Bookkeeping Contract Template

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Bookkeeping
CONTRACT
Jim Clark Co
Bookkeeping Contract

AGREEMENT

This Bookkeeping Services Contract ("Agreement") is made and entered into on [Start Date], by and between:
Participants
Client

John Doe

123 Main St

New York, Ny 10012

[email protected]

(212) 555-1212

Bookkeeper

Jim Clark

3445 Ravenwood Dr

College Park, GA 30349

[email protected]

(404) 763-3294
Terms
1. Independent Contractor Relationship and Liability for Taxes:

The Bookkeeper is an independent contractor and not an employee of the Client. The Bookkeeper shall be responsible for all taxes, insurance, and other statutory obligations arising from their income. The Bookkeeper will not be entitled to any benefits or protections provided by the Client to its employees, including but not limited to health insurance, unemployment insurance, and worker's compensation insurance.

2. Scope of Work:

The Bookkeeper agrees to provide the following bookkeeping services:

Included Services: [Detailed description of the bookkeeping services to be provided, e.g., maintaining financial records, preparing financial statements, managing accounts receivable and payable, reconciling bank statements, etc.].
Deliverables: The Bookkeeper will produce the following deliverables: [List any specific reports, financial statements, or other documents that the Bookkeeper is expected to produce].
Excluded Services: The following services are excluded from this Agreement: [Specify any services not included in the contract, e.g., tax filing, payroll services, auditing]. Any additional services requested by the Client that are not included in this Agreement may be provided at an additional cost.

3. Contract Term and Schedule:

Start Date: This Agreement shall commence on [Start Date].
End Date: This Agreement shall remain in effect until [End Date], unless terminated earlier in accordance with the terms herein.
Schedule of Services: The Bookkeeper will perform the agreed-upon services on the following schedule: [Specify frequency, e.g., weekly, monthly, quarterly].
Deadlines/Timeline: The Bookkeeper will adhere to the following deadlines and timeline: [Specify any relevant deadlines for deliverables or milestones].

4. Licensing Information:

The Bookkeeper represents that they are fully licensed, certified, and qualified to perform the bookkeeping services outlined in this Agreement in accordance with the laws of [Specify State/Country].

5. Fees and Payment Terms:

Price/Hourly Rate/Retainer Fee: The Client agrees to pay the Bookkeeper [Specify amount, e.g., $X per hour, a flat fee of $X per month, or a retainer fee of $X].
Payment Schedule: Payments will be made as follows: [Specify payment schedule, e.g., weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, upon completion of services].
Payment Methods: Acceptable payment methods include [Specify methods, e.g., check, bank transfer, credit card].
Late Payment Policy: Late payments will incur a fee of [Specify amount or percentage] per [Specify time period, e.g., per day, per week].

6. Materials and Expenses:

Materials Needed: The following materials and resources are necessary for the Bookkeeper to perform their duties: [List materials, e.g., accounting software, office supplies].
Responsibility for Costs: The [Client/Bookkeeper] will be responsible for the costs of the materials needed for the job. The Client agrees to reimburse the Bookkeeper for any reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, provided such expenses are pre-approved by the Client.

7. Confidentiality and Data Security:

Confidential Information: The Bookkeeper may have access to personal, financial, and business information belonging to the Client. The Bookkeeper agrees to keep all such information strictly confidential and to use it only for the purposes of performing the services outlined in this Agreement.
Data Security Procedures: The Bookkeeper will implement appropriate data security measures to protect the Client's information, including [Specify security practices, e.g., encryption, secure storage of documents, password protection].
Nondisclosure: The Bookkeeper agrees not to disclose any confidential information to any third party without the express written consent of the Client, except as required by law.

8. Client Responsibilities:

Access to Documents: The Client agrees to provide the Bookkeeper with access to all necessary documents, records, and information required to perform the services outlined in this Agreement.
Timely Recordkeeping: The Client agrees to maintain accurate and timely records and to provide the Bookkeeper with any updates or changes to the records as soon as they occur.
Timely Approvals: The Client agrees to review and approve the Bookkeeper's work in a timely manner to avoid any delays in the completion of services.
Communication: The Client agrees to communicate any questions, concerns, or requests to the Bookkeeper promptly and to respond to the Bookkeeper's communications in a timely manner.

9. Amendments:

This Agreement may be amended only by a written document signed by both parties. Any changes to this Agreement must be discussed and agreed upon before they take effect.

10. Termination:

By Either Party: Either party may terminate this Agreement with [Specify notice period, e.g., 30 days] written notice.
For Cause: Either party may terminate this Agreement immediately if the other party breaches any material provision and fails to cure such breach within [Specify period, e.g., 10 days] after receiving written notice of the breach.
Effect of Termination: Upon termination, the Client agrees to pay the Bookkeeper for all services rendered up to the date of termination. The Bookkeeper agrees to return any documents, records, or materials belonging to the Client upon termination.

11. Dispute Resolution and Remedies:

Negotiation: The parties will first attempt to resolve any disputes arising from this Agreement through informal negotiation.
Mediation: If negotiation fails, the parties agree to attempt mediation with a neutral third party.
Arbitration: If mediation fails, disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration under the rules of [Specify arbitration association].
Governing Law: This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the state of [Specify State/Country].

12. Signatures:

By signing below, the parties agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this Bookkeeping Services Contract.

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, or agreements, whether written or oral. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
Signatures
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What is a Bookkeeping Contract?

Hey there, number crunchers! Are you a bookkeeper or a business owner looking to get your financial ducks in a row? Well, you're in luck! A bookkeeping contract is here to save the day.

So, what's a bookkeeping contract?

Simply put, it’s a legally binding agreement between a bookkeeper and their client. That keeps both parties safe from misunderstandings and disputes.

What's in the contract?

The juicy stuff!

Scope of services (what work will be done)
Payment terms (how payments will be made)
Important details (deadlines, communication, and more)

Why do I need one?

Great question! A bookkeeping contract:

Protects the bookkeeper's interests (and the client's too!)
Sets clear expectations
Prevents mix-ups
Saves time and headaches

Basically, it's a must-have for any business that wants to keep its finances in order!

What Type of Bookkeepers Need a Contract?

Short answer? All bookkeepers! No matter where you’re keeping track—whether you’re flying solo as a freelancer, working in-house for a small business, or tackling projects for a big company—having a contract is a must. Here’s why:

Freelance Bookkeepers: You’ve got multiple clients, and each one has different needs. A contract makes sure you get paid on time, spells out exactly what you’ll be doing, and keeps everyone clear on deadlines.
In-House Bookkeepers: Even if you’re a regular employee, a contract can lay out your responsibilities, salary, and confidentiality terms. It’s like a guidebook for your role, so there’s no confusion.
Project-Based Bookkeepers: Got a one-off gig, like setting up a new financial system or doing tax prep? A contract helps keep the project on track, sets boundaries, and ensures you get paid for any extra work that pops up.

Contracts are like a safety net for your business. They make sure everyone's on the same page about what needs to be done when it's due, and how much it'll cost. It’s like a map that keeps everyone from getting lost!

What to Include in the Contract

When it comes to a solid bookkeeping contract, there are a few must-have ingredients to keep things smooth and drama-free. Here’s what you need:

Scope of Services: Spell out exactly what bookkeeping services you will provide. Invoicing, payroll, tax prep, general ledger magic—list everything out so there’s no “Wait, I thought you were handling that?” confusion.
Payment Terms: Lay down how and when payments will be made. Hourly rate or flat fee? Monthly or biweekly? Make sure it’s clear. And don’t forget to mention any late fees if payments go MIA.
Duration of Contract: Is this a one-time gig or a long-term relationship? Whether it’s a quick project or an ongoing deal, make sure you note the duration and any renewal or termination conditions.
Confidentiality: You’re going to be dealing with some sensitive info, so make sure you include a clause that says, “What happens in the books, stays in the books.”
Retainer: If you need a retainer up front, specify the amount and how it’ll be applied to the work. That way, everyone knows where they stand from day one.
Termination Clause: Life happens, and sometimes things don’t work out. Include the how, when, and why of ending the contract, along with any notice periods or fees for early termination.
Dispute Resolution: In case things get messy, outline how disputes will be sorted—whether that’s through arbitration, mediation, or taking it to the next level.

Including these essentials will keep everyone in sync and help avoid any “uh-oh” moments down the road. It’s all about making the work as seamless and hassle-free as possible!

Bookkeeping Wages: What to Expect

So, you’re thinking about diving into the world of bookkeeping? Great choice! But what’s the pay like? Well, it depends on your experience, location, and what kind of magic you can work with those numbers. Here’s the lowdown:

Entry-Level Bookkeepers: Just getting started? You’ll probably earn around $18 to $25 per hour. At this stage, you’ll be tackling the basics like data entry and keeping records tidy.

Mid-Level Bookkeepers: Got a few years under your belt? You could be looking at $25 to $40 per hour. You’ll be trusted with more complex stuff like payroll and tax prep—basically, the real bookkeeping action!

Advanced Bookkeepers: If you’ve got specialized skills, certifications, or experience in more complicated industries, you’re in the $40 to $70 per hour club (or maybe even more!). At this level, you’re not just crunching numbers—you’re offering financial strategy, analysis, and consulting.

As for yearly salaries, full-time bookkeepers usually make between $40,000 and $60,000. But if you’re a freelancer with multiple clients or niche expertise, you might rake in even more!

How to Land a Bookkeeping Job

Getting hired as a bookkeeper takes more than just being good with numbers. Here’s how to make yourself stand out:

Polish Your Resume: Highlight your experience, any certifications like QuickBooks or Xero, and any special skills that make you the bookkeeping rockstar you are.
Network, Network, Network: Hit up local business events or join online groups focused on finance and accounting. It’s not just what you know, but who you know!
Offer Free Consultations: Give potential clients a taste of what you can do with a free initial consultation. Show them how you can help and why they need you.
Stay Current: Make sure you’re up to date on the latest accounting software and best practices. No one wants a bookkeeper who’s stuck in the past!
Use Online Platforms: Set up shop on LinkedIn, Upwork, or Fiverr. Create a professional profile and show off your services.
Get Certified: Boost your credibility with certifications like the Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB). It can make you more marketable and up your earning potential.

There you have it! With the right skills, networking, and a bit of hustle, you’ll be on your way to bookkeeping success in no time.

Getting the Contract Signed and Retainer Paid

With Butterscotch, handling your bookkeeping contracts is a breeze! Here’s how it works:

Create the Contract: Kick things off with Butterscotch’s pre-made bookkeeping contract template. It’s super easy to customize—just tweak it to match your needs.
Add the Client's Details: Pop in the client’s info, services you’re offering, and payment terms. Simple as that!
Send for Signature: Shoot the contract over to your client for an online signature. It’s quick, legally binding, and no more chasing people for pen-and-paper signatures.
Attach an Invoice: Need a retainer? Just add an invoice to the contract. With Butterscotch, you can collect payments online, so clients can pay up fast and hassle-free.

In a nutshell, having a solid bookkeeping contract is a must for any bookkeeper who wants to keep things professional and avoid conflicts. And Butterscotch makes it ridiculously easy to create, manage, and get those contracts signed—all while letting you collect payments and signatures online. Ready to make your bookkeeping life easier? Give Butterscotch a try and see for yourself!

Butterscotch Contracts