[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":530},["ShallowReactive",2],{"document-agreement-with-accountant-D145":3},{"document":4,"label":20,"preview":11,"thumb":21,"thumb600":22,"description":5,"descriptionCustom":6,"apiDescription":5,"pages":8,"extension":10,"parents":23,"breadcrumb":27,"related":35,"customDescModule":178,"customdescription":6,"mdFm":179,"mdProseHtml":529},{"description":5,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":7,"pages":8,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":11,"thumb":12,"svgFrame":13,"seoMetadata":14,"parents":15,"keywords":19},"AGREEMENT WITH ACCOUNTANT This Agreement with Accountant (the \"Agreement\") is made and effective [Date], BETWEEN: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Client\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [ACCOUNTANT NAME] (the \"Accountant\"), an individual with his main address located at OR a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth herein and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereto agree as follows: Parties to This Agreement The Client, in order to properly conduct its business, employs the Accountant. The Accountant is duly licensed by the laws of this state and engaged in the business of providing independent accounting services and assistance to clients. Independent Contractors Both the Accountant and the Client agree that the relationship created by this agreement is that of independent contractor and not that of employee and employer. The Accountant is responsible for the payment of any taxes, including without limitation, all Federal, State and local personal and business income taxes, sales and use taxes, other business taxes and license fees arising out of the activities of the Accountant. Services to be Provided During the length of this contract, the Accountant shall serve the Client and perform any and all services in accounting and tax matters as the Client requires in connection with the Client's business including the preparation of accounting statements, tax reports and returns. The Accountant will also provide supervisory and advisory services to the Client when requested. Payments to Accountant The Client agrees to pay the Accountant for services at the following rates: [Describe rate of compensation] When Payments Are Due The Accountant shall bill the Client on a regular basis for services rendered which bills will be due and payable [UPON RECEIPT/NET 30 DAYS/ETC]. Confidentiality Accountant hereby acknowledges that Company has made, or may make, available to Accountant certain customer lists, pricing data, supply sources, techniques, computerized data, maps, methods, product design information, market information, technical information, benchmarks, performance standards and other confidential and/or Proprietary Information of, or licensed to, the Company or its clients/customers (\"Customers\"), including without limitation, trade secrets, inventions, patents, and copyrighted materials (collectively, the \"Confidential Material\"). Accountant acknowledges that this information has independent economic value, actual or potential, that is not generally known to the public or to others who could obtain economic value from their disclosure or use, and that this information is subject to a reasonable effort by the Company to maintain its secrecy and confidentiality. Except as essential to Accountant's obligation under this Agreement, Accountant shall not make any disclosure of this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement, or any of the Confidential Material. Except as essential to Accountant's obligations pursuant to their relationship with the Company, Accountant shall not make any duplication or other copy of the Confidential Material. Accountant shall not remove Confidential Material or proprietary property or documents without written authorization",null,"Agreement with Accountant","3",44,"doc","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/agreement-with-accountant-D145.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/145.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#145.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[16],{"label":17,"url":18},"Consultant & Contractors","/templates/consulting-contractor-business/","agreement with accountant","Agreement with Accountant Template","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/400px/145.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/600px/145.png",[24,16],{"label":25,"url":26},"Templates","/templates/",[28,29,32],{"label":25,"url":26},{"label":30,"url":31},"Legal Agreements","/templates/business-legal-agreements/",{"label":33,"url":34},"Services & Consulting","/templates/services-and-consulting/",[36,40,44,48,52,56,60,64,68,72,76,80,84,98,116,130,148,160],{"label":37,"url":38,"thumb":39,"extension":10},"Agreement to Compromise Disputed Account","/template/agreement-to-compromise-disputed-account-D178","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/178.png",{"label":41,"url":42,"thumb":43,"extension":10},"Accountant Job Description","/template/accountant-job-description-D11609","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/11609.png",{"label":45,"url":46,"thumb":47,"extension":10},"Interview Guide Accountant","/template/interview-guide-accountant-D11581","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/11581.png",{"label":49,"url":50,"thumb":51,"extension":10},"Simple Accounting Services Agreement","/template/simple-accounting-services-agreement-D13529","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13529.png",{"label":53,"url":54,"thumb":55,"extension":10},"Non-Profit Partnership Agreement","/template/non-profit-partnership-agreement-D14023","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/14023.png",{"label":57,"url":58,"thumb":59,"extension":10},"Rollover Agreement Values Assets with Surplus Account","/template/rollover-agreement-values-assets-with-surplus-account-D909","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/909.png",{"label":61,"url":62,"thumb":63,"extension":10},"Dropshipping Agreement","/template/dropshipping-agreement-D13331","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13331.png",{"label":65,"url":66,"thumb":67,"extension":10},"Insurance Agreement","/template/insurance-agreement-D13017","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13017.png",{"label":69,"url":70,"thumb":71,"extension":10},"Investment Agreement","/template/investment-agreement-D12831","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12831.png",{"label":73,"url":74,"thumb":75,"extension":10},"Vesting Agreement","/template/vesting-agreement-D12864","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12864.png",{"label":77,"url":78,"thumb":79,"extension":10},"Acquisition Agreement","/template/acquisition-agreement-D847","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/847.png",{"label":81,"url":82,"thumb":83,"extension":10},"Amalgamation Agreement","/template/amalgamation-agreement-D855","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/855.png",{"description":85,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":86,"pages":87,"size":88,"extension":10,"preview":89,"thumb":90,"svgFrame":91,"seoMetadata":92,"parents":93,"keywords":96,"url":97},"INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT This Independent Contractor Agreement (\"Agreement\") is made and effective [Date], BETWEEN: [INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR NAME] (the \"Independent Contractor\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Company\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] RECITALS Independent Contractor is engaged in providing [Describe] business services, its Employer Tax I.D. Number is [Insert], and its Business License Number is [insert]. Independent Contractor has complied with all Federal, State, and local laws regarding business permits, sales permits, licenses, reporting requirements, tax withholding requirements, and other legal requirements of any kind that may be required to carry out said business and the Scope of Work which is to be performed as an Independent Contractor pursuant to this Agreement. Independent Contractor is or remains open to conducting similar tasks or activities for clients other than the Company and holds themselves out to the public to be a separate business entity. Company desires to engage and contract for the services of the Independent Contractor to perform certain tasks as set forth below. Independent Contractor desires to enter into this Agreement and perform as an independent contractor for the company and is willing to do so on the terms and conditions set forth below. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals and the mutual promises and conditions contained in this Agreement, the Parties agree as follows: TERMS This Agreement shall be effective commencing [Date], and shall continue until terminated at the completion of the Scope of Work which shall occur no later than [Date] or by either party as otherwise provided herein. STATUS OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR This Agreement does not constitute a hiring by either party. It is the parties intentions that Independent Contractor shall have an independent contractor status and not be an employee for any purposes, including, but not limited to, [laws]. Independent Contractor shall retain sole and absolute discretion in the manner and means of carrying out their activities and responsibilities under this Agreement. This Agreement shall not be considered or construed to be a partnership or joint venture, and the Company shall not be liable for any obligations incurred by Independent Contractor unless specifically authorized in writing. Independent Contractor shall not act as an agent of the Company, ostensibly or otherwise, nor bind the Company in any manner, unless specifically authorized to do so in writing. TASKS, DUTIES, AND SCOPE OF WORK Independent Contractor agrees to devote as much time, attention, and energy as necessary to complete or achieve the following: [Describe]. The above to be referred to in this Agreement as the \"Scope of Work\". It is expected that the Scope of Work will completed by [Date]. Independent Contractor shall additionally perform any and all tasks and duties associated with the Scope of Work set forth above, including but not limited to, work being performed already or related change orders. Independent Contractor shall not be entitled to engage in any activities which are not expressly set forth by this Agreement. The books and records related to the Scope of Work set forth in this Agreement shall be maintained by the Independent Contractor at the Independent Contractor's principal place of business and open to inspection by Company during regular working hours. Documents to which Company will be entitled to inspect include, but are not limited to, any and all contract documents, change orders/purchase orders and work authorized by Independent Contractor or Company on existing or potential projects related to this Agreement. Independent Contractor shall be responsible to the management and directors of Company, but Independent Contractor will not be required to follow or establish a regular or daily work schedule. Supply all necessary equipment, materials and supplies. Independent Contractor will not rely on the equipment or offices of Company for completion of tasks and duties set forth pursuant to this Agreement. Any advice given Independent Contractors regarding the scope of work shall be considered a suggestion only, not an instruction. Company retains the right to inspect, stop, or alter the work of Independent Contractor to assure its conformity with this Agreement. ASSURANCE OF SERVICES Independent Contractor will assure that the following individuals (the \"Key Employees\") will be available to perform, and will perform, the Services hereunder until they are completed (identify by title and name as applicable): [Name of Key Employee, Title] [Name of Key Employee, Title] The Key Employees may be changed only with the prior written approval of the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. COMPENSATION Independent Contractor shall be entitled to compensation for performing those tasks and duties related to the Scope of Work as follows: [Describe] Such compensation shall become due and payable to Independent Contractor in the following time, place, and manner: [Describe] NOTICE CONCERNING WITHHOLDING OF TAXES Independent Contractor recognizes and understands that it will receive a [specify tax] statement and related tax statements, and will be required to file corporate and/or individual tax returns and to pay taxes in accordance with all provisions of applicable Federal and State law. Independent Contractor hereby promises and agrees to indemnify the Company for any damages or expenses, including attorney's fees, and legal expenses, incurred by the Company as a result of independent contractor's failure to make such required payments. AGREEMENT TO WAIVE RIGHTS TO BENEFITS Independent Contractor hereby waives and foregoes the right to receive any benefits given by Company to its regular employees, including, but not limited to, health benefits, vacation and sick leave benefits, profit sharing plans, etc. This waiver is applicable to all non-salary benefits which might otherwise be found to accrue to the Independent Contractor by virtue of their services to Company, and is effective for the entire duration of Independent Contractor's agreement with Company. This waiver is effective independently of Independent Contractor's employment status as adjudged for taxation purposes or for any other purpose. Neither this Agreement, nor any duties or obligations under this Agreement may be assigned by either party without the consent of the other. TERMINATION This Agreement may be terminated prior to the completion or achievement of the Scope of Work by either party giving [number] days written notice. Such termination shall not prejudice any other remedy to which the terminating party may be entitled, either by law, in equity, or under this Agreement. NON-DISCLOSURE OF TRADE SECRETS, CUSTOMER LISTS AND OTHER PROPRIETARY INFORMATION Independent Contractor agrees not to disclose or communicate, in any manner, either during or after Independent Contractor's agreement with Company, information about Company, its operations, clientele, or any other information, that relate to the business of Company including, but not limited to, the names of its customers, its marketing strategies, operations, or any other information of any kind which would be deemed confidential, a trade secret, a customer list, or other form of proprietary information of Company. Independent Contractor acknowledges that the above information is material and confidential and that it affects the profitability of Company. ","Independent Contractor Agreement","6",62,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/independent-contractor-agreement-D160.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/160.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#160.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[94],{"label":17,"url":95},"consulting-contractor-business","independent contractor agreement","/template/independent-contractor-agreement-D160",{"description":99,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":100,"pages":101,"size":102,"extension":10,"preview":103,"thumb":104,"svgFrame":105,"seoMetadata":106,"parents":108,"keywords":114,"url":115},"CONSULTING AGREEMENT This Consulting Agreement (the \"Agreement\") is made and effective [DATE], BETWEEN: [CONSULTANT NAME] (the \"Consultant\"), an individual with his main address located at OR a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Company\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] In the event of a conflict in the provisions of any attachments hereto and the provisions set forth in this Agreement, the provisions of such attachments shall govern. In consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual promises set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereto agree as follows: RECITALS Consultant has expertise in the area of the Company's business and is willing to provide consulting services to the Company. The Company is willing to engage Consultant as an independent contractor, and not as an employee, on the terms and conditions set forth herein. The Company desires to obtain the services of Consultant by means of services provided by Consultant's employees dispatched by Consultant to provide services to Company hereunder (\"Agents\"), on its own behalf and on behalf of all existing and future Affiliated Companies (defined as any corporation or other business entity or entities that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Company), and Consultant desires to provide consulting services to the Company upon the following terms and conditions. The Company has spent significant time, effort, and money to develop certain Proprietary Information (as defined below), which the Company considers vital to its business and goodwill. The Proprietary Information will necessarily be communicated to or acquired by Consultant and its Agents in the course of providing consulting services to the Company, and the Company desires to obtain the services of Consultant, only if, in doing so, it can protect its Proprietary Information and goodwill. SERVICES Consultant agrees to perform for Company the services listed in the Scope of Services section in Exhibit A, attached hereto and executed by both Company and Consultant. Such services are hereinafter referred to as \"Services.\" Company agrees that consultant shall have ready access to Company's staff and resources as necessary to perform the Consultant's services provided for by this contract. CONSULTING PERIOD Basic Term The Company hereby retains the Consultant and Consultant agrees to render to the Company those services described in Exhibit A for the period (the \"Consulting Period\") commencing on the date of this Agreement and ending upon the earlier of (i) [APPLICABLE DATE], (the \"Term Date\"), and (ii) the date the Consulting Period is terminated in accordance with Section 7. The Company shall pay the Consultant the compensation to which it is entitled under Section 5 through the end of the Consulting Period, and, thereafter, the Company's obligations hereunder shall end. Renewal Subject to Section 7, the Consulting Period will be automatically renewed for an additional [AGREED UPON NUMBER OF MONTHS] month period (without any action by either party) on the Term Date and on each anniversary thereof, unless one party gives to the other written notice [NUMBER] days in advance of the beginning of any [AGREED UPON NUMBER OF MONTHS] month renewal period that the Consulting Period is to be terminated, provided, that in no event shall the Consulting Period extend beyond [DEADLINE DATE]. Either party's right to terminate the Consulting Period, instead of renewing the Agreement, shall be with or without cause. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Consultant hereby agrees to provide and perform for the Company those services set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto. Consultant shall devote its best efforts to the performance of the services and to such other services as may be reasonably requested by the Company and hereby agrees to devote, unless otherwise requested in writing by the Company, (a minimum of at least [AGREED UPON NUMBER OF HOURS] hours of service per week/or assign [AGREED UPON NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS] individuals to provide services to the Company). Consultant shall use its best efforts to furnish competent Agents possessing a sufficient working knowledge of the Company's research, development and products to fulfill Consultant's obligations hereunder. Any Agent of Consultant who, in the sole opinion of the Company, is unable to adequately perform any services hereunder shall be replaced by Consultant within [AGREED UPON NUMBER OF DAYS] days after receipt of notice from the Company of its desire to have such Agent replaced. Consultant shall use its best efforts to comply with, and to ensure that each of its Agents comply with, all policies and practices regarding the use of facilities at which services are to be perform hereunder. Consultant agrees and shall cause each of its Agents to agree to the Acknowledgement and Inventions Assignment attached hereto as Exhibit B, and Consultant shall deliver a signed original of such Acknowledgement and Inventions Assignment to Company prior to such Agent's commencement of the provision of services for the Company. Consultant shall obtain for the benefit of the Company, as an intended third-party beneficiary thereof, prior to the performance of any services hereunder by any of the Agents, the written agreement of Agent to be bound by terms no less restrictive than the terms of Sections 2, 5, 6, and 7 of this Agreement. Personnel supplied by Consultant to provide services to Company under this Agreement will be deemed Consultant's employees or agents and will not for any purpose be considered employees or agents of Company. Consultant assumes full responsibility for the actions of such personnel while performing services pursuant to this Agreement, and shall be solely responsible for their supervision, daily direction and control, provision of employment benefits (if any) and payment of salary (including all required withholding of taxes). COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND EXPENSES Compensation In consideration of the services to be rendered hereunder, including, without limitation, services to any Affiliated Company, Consultant shall be paid [AMOUNT], payable at the time and pursuant to the procedures regularly established, and as they may be amended, by the Company during the course of this Agreement. Benefits Other than the compensation specified in this 5.1, neither Consultant nor its Agents shall be entitled to any direct or indirect compensation for services performed hereunder. Expenses The Company shall reimburse Consultant for reasonable travel and other business expenses incurred by its Agents in the performance of the duties hereunder in accordance with the Company's general policies, as they may be amended from time to time during the course of this Agreement. INVOICING Company shall pay the amounts agreed to herein upon receipt of invoices which shall be sent by Consultant, and Company shall pay the amount of such invoices to Consultant. TERMINATION OF CONSULTING RELATIONSHIP By the Company or the Consultant At any time, either the Company or the Consultant may terminate, without liability, the Consulting Period for any reason, with or without cause, by giving [AGREED UPON NUMBER OF DAYS] days advance written notice to the other party. If the Consultant terminates its consulting relationship with the Company pursuant to Sections 2, 3 and 4, the Company shall have the option, in its complete discretion, to terminate Consultant immediately without the running of any notice period","Consulting Agreement Long","12",513,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/consulting-agreement---long-D12543.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12543.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#12543.xml",{"title":107,"description":6},"consulting agreement long",[109,111],{"label":30,"url":110},"business-legal-agreements",{"label":112,"url":113},"Consulting Agreements","consulting-agreement","consulting agreement   long","/template/consulting-agreement---long-D12543",{"description":117,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":118,"pages":8,"size":102,"extension":10,"preview":119,"thumb":120,"svgFrame":121,"seoMetadata":122,"parents":124,"keywords":123,"url":129},"NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT (NDA) This Non-Disclosure Agreement (the \"Agreement\") is made and effective [DATE], BETWEEN: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Disclosing Party\"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [RECEIVING PARTY NAME] (the \"Receiving Party\"), an individual with his main address located at OR a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] WHEREAS, Receiving Party has been or will be engaged in the performance of work on [DESCRIBE]; and in connection therewith will be given access to certain confidential and proprietary information; and WHEREAS, Receiving Party and Disclosing Party wish to evidence by this Agreement the manner in which said confidential and proprietary material will be treated. NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed as follows: NON-DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION Both Parties understand and agree that each Party may have access to the confidential information of the other party. For the purposes of this Agreement, \"Confidential Information\" means proprietary and confidential information about the Disclosing Party's (or it's suppliers') business or activities. Such information includes all business, financial, technical, and other information marked or designated by such Party as \"confidential\" or \"proprietary.\" Confidential Information also includes information which, by the nature of the circumstances surrounding the disclosure, ought in good faith to be treated as confidential. For the purposes of this Agreement, Confidential Information does not include: Information that is currently in the public domain or that enters the public domain after the signing of this Agreement. Information a Party lawfully receives from a third Party without restriction on disclosure and without breach of a non-disclosure obligation. Information that the Receiving Party knew prior to receiving any Confidential Information from the Disclosing Party. Information that the Receiving Party independently develops without reliance on any Confidential Information from the Disclosing Party. Each Party agrees that it will not disclose to any third Party or use any Confidential Information disclosed to it by the other Party except when expressly permitted in writing by the other Party. Each Party also agrees that it will take all reasonable measures to maintain the confidentiality of all Confidential Information of the other Party in its possession or control. TERM The term of this Agreement is [number] of [years/months] from the date of execution by both Parties. TITLE The Receiving Party agrees that all Confidential Information furnished by the Disclosing Party shall remain the sole property of the Disclosing Party. DISCLAIMER","Non Disclosure Agreement Nda","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12692.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#12692.xml",{"title":123,"description":6},"non disclosure agreement nda",[125,126],{"label":30,"url":110},{"label":127,"url":128},"Confidentiality Agreements","confidentiality-agreement","/template/non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692",{"description":131,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":132,"pages":133,"size":102,"extension":10,"preview":134,"thumb":135,"svgFrame":136,"seoMetadata":137,"parents":139,"keywords":138,"url":147},"EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - AT WILL EMPLOYEE This Employment Agreement for \"At Will\" Employee (the \"Agreement\") is made and effective this [DATE], BETWEEN: [EMPLOYEE NAME] (the \"Employee\"), an individual with his main address at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Corporation\"), an entity organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] RECITALS In consideration of the covenants and agreements herein contained and the moneys to be paid hereunder, the Corporation hereby employs the Employee and the Employee hereby agrees to perform services as an employee of the Corporation, on an \"at will\" basis, upon the following terms and conditions: APPOINTMENT The Employee is hereby employed by the Corporation to render such services and to perform such tasks as may be assigned by the Corporation. The Corporation may, in its sole discretion, increase or reduce the duties, or modify the title and job description, of the Employee from time to time, and any such increase, reduction or modification shall not be deemed a termination of this Agreement. ACCEPTANCE OF EMPLOYMENT Employee accepts employment with the Corporation upon the terms set forth above and agrees to devote all Employee's time, energy and ability to the interests of the Corporation, and to perform Employee's duties in an efficient, trustworthy and business-like manner. DEVOTION OF TIME TO EMPLOYMENT The Employee shall devote the Employee's best efforts and substantially all of the Employee's working time to performing the duties on behalf of the Corporation. The Employee shall provide services during the hours that are scheduled by the Corporation management. The Employee shall be prompt in reporting to work at the assigned time. NO CONFLICT OF INTEREST Employee shall not engage in any other business while employed by the Corporation. Employee shall not engage in any activity that conflicts with the Employees duties to the Corporation. Employee shall not provide any service or lend any aid or assistance to any party that competes with the services offered by the Corporation. Employee shall not provide any services to clients or prospective clients of the Corporation outside of the provision of services for the Corporation, whether such services are provided with or without compensation or remuneration. CORPORATION PROPERTY Employee acknowledges and agrees that while employed by the Corporation the Employee may be provided with use of computer equipment and other property of the Corporation. The use and possession of the such items shall be subject to any policies, requirements or restrictions established by the Corporation. Such items may only be used in performance of the Employee's duties for the corporation. On request of the Corporation, the Employee shall immediately deliver any such items to the Corporation. Upon termination of employment, Employee shall have the affirmative duty to return any such item to the Corporation whether a request is made or not. The obligation to return Corporation property shall extend and include any and all work product, client property, proprietary rights, intangible property, and all other property of the corporation regardless of the form or medium. COMPENSATION The Corporation shall pay the Employee such hourly compensation as determined by the Corporation. Payment shall be at the same time as the Corporations usual payroll to other employees. BONUS & BENEFITS Payment of any bonuses shall be at the complete discretion of the Corporation. No guarantee or representation that any bonuses will be paid has been made to the Employee. Standard benefits that are provided to other non-management employees shall be offered to the Employee, subject to the Corporation's policies and the terms and conditions of such benefits. WITHHOLDING All sums payable to Employee under this Agreement will be reduced by all federal, state, local, and other withholdings and similar taxes and payments required by applicable law. QUALIFICATIONS OF EMPLOYEE The employee shall satisfy all of the qualification that are established by the Corporation. TERM OF AGREEMENT There shall be no guaranteed term of employment. Employer acknowledges and agrees that Employee shall be an \"At Will\" Employee and that Employee's employment may be terminated at any time by the Corporation, with or without cause. FEES FROM EMPLOYEE'S WORK The Corporation shall have exclusive authority to determine the fees, or a procedure for establishing the fees, to be charged to clients by the Corporation for services that are provided by the Employee. All sums paid to the Employee or the Corporation in the way of fees, in cash or in kind, or otherwise for services of the Employee, shall, except as otherwise specifically agreed by the Corporation, be and remain the property of the Corporation and shall be included in the Corporation's name in such checking account or accounts as the Corporation may from time to time designate. CLIENTS AND CLIENT RECORDS The Corporation shall have the authority to determine who will be accepted as clients of the Corporation, and the Employee recognizes that such clients accepted are clients of the Corporation and not the Employee. All client records and files of any type concerning clients of the Corporation shall belong to and remain the property of the Corporation, notwithstanding the subsequent termination of the employment. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The Corporation shall have the authority to establish from time to time the policies and procedures to be followed by the Employee in performing services for the Corporation. This may include, but is not necessarily limited to, employment policies, computer use policies, Internet access policies, email policies, and all other policies, procedures, directives, and mandates established by the Corporation, whether or not in written form or formally adopted. Employee shall abide by the provisions of any contract entered into by the Corporation under which the Employee provides services. Employee shall comply with the terms and conditions of any and all contracts entered by the Corporation. TERMINATION Employee acknowledges and agrees that Employee is an \"at will\" employee of the Corporation. As such, no term of employment is created hereby and employee may be terminated at any time in the sole discretion of the Corporation, whether there exists any cause for termination or not. CREATIONS AND INVENTIONS Employee acknowledges and agrees that any and all work product of the Employee that is conceived or created during the Employee's employment with the Corporation is the exclusive property of the Corporation. This shall include any and all copyrights, trade secrets, confidential information, patents, trademarks, trade dress, ideas, concepts, plans, business plans, business concepts, techniques, inventions, drawings, artwork, logos, graphics, web pages, databases, software, programs, CGI's, plug ins, applications, brochures, inventions, marketing plans and concepts, and all other ideas and work product of the Employee. The Employee acknowledges and agrees that all creations shall be \"works made for hire\" as defined in the [ACT OR CODE]. Notwithstanding the fact that this material may be considered to be a work made for hire, Employee agrees, during Employee's employment and thereafter, which covenant shall survive any termination of the employment relationship, to execute any and all documents requested by the Corporation to confirm the Corporation's ownership and control of all such material, including but not limited to assignments of copyright, confirmations of work for hire status, waivers of proprietary rights, copyright application, and any other documents requested by Corporation. RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS","Employment Agreement_At Will Employee","7","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/employment-agreement_at-will-employee-D541.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/541.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#541.xml",{"title":138,"description":6},"employment agreement_at will employee",[140,143,146],{"label":141,"url":142},"Human Resources","human-resources",{"label":144,"url":145},"Hire an Employee","hire-employee",{"label":30,"url":110},"/template/employment-agreement_at-will-employee-D541",{"description":149,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":150,"pages":87,"size":102,"extension":10,"preview":151,"thumb":152,"svgFrame":153,"seoMetadata":154,"parents":156,"keywords":155,"url":159},"SERVICE AGREEMENT This SERVICE AGREEMENT (\"Agreement\") is effective [DATE], BETWEEN: [COMPANY NAME] (the \"Contractor\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [COMPANY NAME] (the \"Customer\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] (The Contractor and the Customer shall be individually referred to as a \"Party\" and collectively referred to as the \"Parties\", as the context may require). WHEREAS A. Contractor has experience and expertise in [DESCRIBE EXPERIENCE AND SERVICE]. B. Customer desires to have Contractor provide services for them. C. Contractor desires to provide services to Customer on the terms and conditions set forth herein (the \"Services\"). NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals, the representations, warranties, and agreements contained in this Agreement and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are now acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows: SERVICES PROVIDED Beginning on upon agreement to this contract, [CONTRACTOR] will provide to [CUSTOMER] the following service (collectively, the /Services\"): Description of the project: [DESCRIBE THE SERVICE REQUIRED]. SCOPE OF WORK Contractor agrees to provide Services pursuant to the Scope of Work set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto (the \"Scope of Work\"). TERM Unless both parties mutually agree on an extension, this contract will automatically terminate on [SPECIFY]. PERFORMANCE The parties agree to do everything possible to ensure that the terms of this Agreement take effect. PAYMENT FOR SERVICES In exchange for the Services rendered, a payment of [SPECIFY] will be made to the Contractor upon completion of the scheduled Services described in this Contract. If an invoice is not paid on the due date, interest will be added to the current balance. These amounts shall be payable, and the Customer shall pay all overdue amounts at the lesser of [SPECIFY] per cent per annum or the maximum percentage permitted by applicable law. Or Customer will pay Contractor as follows: [SPECIFY]. DELIVERY OF SERVICES The Contractor will exercise due diligence in the provision of services. However, the Customer acknowledges that the indicated delivery times and other payment milestones listed in Scope of Work are estimates and do not constitute final delivery dates. SECURITY The Contractor must make reasonable security arrangement to protect Material from unauthorized access, collection, use, alteration or disposal. OWNERSHIP RIGHT The Customer shall hold the copyright for the agreed version of the Services as delivered, and the Customer's copyright notice may be displayed in the final version. All works, ideas, discoveries, inventions, patents, products or other information that may be protected by copyright (collectively, the \"Work Product\" developed in whole or in part by the Contractor in connection with the Services, shall be the exclusive property of the Customer. Upon request, the Contractor shall execute all documents necessary to confirm or perfect the exclusive ownership of the Customer's \"Work Product\". The Contractor retains exclusive rights to pre-existing materials used in the Customer's projects. The Customer shall not have the right to reuse, resell or otherwise transfer material belonging to the contractor or third parties. The Contractor reserves the right to use the finished public product as an example of a product. RETURN OF PROPERTY Upon the expiry or termination of this Agreement, the Contractor will return to the Customer any property, documentation, records or Confidential Information which is the property of the Customer. COMPENSATION For all services rendered by the Contractor under this Agreement, the Customer shall indemnify the Contractor. In the event that the Customer fails to make any of the payments mentioned, the Contractor shall have the right, but shall not be obliged, to exercise any of the following remedies: ","Service Agreement","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/service-agreement-D12711.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12711.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#12711.xml",{"title":155,"description":6},"service agreement",[157,158],{"label":30,"url":110},{"label":30,"url":110},"/template/service-agreement-D12711",{"description":161,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":162,"pages":163,"size":164,"extension":10,"preview":165,"thumb":166,"svgFrame":167,"seoMetadata":168,"parents":169,"keywords":176,"url":177},"Invoice Company: Complete Address: ______________________________________________________ Phone:_________________ Fax: ________________ Email: _____________________ INVOICE #: _____________ DATE: ________________ Bill to: Address: _______________________________________ City: __________________________________________ State/Province: ___________ Zip/postal code__________ Country: ________________ Phone: _________________ Fax: __________________ Email: _________________________________________ Ship To:","Commercial Sales Invoice","1",42,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/sales-invoice-D383.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/383.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#383.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[170,173],{"label":171,"url":172},"Finance & Accounting","finance-accounting",{"label":174,"url":175},"Invoices & Receipts","invoice-receipt","sales invoice","/template/sales-invoice-D383",false,{"seo":180,"reviewer":191,"legal_disclaimer":195,"quick_facts":196,"at_a_glance":198,"personas":202,"variants":227,"glossary":255,"clauses":286,"how_to_fill":337,"common_mistakes":378,"faqs":403,"industries":434,"comparisons":459,"diy_vs_lawyer":472,"jurisdictions":485,"related_template_ids_curated":506,"schema":516,"classification":517},{"meta_title":181,"meta_description":182,"primary_keyword":183,"secondary_keywords":184},"Agreement With Accountant Template (Free Word)","Free Agreement With Accountant template defining scope, fees, confidentiality, and liability for accounting engagements. Used in 190+ countries. Free Word and PDF download.","agreement with accountant template",[185,186,187,188,189,190],"accountant agreement template","accountant contract template","accounting engagement letter template","accounting services contract","bookkeeper agreement template","accountant agreement template free",{"name":192,"credential":193,"reviewed_date":194},"Bruno Goulet","CEO, Business in a Box","2026-05-02",true,{"difficulty":197,"legal_review_recommended":195,"signature_required":195,"notarization_required":178},"medium",{"what_it_is":199,"when_you_need_it":200,"whats_inside":201},"An Agreement With Accountant is a legally binding contract between a business or individual client and an accounting professional that defines the scope of services, fees, payment schedule, confidentiality obligations, and liability limits for the engagement. This free Word download gives you a structured, professional starting point you can edit online and export as PDF to sign before any accounting work begins.\n","Use it whenever you engage an external accountant, CPA, or bookkeeping firm for services such as tax preparation, audit, financial statement preparation, payroll processing, or ongoing bookkeeping. It protects both parties from scope creep, fee disputes, and data-handling disagreements before they arise.\n","The agreement covers the parties and engagement details, a defined scope of services, fee structure and payment terms, confidentiality and data-handling obligations, limitation of liability, professional standards, term and termination provisions, and governing law — everything needed to establish a clear, enforceable working relationship.\n",[203,207,211,215,219,223],{"title":204,"use_case":205,"icon_asset_id":206},"Small business owners","Engaging a CPA or bookkeeper for annual tax filing and monthly bookkeeping","persona-small-business-owner",{"title":208,"use_case":209,"icon_asset_id":210},"Startup founders","Formalizing accounting services before a seed round or first audit","persona-startup-founder",{"title":212,"use_case":213,"icon_asset_id":214},"Freelancers and self-employed professionals","Hiring an accountant for quarterly estimated taxes and year-end filings","persona-freelancer",{"title":216,"use_case":217,"icon_asset_id":218},"Accounting firms and CPAs","Protecting the practice with signed engagement terms before starting client work","persona-cpa",{"title":220,"use_case":221,"icon_asset_id":222},"CFOs and finance managers","Contracting an external accounting firm for audit or financial statement preparation","persona-cfo",{"title":224,"use_case":225,"icon_asset_id":226},"Nonprofit executives","Engaging an accountant for Form 990 preparation and grant-required financial reviews","persona-nonprofit-exec",[228,232,236,240,243,247,251],{"situation":229,"recommended_template":230,"slug":231},"Ongoing monthly bookkeeping and general ledger maintenance","Bookkeeping Services Agreement","simple-accounting-services-agreement-D13529",{"situation":233,"recommended_template":234,"slug":235},"One-time annual tax return preparation only","Tax Preparation Agreement","tax-preparation-company-business-plan-D12066",{"situation":237,"recommended_template":238,"slug":239},"Audit or financial statement review engagement","Audit Engagement Letter","engagement-letter-D13681",{"situation":241,"recommended_template":86,"slug":242},"Engaging a self-employed CPA rather than a firm","independent-contractor-agreement-D160",{"situation":244,"recommended_template":245,"slug":246},"Hiring an in-house accountant or controller as an employee","Employment Contract","employment-agreement_at-will-employee-D541",{"situation":248,"recommended_template":249,"slug":250},"Payroll processing services only","Payroll Services Agreement","administrative-services-agreement-D850",{"situation":252,"recommended_template":253,"slug":254},"CFO or fractional finance leadership services","Consulting Services Agreement","software-development-and-consulting-services-agreement-D800",[256,259,262,265,268,271,274,277,280,283],{"term":257,"definition":258},"Engagement Letter","A written agreement between an accounting professional and a client that defines the scope, terms, and conditions of a specific accounting engagement — functionally equivalent to this agreement.",{"term":260,"definition":261},"Scope of Services","The explicit list of tasks the accountant agrees to perform, used to distinguish included work from out-of-scope requests that require a change order or additional fee.",{"term":263,"definition":264},"Retainer","A fixed fee paid in advance — typically monthly — to secure the accountant's availability and cover a defined bundle of recurring services.",{"term":266,"definition":267},"Confidential Information","Non-public financial data, tax records, payroll figures, and business information shared by the client with the accountant for the purpose of the engagement.",{"term":269,"definition":270},"Limitation of Liability","A contractual cap on the maximum damages the accountant can owe the client, typically expressed as a multiple of fees paid for the engagement.",{"term":272,"definition":273},"Professional Standards","The accounting and ethical rules the accountant is bound by — such as GAAP, GAAS, IFRS, or the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct — referenced in the agreement.",{"term":275,"definition":276},"Change Order","A written amendment to the original agreement authorizing additional work outside the defined scope, typically at an agreed additional fee.",{"term":278,"definition":279},"Working Papers","The accountant's internal records, notes, and documentation prepared during the engagement — typically owned by the accountant, not the client.",{"term":281,"definition":282},"Termination for Cause","A provision allowing either party to end the agreement immediately upon a specific material breach — such as non-payment, conflict of interest, or professional misconduct.",{"term":284,"definition":285},"Indemnification","A contractual obligation by one party to compensate the other for losses arising from specific events — such as the client providing materially inaccurate records that lead to a filing error.",[287,292,297,302,307,312,317,322,327,332],{"name":288,"plain_english":289,"sample_language":290,"common_mistake":291},"Parties and engagement details","Identifies the client and the accounting professional or firm by full legal name and describes the nature of the engagement at a high level.","This Agreement is entered into on [DATE] between [CLIENT LEGAL NAME] ('Client') and [ACCOUNTANT / FIRM LEGAL NAME], a [STATE/PROVINCE] [ENTITY TYPE] ('Accountant'). Accountant agrees to provide accounting services to Client as described herein.","Naming the individual CPA instead of the licensed firm entity. If the firm holds the errors-and-omissions insurance, a contract that names only the individual may leave coverage gaps in a dispute.",{"name":293,"plain_english":294,"sample_language":295,"common_mistake":296},"Scope of services","Lists the specific tasks the accountant will perform — tax filing, bookkeeping, payroll, audit — and explicitly states what is excluded from the engagement.","Accountant shall provide the following services: [LIST OF SERVICES]. Services not listed above, including [EXCLUDED SERVICES], are outside the scope of this Agreement and require a separate written change order.","Using a vague scope like 'general accounting services.' Without a specific list, the client expects everything and the accountant delivers what they quoted — disputes follow within the first billing cycle.",{"name":298,"plain_english":299,"sample_language":300,"common_mistake":301},"Fees, payment schedule, and expenses","States the fee structure — fixed fee, hourly rate, or monthly retainer — payment due dates, accepted payment methods, and how out-of-pocket expenses are handled.","Client shall pay Accountant a monthly retainer of $[AMOUNT], due on the [DAY] of each month. Hourly work outside the retainer is billed at $[RATE]/hour. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed within [30] days of submission with receipts.","Agreeing on fees verbally and omitting them from the written agreement. When a client disputes an invoice, the absence of a signed fee schedule leaves the accountant with no contractual basis to enforce payment.",{"name":303,"plain_english":304,"sample_language":305,"common_mistake":306},"Late payment and interest","Defines the grace period after a due date, the interest rate applied to overdue balances, and the accountant's right to suspend services for non-payment.","Invoices unpaid after [15] days accrue interest at [1.5]% per month. Accountant may suspend services on [10] days' written notice if any invoice remains unpaid for more than [30] days.","No suspension-of-services clause. Without it, the accountant continues working and accumulating unbillable time while the client ignores invoices — often through a tax deadline.",{"name":308,"plain_english":309,"sample_language":310,"common_mistake":311},"Client responsibilities and representations","Sets out what the client must provide — accurate records, timely document delivery, and honest representations — and states that the accountant relies on client-supplied information.","Client shall provide Accountant with accurate and complete records, documents, and information necessary to perform the services. Client represents that all information provided is true and correct. Accountant is entitled to rely on Client-supplied information without independent verification.","Omitting this clause entirely. When a filing error arises from inaccurate records supplied by the client, the accountant has no contractual protection without an explicit reliance-on-client-data provision.",{"name":313,"plain_english":314,"sample_language":315,"common_mistake":316},"Confidentiality and data handling","Obligates the accountant to keep client financial data confidential and describes how records are stored, transmitted, and destroyed at the end of the engagement.","Accountant shall maintain the confidentiality of all Client financial information and shall not disclose it to any third party without Client's prior written consent, except as required by law or professional regulatory obligations. Client data shall be stored using [ENCRYPTION/SECURITY STANDARD] and destroyed within [90] days of engagement termination.","No reference to data security standards or destruction timelines. Financial records contain personal and tax identification data — a breach with no contractual security standard leaves the accountant exposed to regulatory and civil liability.",{"name":318,"plain_english":319,"sample_language":320,"common_mistake":321},"Limitation of liability","Caps the accountant's maximum liability to the client at a defined amount — typically total fees paid — and excludes liability for indirect or consequential losses.","Accountant's aggregate liability to Client for any claim arising under this Agreement shall not exceed the total fees paid by Client in the [12] months preceding the claim. In no event shall Accountant be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.","No liability cap at all. Without one, a single filing error on a large client's tax return could expose the accountant to damages far exceeding the engagement fee, making professional-indemnity insurance alone an insufficient protection.",{"name":323,"plain_english":324,"sample_language":325,"common_mistake":326},"Professional standards and independence","States the professional standards governing the engagement (GAAP, GAAS, AICPA, CPA provincial body) and, for audit engagements, affirms the accountant's independence from the client.","Services under this Agreement shall be performed in accordance with [GAAP / GAAS / APPLICABLE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS]. For audit engagements, Accountant represents that it meets independence requirements under [APPLICABLE STANDARDS] as of the engagement date.","Omitting the professional standards reference. In a dispute, the applicable standard of care is established by the governing body's rules — referencing it in the contract prevents arguments about what 'good work' means.",{"name":328,"plain_english":329,"sample_language":330,"common_mistake":331},"Term and termination","States the start and end date (or evergreen renewal), the notice period required for either party to terminate, and the effect of termination on work in progress and fees owed.","This Agreement commences on [DATE] and continues for [12 months / until terminated]. Either party may terminate on [30] days' written notice. Upon termination, Client shall pay all fees and expenses accrued through the termination date. Accountant shall deliver completed work product within [15] days of receiving final payment.","No provision for work-in-progress on termination. When a client terminates mid-tax-season, both parties need clarity on what deliverables are owed, what fees are due, and who holds the working papers.",{"name":333,"plain_english":334,"sample_language":335,"common_mistake":336},"Governing law and dispute resolution","Specifies which jurisdiction's law governs the agreement and how disputes are resolved — arbitration, mediation, or litigation — and where proceedings take place.","This Agreement is governed by the laws of [STATE / PROVINCE / COUNTRY]. Any dispute arising under this Agreement shall first be submitted to non-binding mediation. If mediation fails within [60] days, disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in [CITY] under the rules of [AAA / APPLICABLE ARBITRATION BODY].","Defaulting to litigation without a mediation or arbitration clause. Fee disputes between accountants and clients are typically low-stakes matters — arbitration is faster and cheaper than court, and most professional associations recommend it.",[338,343,348,353,358,363,368,373],{"step":339,"title":340,"description":341,"tip":342},1,"Identify the parties correctly","Enter the client's full legal entity name and the accountant's or firm's full registered legal name. Confirm whether the accountant is engaged as an individual or through a professional corporation, as this affects which entity holds the liability and insurance.","Ask for the accountant's professional corporation number or CPA license number and include it in the parties block — it confirms you engaged a licensed professional, which matters in a dispute.",{"step":344,"title":345,"description":346,"tip":347},2,"Define the scope of services in detail","List every specific task included in the engagement — for example, 'preparation of federal and state income tax returns for the fiscal year ending December 31, [YEAR]' — and explicitly list two or three common exclusions such as audit representation or payroll processing.","A scope defined by deliverable (e.g., 'one set of reviewed financial statements') is more enforceable than a scope defined by task (e.g., 'general accounting support').",{"step":349,"title":350,"description":351,"tip":352},3,"Set the fee structure and payment terms","Choose fixed fee, hourly rate, or monthly retainer and enter the agreed amount. Add the billing cycle, due date, accepted payment methods, and a late-payment interest rate. If expenses are reimbursable, state which categories and set a pre-approval threshold.","For ongoing engagements, add an annual fee adjustment clause — for example, 'fees may be adjusted by up to [CPI + 2]% on each anniversary' — so you avoid renegotiating the contract every year.",{"step":354,"title":355,"description":356,"tip":357},4,"Complete the client responsibilities clause","Specify the documents and records the client must deliver and the deadline for delivery — for example, 'all bank statements, receipts, and prior-year returns by [DATE].' This creates a documented record if a filing delay results from late client delivery.","Add a missed-deadline provision: if the client fails to deliver records by the agreed date, the filing deadline shifts and the accountant is not liable for penalties arising from the delay.",{"step":359,"title":360,"description":361,"tip":362},5,"Tailor the confidentiality and data-handling terms","Reference any specific data-security standards your firm uses (e.g., 256-bit encryption, SOC 2 compliant storage) and state the retention and destruction timeline for client records after the engagement ends.","If the client is subject to HIPAA, GDPR, or state privacy laws, add a reference to those obligations and confirm the accountant's compliance — failure to do so can expose both parties to regulatory penalties.",{"step":364,"title":365,"description":366,"tip":367},6,"Set the liability cap","Enter the maximum liability amount — typically 12 months of fees paid — and confirm that indirect and consequential damages are excluded. Review this cap against your professional-indemnity insurance policy limits for consistency.","Set the cap at no more than one year of fees. Courts in most jurisdictions enforce reasonable caps in professional-services agreements; caps set too high offer no real protection.",{"step":369,"title":370,"description":371,"tip":372},7,"State the term, notice period, and termination effects","Enter the engagement start date and either a fixed end date or an evergreen term with a renewal clause. Set the notice period for termination (30 days is standard) and add a clause confirming that fees through the termination date are payable regardless of who initiates termination.","For tax-season engagements, add a blackout clause prohibiting termination between January 1 and April 30 — this prevents a client from switching accountants mid-filing and leaving the accountant with uncompensated in-progress work.",{"step":374,"title":375,"description":376,"tip":377},8,"Sign before any work begins","Both parties must sign the agreement before the accountant starts any billable work. An unsigned agreement is unenforceable, and work performed without a signed contract relies entirely on implied terms — typically unfavorable to the service provider.","Use an electronic signature platform to timestamp execution and send an executed copy to both parties automatically. Store the signed agreement with the engagement file for the full retention period.",[379,383,387,391,395,399],{"mistake":380,"why_it_matters":381,"fix":382},"Vague scope of services","When the agreement says 'accounting services' without specifics, the client expects unlimited support and the accountant bills only for what they quoted. Fee disputes and relationship breakdowns follow within the first engagement cycle.","List every deliverable by name and period — 'federal Form 1120S for fiscal year [YEAR]' rather than 'tax work' — and add two or three explicit exclusions so both parties know where the engagement ends.",{"mistake":384,"why_it_matters":385,"fix":386},"No liability cap","Without a contractual liability cap, a single error on a high-revenue client's filing can expose the accountant to damages that dwarf the engagement fee, making professional-indemnity insurance the only line of defense.","Include a limitation-of-liability clause capping exposure at 12 months of fees paid and excluding indirect and consequential damages. Review the cap against your E&O policy limits annually.",{"mistake":388,"why_it_matters":389,"fix":390},"Omitting the client-responsibility and reliance clause","When a filing error traces back to inaccurate records the client supplied, the accountant has no contractual protection without an explicit clause stating that the accountant relies on client-provided data without independent verification.","Add a client-representations clause stating that all information provided is accurate and complete, and that the accountant is entitled to rely on it. Pair it with a missed-deadline provision shifting liability for late penalties to the client.",{"mistake":392,"why_it_matters":393,"fix":394},"No suspension-of-services clause for non-payment","Without the right to suspend work, the accountant continues performing services through a tax deadline while invoices go unpaid — accumulating unrecoverable time with no leverage to compel payment.","Include a clause allowing the accountant to suspend services on 10 days' written notice after an invoice is 30 days overdue, and state that the accountant is not liable for any filing penalties or deadlines missed during the suspension period.",{"mistake":396,"why_it_matters":397,"fix":398},"Signing after work has already started","An agreement signed after the accountant has already provided services creates enforceability questions about terms added after the fact, particularly liability caps and confidentiality obligations.","Execute the agreement before any billable work begins. If circumstances require a delayed signature, document the pre-signature work in a written change order that references the forthcoming agreement.",{"mistake":400,"why_it_matters":401,"fix":402},"Using the individual CPA's name instead of the firm entity","Professional-indemnity insurance is typically held by the firm entity, not the individual practitioner. A contract naming only the individual may create a coverage gap if a claim is filed against the firm.","Confirm whether the engagement is with the individual or the firm and name the correct legal entity. Include the firm's professional-corporation registration number or CPA license number in the parties block.",[404,407,410,413,416,419,422,425,428,431],{"question":405,"answer":406},"What is an Agreement With Accountant?","An Agreement With Accountant is a legally binding contract between a client and an accounting professional or firm that defines the scope of accounting services, fees, payment terms, confidentiality obligations, liability limits, and termination conditions. It functions as the governing document for the engagement and protects both parties from disputes over what was agreed, what was delivered, and who is liable if something goes wrong.\n",{"question":408,"answer":409},"Is an Agreement With Accountant the same as an engagement letter?","They serve the same purpose and are often used interchangeably. An engagement letter is the term used by accounting professional bodies (AICPA, CPA Canada, ICAEW) for the written agreement issued before an engagement begins. A formal agreement with accountant is a more comprehensive contract that may include additional terms — such as arbitration clauses, IP ownership, and detailed liability caps — beyond what a standard engagement letter covers. For larger or more complex engagements, the full agreement is preferable.\n",{"question":411,"answer":412},"When should I use an Agreement With Accountant?","Use it before any accounting engagement begins — tax preparation, audit, financial statement review, monthly bookkeeping, payroll processing, or fractional CFO services. It is especially important when engaging a new accountant for the first time, when the engagement involves access to sensitive financial or payroll data, and when the engagement fee exceeds a few hundred dollars. The cost of a dispute without a written agreement almost always exceeds the time it takes to execute one.\n",{"question":414,"answer":415},"What happens if I don't have a written agreement with my accountant?","Without a written agreement, the scope of services, fee terms, and liability limits are governed by implied terms and local professional standards — which courts interpret differently depending on jurisdiction. Fee disputes become credibility contests; scope disagreements have no written resolution mechanism; and the accountant has no contractual limitation on liability. Both parties are exposed to significantly more risk than a signed agreement would create.\n",{"question":417,"answer":418},"Who owns the working papers prepared during an accounting engagement?","In most jurisdictions, working papers — the accountant's internal notes, analysis, and documentation prepared during the engagement — are owned by the accountant, not the client. The client owns the final deliverables (tax returns, financial statements) that were prepared using those working papers. The agreement should state this explicitly to avoid disputes when a client requests all documents upon termination.\n",{"question":420,"answer":421},"Can an accountant limit their liability in a contract?","Yes, in most jurisdictions accountants can contractually cap their liability to a defined amount — typically the fees paid in the prior 12 months — and exclude indirect or consequential damages. Courts generally enforce reasonable limitation-of-liability clauses in professional-services agreements, provided the cap is not so low as to be unconscionable. Some jurisdictions and professional regulatory bodies impose restrictions on the extent of liability limitation for audit engagements specifically — consider consulting a lawyer when drafting for audit work.\n",{"question":423,"answer":424},"Does the agreement need to address GDPR or data privacy laws?","If the client or accountant is located in the EU, UK, or a jurisdiction with data-protection legislation, the agreement should reference applicable privacy obligations. Under GDPR, an accountant processing personal data on behalf of a client may qualify as a data processor, which requires a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) either embedded in or attached to the main engagement agreement. US state privacy laws (CCPA, VCDPA) impose similar requirements for businesses above certain thresholds.\n",{"question":426,"answer":427},"What notice period is standard for terminating an accounting agreement?","Thirty days is the most common notice period for professional-services agreements of this type. For ongoing engagements that include tax preparation, many accountants add a blackout period prohibiting termination between January 1 and April 30 (US tax season), ensuring neither party can exit mid-filing and leave the other with uncompensated in-progress work. The appropriate notice period should reflect the complexity of the engagement and how long it would take the client to find a replacement.\n",{"question":429,"answer":430},"Should I use an Agreement With Accountant or an Independent Contractor Agreement?","Use an Agreement With Accountant when engaging a CPA, accounting firm, or bookkeeper specifically for financial, tax, or audit services — this document includes profession-specific terms like professional standards references, working-paper ownership, and reliance-on-client-data clauses that a generic contractor agreement lacks. Use an Independent Contractor Agreement when the engagement is general consulting or when the accountant is providing operational rather than licensed professional services.\n",{"question":432,"answer":433},"Is the agreement enforceable if fees are not specified in writing?","An agreement without a stated fee is generally enforceable on a quantum meruit basis — the accountant is entitled to reasonable compensation for services rendered. However, without a written fee schedule, the client can dispute what 'reasonable' means, and the accountant loses the ability to enforce specific rates, retainer amounts, or late-payment interest. Always specify the exact fee structure in the written agreement.\n",[435,439,443,447,451,455],{"industry":436,"icon_asset_id":437,"specifics":438},"Professional Services","industry-professional-services","Law firms, consulting practices, and advisory firms use accountant agreements to govern annual audits, partner-draw reconciliations, and trust account reporting required by professional regulators.",{"industry":440,"icon_asset_id":441,"specifics":442},"Retail and E-commerce","industry-retail","Multi-channel retailers require detailed scope definitions covering sales-tax nexus filings across states, inventory accounting method elections, and merchant-platform reconciliation that must be listed explicitly to avoid fee disputes.",{"industry":444,"icon_asset_id":445,"specifics":446},"SaaS and Technology","industry-saas","SaaS companies engaging accountants for revenue recognition under ASC 606 or IFRS 15 need the agreement to reference the applicable standard and confirm the accountant's familiarity with subscription-model accounting.",{"industry":448,"icon_asset_id":449,"specifics":450},"Healthcare","industry-healthtech","Healthcare practices must include HIPAA compliance obligations in the data-handling clause, as accountants accessing patient billing records are considered business associates under federal law and require a Business Associate Agreement alongside the main contract.",{"industry":452,"icon_asset_id":453,"specifics":454},"Real Estate","industry-real-estate","Property investors and developers need the scope to specify depreciation schedule preparation, cost segregation studies, passive activity loss tracking, and 1031 exchange documentation — each a distinct deliverable with its own fee.",{"industry":456,"icon_asset_id":457,"specifics":458},"Nonprofit Organizations","industry-nonprofit","Nonprofits require the agreement to cover Form 990 preparation, grant-required financial compilations or reviews, and fund accounting standards (ASC 958), and should reference any funder-mandated audit requirements that may trigger additional scope.",[460,462,466,468],{"vs":86,"vs_template_id":242,"summary":461},"An Independent Contractor Agreement is a general-purpose contract for engaging any self-employed service provider. An Agreement With Accountant is profession-specific — it adds working-paper ownership, reliance-on-client-data protections, professional-standards references, and accounting-specific liability caps that a generic contractor agreement omits. Use the accountant-specific agreement for any licensed accounting engagement.",{"vs":463,"vs_template_id":464,"summary":465},"Consulting Agreement","consulting-agreement-D156","A Consulting Agreement governs advisory or strategic services and focuses on deliverable ownership and confidentiality. It does not address professional standards compliance, audit independence, or the accountant's right to rely on client-supplied financial data. When the engagement involves licensed accounting services — tax filing, audit, financial statement preparation — use the accountant-specific agreement instead.",{"vs":245,"vs_template_id":246,"summary":467},"An Employment Contract is used when the accountant is hired as a full-time or part-time employee, creating payroll, benefits, and statutory obligations. An Agreement With Accountant governs an external, independent professional relationship with no employment entitlements. Misclassifying an accountant as a contractor when they function as an employee triggers back-tax liability and employment-standards penalties.",{"vs":469,"vs_template_id":470,"summary":471},"Non-Disclosure Agreement","non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692","An NDA covers confidentiality only and creates no obligation to perform services or pay fees. An Agreement With Accountant includes confidentiality as one clause among many governing the full engagement. If you need to share financial information with an accountant before executing the full agreement — for example, during a scoping conversation — an NDA can bridge the gap, but it must be replaced by the full agreement before work begins.",{"use_template":473,"template_plus_review":477,"custom_drafted":481},{"best_for":474,"cost":475,"time":476},"Small businesses and individuals engaging a local accountant for standard tax preparation, bookkeeping, or payroll services","Free","15–30 minutes",{"best_for":478,"cost":479,"time":480},"Engagements involving audit work, GDPR or HIPAA data obligations, multi-jurisdiction filings, or fees exceeding $10,000 per year","$200–$500 for a one-hour lawyer review","1–3 days",{"best_for":482,"cost":483,"time":484},"Large accounting firm engagements, publicly traded or regulated-entity audits, or complex liability and indemnification negotiations","$1,000–$3,500+","1–2 weeks",[486,491,496,501],{"code":487,"name":488,"flag_asset_id":489,"note":490},"us","United States","flag-us","CPA licensing is state-specific; confirm the accountant holds a valid license in the state where services are provided or where the client is domiciled. For engagements involving personal data, applicable state privacy laws (California CCPA, Virginia VCDPA) may require a data processing addendum. Limitation-of-liability clauses are generally enforceable in professional-services contracts, though some states limit caps in cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct.",{"code":492,"name":493,"flag_asset_id":494,"note":495},"ca","Canada","flag-ca","CPAs in Canada are regulated provincially by CPA Canada's member bodies. Engagement letters are required by CPA Canada's professional standards before most assurance and tax engagements. In Quebec, the agreement should be in French for provincially regulated entities and must comply with Quebec's privacy law (Law 25) for data-handling obligations. Limitation-of-liability clauses are enforceable but may be subject to provincial consumer protection restrictions for individuals.",{"code":497,"name":498,"flag_asset_id":499,"note":500},"uk","United Kingdom","flag-uk","Accountants regulated by ICAEW, ACCA, or CIMA are required to issue an engagement letter before commencing work under their respective professional standards. UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 apply when the accountant processes personal data on behalf of the client, requiring a Data Processing Agreement. Limitation-of-liability clauses are subject to the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 and must be reasonable to be enforceable.",{"code":502,"name":503,"flag_asset_id":504,"note":505},"eu","European Union","flag-eu","GDPR requires that any accountant processing personal data on behalf of a client execute a Data Processing Agreement under Article 28 — this should be attached to or embedded in the main engagement agreement. Engagement letter requirements vary by member state: Germany, France, and the Netherlands have professional-body rules mandating written agreements before assurance work. Liability caps must comply with national consumer and professional-services law, which varies significantly across EU member states.",[242,507,470,246,508,509,510,511,512,513,514,515],"consulting-agreement---long-D12543","service-agreement-D12711","sales-invoice-D383","purchase-order-D1411","letter-of-intent_acquisition-of-business-D5197","business-plan-template-D12528","financial-projections_12-months-D360","small-business-expense-report-D13396","employment-agreement-executive-D543",{"emit_how_to":195,"emit_defined_term":195},{"primary_folder":110,"secondary_folder":518,"document_type":519,"industry":520,"business_stage":521,"tags":522,"confidence":528},"services-and-consulting","agreement","general","all-stages",[523,524,525,526,527],"professional-services","contract","accountant","services-agreement","engagement",0.95,"\u003Ch2>What is an Agreement With Accountant?\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>An \u003Cstrong>Agreement With Accountant\u003C/strong> is a legally binding contract between a client — whether a business, nonprofit, or individual — and an accounting professional or firm that defines every material term of the engagement: scope of services, fees, payment schedule, client responsibilities, confidentiality and data-handling obligations, liability limits, professional standards, and termination conditions. Unlike a casual email exchange or verbal handshake, a properly drafted agreement creates enforceable obligations on both sides and establishes a written record of exactly what was agreed before any work begins. It functions as both an engagement letter in the professional-standards sense and a full commercial contract in the legal sense.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Why You Need This Document\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Without a signed Agreement With Accountant, both parties are exposed in ways that compound quickly. The accountant has no contractual basis to enforce fee rates, suspend services for non-payment, or cap liability when a client supplies inaccurate records that lead to a filing error. The client has no written record of what deliverables were promised, by when, and at what cost — making scope disputes impossible to resolve cleanly. Tax penalties, audit findings, and data breaches each generate liability questions that an unsigned engagement resolves only through expensive litigation. For the accountant, one disputed engagement without a liability cap can exceed an entire year of fees in damages. For the client, an accountant who walks away mid-filing season without a notice obligation can leave returns unfiled and penalties accruing. A signed agreement, executed in 30 minutes before any work starts, eliminates all four risks — and this template gives you the structure to do it correctly the first time.\u003C/p>\n",1781186004601]