Bookkeeping Client Onboarding Checklist(Free Download)
A free onboarding checklist for accounting and bookkeeping practices: documents to collect, access to request, and setup steps for a new client — nothing skipped.
Template preview
Onboarding checklist
What's included
A free onboarding checklist for accounting and bookkeeping practices: documents to collect, access to request, and setup steps for a new client — nothing skipped.
Template specs
Updated 2026-10-22
No credit card · Free forever
The first month with a new client sets the tone, and a missed access request or an uncollected document stalls the whole engagement. This checklist lists everything a bookkeeping or accounting practice needs to onboard a client cleanly: the documents to collect, the software and bank access to request, the opening balances and chart-of-accounts setup, the recurring deadlines to schedule, and the kickoff steps. Work it once per client so nothing is forgotten, the client sees an organised start, and work-in-progress is never blocked waiting on a paper or a login nobody asked for.
The Problem This Solves
Onboarding a new accounting client involves a dozen documents, several access requests and some setup — and done from memory it is always missing something, so the first month stalls on a chased login or an uncollected statement. A checklist makes the start consistent and complete.
Who It's For
Accounting firms, bookkeepers and tax practices onboarding new clients who want a complete, repeatable start instead of chasing documents and access ad hoc.
Use Cases
- Collect every document a new client engagement needs, first time
- Request all software and bank access up front instead of in dribs and drabs
- Set up opening balances and chart of accounts consistently
- Schedule the recurring filing and reporting deadlines at the start
- Give the client an organised, professional first month
How to Use This Template
- 1
Download the checklist and copy it per new client
- 2
Collect the documents listed and tick each as received
- 3
Request the software and bank access the engagement needs
- 4
Set up opening balances, chart of accounts and recurring deadlines
- 5
Run the kickoff call and confirm the first reporting cycle
Inside the template: sample data
The exact rows that ship with the Bookkeeping Client Onboarding Checklist download — replace them with your own records after import.
| Onboarding step | Status |
|---|---|
| Signed engagement letter on file | — |
| Prior-period financials & tax returns collected | — |
| Bank & accounting-software access granted | — |
| Opening balances & chart of accounts set up | — |
| Recurring filing deadlines scheduled | — |
| Kickoff call completed | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
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