letter can be used for smaller adjustments, while a new letter is needed for major shifts.
Does my professional body have a template?
Yes, use their templates as a baseline and then customise them to reflect your specific firm and services.
Ready to run a calmer practice?
See Remindoo with your own clients, or start free for 60 days with unlimited users.
Sources
Last updated 23 September 2026. General guidance, not regulatory advice.
Why tracking leads and proposals matters
Every enquiry a practice fails to follow up is lost fee income. A clear pipeline shows which prospects need a reply, a proposal or a follow-up.
Faster replies
Prospects often contact more than one firm, so the firm that replies first and clearly has an advantage.
Consistent proposals
Templates and a services catalogue keep scope and pricing consistent whoever writes the proposal.
Signed terms from day one
E-signed engagement letters confirm scope and responsibilities before work begins.
No re-keying
Converting a won lead into a client keeps the details you already collected.
Practical tips from UK practice
- Reply to every new enquiry within one working day.
- Use lead statuses that match your real sales stages, and review them weekly.
- Send the engagement letter with the proposal so the client signs once.
- Record why lost leads were lost, to improve pricing and messaging.
Related Remindoo features
Written and reviewed by Waqas Sagar ACA FCCA FMAAT, Chartered Accountant with 18+ years in practice. Founder and MD of Accotax, an ICAEW, ACCA and AAT regulated London practice that has served over 5,000 clients, and founder of Remindoo. Guidance is general; check current GOV.UK and professional body guidance for your firm.
What UK practices say about Remindoo
Read all reviews on Trustpilot“With Remindoo, everything from the first enquiry to onboarding and ongoing client management is tracked in one place… It saves us hours and gives me, as a practice owner, complete visibility of where the firm stands.”
“The biggest benefit is having clients, tasks, deadlines, workflows, proposals and communication all organised in one place.”
“During my trial, the team were absolutely amazing. They helped onboard my clients, set up my settings and made sure everything was ready for me to use… they made the whole process completely stress-free.”
“It brings client information, tasks, recurring deadlines, workflows and reminders together in one place, giving us much better visibility across the team.”
