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Checklist · Client
New Client Onboarding Checklist for Accountants
A systematic approach to bringing new clients into your practice.
Built by a practising Chartered Accountant · Unlimited users · 60-day free trial · Last updated 23 September 2026
Quick answer
An effective onboarding process ensures you collect all necessary documentation, set up client records, and establish clear expectations from day one. Using a standardised checklist reduces administrative friction, avoids common compliance oversights, and provides a professional experience for every new client your firm takes on.
Why does a consistent onboarding process matter?
A consistent process builds client trust and ensures all regulatory requirements are met immediately. It standardises the data collection experience, reducing back-and-forth emails.
Standardising your intake ensures that every client receives the same high-level service from the moment they sign your letter of engagement.
It prevents 'scope creep' early on by clearly defining the services you are providing versus those that are out of scope.
What should be included in your onboarding flow?
Your flow should cover engagement, AML, document collection, and service setup. A structured approach guarantees no piece of information is overlooked during the transition phase.
Key operational phases
- Issuing the letter of engagement
- Conducting and recording AML checks
- Gathering initial tax and company data
+ 1 more in the full download
Checklist preview
0/4 done · showing 4 of 15 itemsThe full 15-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.
Client onboarding automation
Standardise requests, checks and first services.
See featureAML risk scoring and digital ID checks
Risk assessments plus built-in digital KYC, AML and proof-of-address checks.
See featureClient card
Status, deadlines and ownership at a glance.
See featureClient timeline
Full history of notes, emails and actions.
See featureTask and subtask templates
Checklists that make every job consistent.
See featureWhat are the common mistakes?
- Forgetting to request professional clearance
- Failing to document AML checks immediately
- Missing deadline dates for upcoming filings
- Inconsistent service pricing
- Lack of clear client communication channels
“Companies House integration onboards clients in minutes; AML scoring keeps us compliant.”
Frequently asked questions
How long should onboarding take?
Usually 1-2 weeks depending on responsiveness, but aim to complete administrative setup within 48 hours of getting signed documents.
Is AML required for all clients?
Yes, you must perform risk assessments on every client under current regulations. Document these clearly.
Should I automate the email reminders?
Yes, save time by using automated task templates for chasing information, but ensure you keep a personal touch.
What if they have a previous accountant?
Professional clearance is a formal requirement—do not start work until you have requested it and received a response.
How do I store client documents?
Use a secure portal to share and store sensitive files, ensuring GDPR compliance for all data you handle.
When do I set up recurring tasks?
Immediately upon client acceptance to ensure you don't miss upcoming quarterly or annual filing deadlines.
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Sources
Last updated 23 September 2026. General guidance, not regulatory advice.
Why a single client record matters
When client details, deadlines, documents and conversations are spread across inboxes and spreadsheets, time goes on searching instead of on client work.
One version of the truth
Everyone sees the same services, contacts, deadlines and notes for each client.
Accurate deadlines
Companies House sync brings in company details and filing dates, reducing manual errors.
Better client service
A full timeline means anyone can answer a client question with the history in front of them.
Secure document sharing
A client portal is safer than sending financial documents as email attachments.
Practical tips from UK practice
- Import companies from Companies House rather than typing details by hand.
- Record every service a client takes, so recurring work is created automatically.
- Add a short note after every important client call.
- Ask clients to upload documents through the portal rather than by email.
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.”
