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Checklist · Internal
QA Review Checklist for Accountants
A structured sign-off step before outsourced work reaches a client.
Built by a practising Chartered Accountant · Unlimited users · 60-day free trial · Last updated 24 September 2026
Quick answer
Work carried out by an outsourcing or offshore provider still needs a proper quality review by your firm before it reaches a client. This checklist sets out review points across Accounts, VAT, Bookkeeping, Payroll and SA to help catch errors before sign-off.
Why is a QA step essential for outsourced work?
Your firm remains responsible for the accuracy and quality of work delivered to clients, regardless of who prepared it. A consistent review step reduces the risk of errors reaching clients or being relied on for filings.
This checklist is a review aid only; it does not replace your firm's professional judgement or existing quality control procedures.
How should the review be structured?
Use a second reviewer who was not involved in preparing the work, check figures against source documents, and confirm the work matches the specific service requirements before sign-off.
General review principles
- Independent second reviewer where possible
- Check against original source documents, not just the preparer's summary
- Confirm any unusual or judgemental items are flagged and discussed
+ 1 more in the full download
Checklist preview
0/8 done · showing 8 of 20 itemsThe full 20-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?
- Releasing outsourced work without any independent review
- Only checking totals rather than underlying detail
- Not flagging unusual items back to the provider for explanation
- Skipping review on 'routine' or repeat work
“Managing deadlines and tasks is much easier.”
Frequently asked questions
Should every piece of outsourced work be reviewed?
Yes, a review step is good practice for all outsourced work, though the depth of review can be risk-based.
Who should carry out the review?
Ideally a qualified team member who was not involved in preparing the original work.
What if the review finds errors?
Log the issue, correct it before release, and feed it back to the provider so patterns can be addressed.
Does this replace normal file review procedures?
No, it's an additional structured step for outsourced work specifically; it should sit alongside your firm's usual quality control procedures.
Can this checklist be used for in-house junior staff too?
Yes, the same principles apply to any work prepared by someone whose output needs independent review before client release.
Does Remindoo perform the QA checks automatically?
No, Remindoo does not check accounting figures; you can use its task and subtask templates to build this review step into your workflow.
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Sources
Last updated 24 September 2026. General guidance, not regulatory advice.
Why recording every task matters in an accountancy practice
Accounting firms run on deadlines: VAT returns, payroll, confirmation statements, accounts and Self Assessment. Recording every job as a task, with an owner and a date, is the simplest way to make sure nothing is missed.
Avoid penalties
HMRC and Companies House charge penalties for late filing. A task for every deadline, with an internal date before it, gives the team a buffer.
Nothing depends on memory
Recorded tasks mean work continues when someone is off sick, on leave or has left the firm.
Consistent quality
Subtask checklists make every job follow the same steps and reviews, whoever does the work.
Visibility for managers
Filters by owner, status and deadline show at a glance what is late, what is due and who needs help.
Practical tips from UK practice
- Set an internal deadline two to four weeks before every statutory deadline.
- Use recurring tasks for repeat work such as VAT, payroll and bookkeeping.
- Break larger jobs into subtasks, including a review step.
- Comment on the task instead of by email, so the history stays with the work.
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.
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