Accounting Contract Template

Fully editable with standard terms and clauses. Send and e-sign it online.

Accounting Contract Template

Fully editable with standard terms and clauses. Send and e-sign it online.

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First Name
Last Name
Acme LLC.
Client
First Name
Last Name
Corporation Corp.
First Name
Last Name
Acme LLC.
Client
First Name
Last Name
Corporation Corp.

Accounting Contract Template

Fully editable with standard terms and clauses. Send and e-sign it online.

Accounting Contract Template

Fully editable with standard terms and clauses. Send and e-sign it online.

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Date: March 8th 2023


Between:

Coach:

First_name
Last_name
Acme LLC.
Client:

First_name
Last_name
Corporation Corp.

This Contract is between Client (the "Client") and Acme LLC, a California limited liability company (the "Coach").

The Contract is dated January 23, 2023.

1. WORK AND PAYMENT.

1.1 Project. The Client is hiring the Coach to develop a coaching relationship between the Client and Coach in order to cultivate the Client's personal, professional, or business goals and create a plan to achieve those goals through stimulating and creative interactions with the ultimate result of maximizing the Client's personal or professional potential.

1.2 Schedule. The Coach will begin work on February 1, 2023 and will continue until the work is completed. This Contract can be ended by either Client or Coach at any time, pursuant to the terms of Section 4, Term and Termination.

The Coach and Client will meet by video conference, 4 days per month for 2 hours.

1.3 Payment. The Client will pay the Coach an hourly rate of $150. Of this, the Client will pay the Coach $500.00 (USD) before work begins.

1.4 Expenses. The Client will reimburse the Coach's expenses. Expenses do not need to be pre-approved by the Client.

1.5 Invoices. The Coach will invoice the Client in accordance with the milestones in Section 1.3. The Client agrees to pay the amount owed within 15 days of receiving the invoice. Payment after that date will incur a late fee of 1.0% per month on the outstanding amount.

1.6 Support. The Coach will not be available by telephone, or email in between scheduled sessions.

2.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

- A coaching relationship is a partnership between two or more individuals or entities, like a teacher-student or coach-athlete relationship. Both the Client and Coach must uphold their obligations for the relationship to be successful.

- The Coach agrees to maintain the ethics and standards of behavior established by the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

- The Client acknowledges and agrees that coaching is a comprehensive process that may explore different areas of the Client's life, including work, finances, health, and relationships.

- The Client is responsible for implementing the insights and techniques learned from the Coach.

3. REPRESENTATIONS.

3.1 Overview. This section contains important promises between the parties.

3.2 Authority To Sign. Each party promises to the other party that it has the authority to enter into this Contract and to perform all of its obligations under this Contract.

3.3 Coach Has Right To Give Client Work Product. The Coach promises that it owns the work product, that the Coach is able to give the work product to the Client, and that no other party will claim that it owns the work product. If the Coach uses employees or subcontractors, the Coach also promises that these employees and subcontractors have signed contracts with the Coach giving the Coach any rights that the employees or subcontractors have related to the Coach's background IP and work product.

3.4 Coach Will Comply With Laws. The Coach promises that the manner it does this job, its work product, and any background IP it uses comply with applicable U.S. and foreign laws and regulations.

3.5 Work Product Does Not Infringe. The Coach promises that its work product does not and will not infringe on someone else's intellectual property rights, that the Coach has the right to let the Client use the background IP, and that this Contract does not and will not violate any contract that the Coach has entered into or will enter into with someone else.

3.7 Client-Supplied Material Does Not Infringe. If the Client provides the Coach with material to incorporate into the work product, the Client promises that this material does not infringe on someone else's intellectual property rights.

4. TERM AND TERMINATION

This Contract is ongoing until it expires or the work is completed. Either party may end this Contract for any reason by sending an email or letter to the other party, informing the recipient that the sender is ending the Contract and that the Contract will end in 7 days. The Contract officially ends once that time has passed. The party that is ending the Contract must provide notice by taking the steps explained in Section 9.4. The Coach must immediately stop working as soon as it receives this notice unless the notice says otherwise.

If either party ends this Contract before the Contract automatically ends, the Client will pay the Contractor for the work done up until when the Contract ends. The following sections don't end even after the Contract ends: 3 (Representations); 6 (Confidential Information); 7 (Limitation of Liability); 8 (Indemnity); and 9 (General).

3. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR.

The Client is hiring the Coach as an independent contractor. The following statements accurately reflect their relationship:

- The Coach will use its own equipment, tools, and material to do the work.

- The Client will not control how the job is performed on a day-to-day basis. Rather, the Coach is responsible for determining when, where, and how it will carry out the work.

- The Client will not provide the Coach with any training.

- The Client and the Coach do not have a partnership or employer-employee relationship.

- The Coach cannot enter into contracts, make promises, or act on behalf of the Client.

- The Coach is not entitled to the Client's benefits (e.g., group insurance, retirement benefits, retirement plans, vacation days).

- The Coach is responsible for its own taxes.

- The Client will not withhold social security and Medicare taxes or make payments for disability insurance, unemployment insurance, or workers compensation for the Coach or any of the Coach's employees or subcontractors.

6. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.

6.1 Overview. This Contract imposes special restrictions on how the Client and the Coach must handle confidential information. These obligations are explained in this section.

6.2 The Client's Confidential Information. While working for the Client, the Coach may come across, or be given, Client information that is confidential. This is information like customer lists, business strategies, research & development notes, statistics about a website, and other information that is private. The Coach promises to treat this information as if it is the Coach's own confidential information. The Coach may use this information to do its job under this Contract, but not for anything else. For example, if the Client lets the Coach use a customer list to send out a newsletter, the Coach cannot use those email addresses for any other purpose. The one exception to this is if the Client gives the Coach written permission to use the information for another purpose, the Coach may use the information for that purpose, as well. When this Contract ends, the Coach must give back or destroy all confidential information, and confirm that it has done so. The Coach promises that it will not share confidential information with a third party, unless the Client gives the Coach written permission first. The Coach must continue to follow these obligations, even after the Contract ends. The Coach's responsibilities only stop if the Coach can show any of the following: (i) that the information was already public when the Coach came across it; (ii) the information became public after the Coach came across it, but not because of anything the Coach did or didn't do; (iii) the Coach already knew the information when the Coach came across it and the Coach didn't have any obligation to keep it secret; (iv) a third party provided the Coach with the information without requiring that the Coach keep it a secret; or (v) the Coach created the information on its own, without using anything belonging to the Client.

6.3 Third-Party Confidential Information. It's possible the Client and the Coach each have access to confidential information that belongs to third parties. The Client and the Coach each promise that it will not share with the other party confidential information that belongs to third parties, unless it is allowed to do so. If the Client or the Coach is allowed to share confidential information with the other party and does so, the sharing party promises to tell the other party in writing of any special restrictions regarding that information.

7. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.

Neither party is liable for breach-of-contract damages that the breaching party could not reasonably have foreseen when it entered this Contract.

8. INDEMNITY.

8.1 Overview. This section transfers certain risks between the parties if a third party sues or goes after the Client or the Coach or both. For example, if the Client gets sued for something that the Coach did, then the Coach may promise to come to the Client's defense or to reimburse the Client for any losses.

8.2 Client Indemnity. In this Contract, the Coach agrees to indemnify the Client (and its affiliates and their directors, officers, employees, and agents) from and against all liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) related to a third-party claim or proceeding arising out of: (i) the work the Coach has done under this Contract; (ii) a breach by the Coach of its obligations under this Contract; or (iii) a breach by the Coach of the promises it is making in Section 3 (Representations).

8.3 Coach Indemnity. In this Contract, the Client agrees to indemnify the Coach (and its affiliates and their directors, officers, employees, and agents) from and against liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) related to a third-party claim or proceeding arising out of a breach by the Client of its obligations under this Contract.

9. GENERAL.

9.1 Assignment​. This Contract applies only to the Client and the Coach. Neither the Client nor the Coach can assign its rights or delegate its obligations under this Contract to a third-party (other than by will or intestate), without first receiving the other's written permission.

9.2 Arbitration. As the exclusive means of initiating adversarial proceedings to resolve any dispute arising under this Contract, a party may demand that the dispute be resolved by arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its commercial arbitration rules.

9.3 Modification; Waiver. To change anything in this Contract, the Client and the Coach must agree to that change in writing and sign a document showing their contract. Neither party can waive its rights under this Contract or release the other party from its obligations under this Contract, unless the waiving party acknowledges it is doing so in writing and signs a document that says so.

9.4. Noticies.

(a) Over the course of this Contract, one party may need to send a notice to the other party. For the notice to be valid, it must be in writing and delivered in one of the following ways: personal delivery, email, or certified or registered mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested). The notice must be delivered to the party's address listed at the end of this Contract or to another address that the party has provided in writing as an appropriate address to receive notice.

(b) The timing of when a notice is received can be very important. To avoid confusion, a valid notice is considered received as follows: (i) if delivered personally, it is considered received immediately; (ii) if delivered by email, it is considered received upon acknowledgement of receipt; (iii) if delivered by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested), it is considered received upon receipt as indicated by the date on the signed receipt. If a party refuses to accept notice or if notice cannot be delivered because of a change in address for which no notice was given, then it is considered received when the notice is rejected or unable to be delivered. If the notice is received after 5:00pm on a business day at the location specified in the address for that party, or on a day that is not a business day, then the notice is considered received at 9:00am on the next business day.

9.5 Severability. This section deals with what happens if a portion of the Contract is found to be unenforceable. If that's the case, the unenforceable portion will be changed to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, unless that change is not permitted by law, in which case the portion will be disregarded. If any portion of the Contract is changed or disregarded because it is unenforceable, the rest of the Contract is still enforceable.

9.6 Signatures. The Client and the Coach must sign this document using Bonsai's e-signing system. These electronic signatures count as originals for all purposes.

9.7 Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this document shall be governed by the laws of the United States of America.

9.8 Entire Contract. This Contract represents the parties' final and complete understanding of this job and the subject matter discussed in this Contract. This Contract supersedes all other contracts (both written and oral) between the parties.

THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE TO THE FOREGOING AS EVIDENCED BY THEIR SIGNATURES BELOW.

Coach

First_name
Last_name
Acme LLC.
Client

First_name
Last_name
Corporation Corp.
Table of contents

An accounting contract is a legally binding agreement between an accountant and a client that outlines the terms and conditions of their professional relationship. This contract serves as a roadmap for the engagement, detailing the scope of your work, fees, payment terms, timelines, confidentiality, and other essential elements of your client relationship. 

It helps to establish a professional and productive relationship between you and your client while providing clarity and protection to the engagement process.

We'd guide you through the elements, benefits, and easy steps to set up your accounting contract. Sign-up to get started on your professional accounting contract.

Why is an Accounting Contract Important?

An accounting contract is essential because it clarifies the expectations between your client and you. It can also serve as a means of protection for you and your client in case of misunderstandings or disputes.

An accounting contract can also help you to establish a professional relationship and show how serious and committed you are to providing high-quality services.

Essential Elements of an Accounting Contract

The following elements should be included to ensure that your accounting contract covers all necessary aspects of the accountant-client relationship:

Scope of Work

The first thing you need to have in your accounting contract is your scope of work. This section should entail your specific services, including bookkeeping, tax preparation, financial analysis, and other related services. It should also detail the client's responsibilities, completion timelines, and required deliverables.

Timeline

Your accounting contract should contain a timeline. This section should specify the services' timeline, including the engagement's start and end date, and deadlines for deliverables. This will help you stay on track and ensure the engagement progresses smoothly.

Fees

You must come to concrete terms with your clients on your fees, hence the need for this section in your accounting contract. This section of your contract should specify the fees for the services you will provide, and it includes your hourly rate or a flat fee for each service, additional fees, and payment terms. Being transparent about fees and costs will help to establish trust between you and your client.

Payment Terms

This section should specify the payment terms for your services, including the payment schedule, payment method, and any penalties for late payment. This will help ensure that your clients know their responsibilities and prevent disagreements or contentions.

Confidentiality

This part is very important because everyone wants to be in safe hands. This section outlines the confidentiality terms of the agreement. It should state that you will keep all client information confidential and will not disclose any confidential information to third parties without the client's written consent. This will help to protect the client's sensitive data. 

Termination

Sadly, not every well-meaning contract comes to a successful end. It would be best if you outlined the conditions on which termination can be affected either by you or your client. It should include notice periods and any penalties for early termination. This will help to provide clarity on the circumstances under which the engagement can be terminated.

Dispute Resolution

This section should outline the process for resolving disputes that may arise during the engagement. It includes the steps for dispute resolution and the governing law that will apply. This will help minimize the risk of disputes between you and your client and provide a framework for resolving them if they arise.

Insurance

Many people fail to add insurance policies to their accounting contracts making their clients less safe with the process. This section should outline the insurance coverage that you have in place. It should specify the type of coverage, the amount of coverage, and any exclusions. This will help protect the client in case of any errors or omissions made by the accountant.

Benefits of Having an Accounting Contract

Having an accounting contract has several benefits, including:

Clarity

An accounting contract clarifies the scope of work, fees, payment terms, and timelines. This clarity helps to avoid misunderstandings or disputes between you and your client.

Legal protection

An accounting contract provides legal protection for you and your client, and it helps to ensure that both of you are held accountable for obligations under the contract.

Efficiency

An accounting contract streamlines the engagement process, making managing and executing the work easier.

Building Credibility

Having an accounting contract in place can help to build credibility for you as an accountant. It shows that you are professional and take your work seriously. This can be especially important for new or small businesses that may hesitate to work with an accountant without a contract. Establishing a clear agreement can build credibility and a positive reputation in your field.

Financial Management

An accounting contract can help your client to manage their finances by providing clear guidance on financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting. It also helps them make more informed business decisions and achieve financial goals. The contract provides valuable insights and recommendations on financial management, helping your client optimize their financial performance and making you proud in the long run. 

How to Set up Your Accounting Contract 

Here are five easy steps to take when creating your accounting contract with Bonsai:

  • Select your template
  • Add your basic info  
  • Add your scope of work
  • Add your payment details
  • Review and sign

With your accounting contract set up, you should forward it to your clients. Edits to the document can be carried out at any stage before final signatures with your client.

Common Questions About Accounting Contracts

Do I need an accounting contract for every client?

Yes, it is recommended that you have an accounting contract for every client, ensuring that both parties have a clear understanding of the contract.

What happens if the client provides inaccurate or incomplete information?

If the client provides inaccurate or incomplete information, it can impact the accuracy and completeness of your accounting services. The accounting contract should outline the client's responsibility to provide accurate and complete information. You must communicate with the client about the importance of accurate and complete information and follow up with the client if necessary to obtain missing or corrected information.

Can I use a template for my accounting contract?

Yes, you can use a template for your accounting contract. However, it is important to ensure that the template covers all essential elements of an accounting contract and is tailored to your specific needs.

What happens if the client breaches the contract?

If the client breaches the contract, you may be entitled to terminate the engagement or seek legal remedies. It is important to include a section in your accounting contract that outlines the consequences of breaching the contract.

Can I modify the accounting contract after it has been signed?

Yes, you can modify the accounting contract after it has been signed. However, any modifications should be made in writing and agreed upon by both parties.

What is the process for renewing an accounting contract?

The process for renewing an accounting contract can vary depending on the contract terms and the accountant's and client's preferences. Typically, you must provide the client with a proposal for the new engagement, which outlines the essential elements of the accounting contract for the renewal period. 

The client can review the proposal and negotiate any changes or additions as necessary. Once the proposal is finalized and agreed upon, you and the client can sign a new contract or an amendment to the existing contract to reflect the renewal terms. It is important to start the renewal process early enough to allow for negotiation and review time before the expiration of the existing contract.

Conclusion

An accounting contract is essential to establish a professional and productive client relationship. It makes your brand gain credibility. An accounting contract for every client makes things easier for you for your client since they will be able to go through your contract plan easily and make observations. 

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