An accounting engagement letter is a comprehensive legal document that outlines and then details the terms of your business relationship with each client. Though it is generally shorter than a contract, it is legally binding and designed to reduce liability.
When Do I Need An Engagement Letter? Engagement Letters are typically used when a professional services firm is commissioned by a client for a specific piece of work. In 2025, they remain an integral part of onboarding new clients and setting out clear expectations for the work to be undertaken.
Dear Client Name: We are thrilled you have chosen our firm to provide quarterly compilation services for your business and an annual review. This letter is to confirm our mutual understanding of the terms of our engagement to provide accounting and review services for your firm.
Why Do Accountants Need to Use Engagement Letters? Accounting Engagement Letters are crucial documents designed to kick-off the client's onboarding process, mitigate risks, avoid misunderstandings, and prevent scope creep.
Engagement letters are essential for both bookkeeping and accounting services to set clear expectations and responsibilities.
It involves considering the clients financial objectives and goals as well as their present and forecasted financial situation. The implementation phase is a separate engagement that will generally require a new engagement letter.
Engagement letters are a daily requirement in fields like law, accounting, and consulting. They serve as a formal agreement outlining the scope of work, terms, and conditions between a professional and their client. If you haven't drafted one already, chances are you'll need to in the future.
How to write an engagement letter Write the name of the business leader. Specify the purpose of the partnership. List the duties of the client. Identify the timeline for completing the project. Include resources the client delivers. Attach a disclaimer. Validate the terms of the agreement.
An engagement letter is a written agreement that describes the business relationship to be entered into by a client and a company. The letter details the scope of the agreement, its terms, and costs. The purpose of an engagement letter is to set expectations on both sides of the agreement.
Engagement letters are important because they outline the expectations and responsibilities of both the bookkeeper and the client. They also help protect both parties in case of any disputes or misunderstandings, especially involving the scope of work to be completed.