You may have outgrown your current arrangements, fallen behind or simply want more visibility. Before changing bookkeeping support, agree on what is being handed over and where the new work begins.
Start with the position today
List the last month that was fully reconciled, the returns already filed and any deadlines or CRA letters that need attention. If you are unsure, say so: identifying gaps is more useful than assuming everything is current.
Make a handover inventory
- Access to the business-owned accounting software and available backups or exports.
- The latest financial reports, account reconciliations and opening-balance information.
- Copies of completed returns, assessments and relevant correspondence.
- Outstanding customer invoices, supplier bills and payroll records, where applicable.
- A list of unresolved questions, missing documents and work still in progress.
Agree on a clear cut-off
Choose the date or accounting period that separates the outgoing provider’s work from the incoming provider’s responsibilities. Confirm who handles any return that falls near the handover. This helps avoid duplicated work and overlooked tasks.
Keep control of access
Arrange appropriate user invitations and CRA representative authorization with your providers. Avoid sharing account passwords in an introductory enquiry. Keep your own access to business records and agree on how documents will be exchanged.
Set the rhythm for the first month
Ask for a short priorities list covering missing records, cleanup work and the reporting timetable. Agree on scope and fees before the work begins, then schedule a review of the first completed month.