Bookkeeping contract template
A bookkeeping engagement letter sets the scope, data-access boundaries, and payment terms before you touch a client's financial records — it protects you from scope creep and protects the client's expectations about what 'bookkeeping' does and doesn't include.
Scope of services
List exactly which tasks are included (transaction categorization, bank/credit card reconciliation, monthly reports) and explicitly exclude anything not covered (tax filing, tax advice, audited financials) to prevent scope creep.
Client responsibilities and data access
State what the client must provide (read-only bank/credit card access, receipts, prior records) and by when each month, since late or missing source documents are the most common cause of bookkeeper delays.
Fee structure and payment terms
Specify whether billing is hourly, flat monthly retainer, or project-based (for cleanup work), the payment due date, and your late-payment policy — monthly retainers are typically billed in advance.
Confidentiality
Include a confidentiality clause covering the client's financial data, since you'll have access to sensitive banking and revenue information.
Term and termination
Define the engagement length (month-to-month is standard) and the notice period either party needs to give to end the relationship, plus how final deliverables and file handoff work at termination.
Limitation of liability
Bookkeeping is not tax or legal advice — state this plainly and limit liability to the fees paid, since errors in source documents provided by the client are outside your control.
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Consider having a local attorney review your final agreement.