What is a bookkeeping contract?

A bookkeeping contract is a legally binding document between two parties (the bookkeeper, who can also be an accountant or an accounting firm, and the client, who can be an individual or an entity) which states that the bookkeeper will provide services to the client in exchange of compensation.

Can I use a template for a bookkeeping contract?

Yes, you can use a template for bookkeeping. In fact, most contracts usually begin with a template. However, it is recommended that you verify all the details mentioned in the template with your legal counsel to make sure it serves your benefit and is in-tune with industry standards.

Do bookkeepers always need to write a bookkeeping agreement?

While it is not compulsory to have a contract in place to get bookkeeping services, it is always recommended that bookkeepers have a contract in place for their own and their client’s benefit. This is because it helps track deliverable, payment, agreements, etc. It also prevents scope creep and ensures timely payment.

Bookkeeping Contract Template

Prepared for:

[Client.FirstName][Client.LastName]
[Client.Company]

Created by:

[Sender.FirstName][Sender.LastName]
[Sender.Company]

This bookkeeping contract is entered into by and between [Sender.Company] (the Accountant) and [Client.Company] (the Client) as of [Contract.CreatedDate].

WHEREAS the Client wishes to retain the Accountant for bookkeeping services,

AND WHEREAS the Client agrees to engage and compensate the Accountant as an independent contractor for these services, and the Accountant agrees to provide such services,

THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions detailed in this bookkeeping contract, the receipt, understanding, and approval of which is duly acknowledged through electronic signature from both parties below, all parties to this contract agree to the following:

Services Provided

The Accountant shall provide the following services to the Client:

Accounts Payable

Accounts Receivable

General Bookkeeping

Budget Preparation

Financial Reporting

Bank Account Reconciliation

General Ledgers

Payroll

Service Rates

The Client hereby agrees to compensate the Accountant at the following rates for services rendered:

Name	Price	Qty	Subtotal

Subtotal	$0.00
Discount	$0.00
Tax	$0.00
Total	$0.00

Performance

The Accountant swears to perform all services to the highest standards as defined by the National Association of Accountants and the National Tax Prepares’ Association.

Material & Data Access

The Client agrees to provide the Accountant with full access to all financial accounts and records.

Furthermore, the Client assumes full responsibility for the accuracy of existing financial records.

Contract Term

This bookkeeping contract is considered effective as of the created date, and shall proceed on a month-to-month basis until cancelled by either party.

Independent Contractor

The Client agrees to engage the Accountant as an independent contractor. The Accountant shall not be considered an employee, broker, or agent of the client. The Accountant shall be solely responsible for withholding any applicable taxes from payments made by the Client for services rendered under the terms of this bookkeeping contract.

Payment

The Accountant shall provide an itemized invoice to the Client for services rendered every 30 calendar days. Each invoice shall be paid in full by the Client within 30 days of receipt.

Any fees or expenses not listed in this bookkeeping contract must be approved in writing by the Client prior to being invoiced.

Confidentiality

The Accountant agrees to hold all Client data and information as proprietary, sensitive, and confidential in nature. As such, the Accountant shall not share such information with any party without express written consent from the Client, unless otherwise required to do so by law.

Contract Termination

Either party may cancel this bookkeeping contract by providing 30 days’ written notice to the opposite party via certified mail. If this contract is cancelled, any services rendered (but not yet invoiced) will be invoiced per the payment terms of this agreement.

Liability

The Client agrees to indemnify and hold the Accountant harmless against any and all claims of loss or damage, save for cases of the Accountant’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.