One of my clients has been asked to get an accountant's reference to the effect that she is a fit and a proper person. This request has come from one of the business she trying to get some work from.
Is this normal? If so, is there anyone who can share a template with me? My email [email protected]
Thanks
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F&P for what?
The mind boggles at the possibilities and so before getting a template, how about finding out what she's attempting to be fit for? I'll try that english again....for which she is attempting to be fit....better.
Once you've ascertained that you might feel you are not qualified to judge, whatever the template.
Any reference we give includes:
Whilst the information provided above is believed to be true, it is provided without acceptance by XXX Ltd of any responsibility whatsoever, and any use you wish to make of the information is, therefore, entirely at your own risk.
We usually type it in italics so that it is more obvious that it is a standard phrase, rather than specific to the particular client.
We have this on a pre-inked stamp, so it goes on the numerous letting agent reference requests also.
Fair point
Thanks Paul. I got email (extract below) from client- I am not clear, I was hoping for some bland template that really does not say anything but looks as if it is saying something.
"The main reason for the reference is to make sure we have been operating (company name) since July 2010 and that I am the director in the company overseeing operations and that you have been associated with the company and have known me since the begining in your capacity as the accountant of my company". I am thinking about the following bland letter
Dear xxx
I was appointed as the Accountant for (name of the company) in July 2010.
I have known [client's name] from the date my appointment for (co name). In that time, I have found her to be of a good character and a fit and proper person to work.
I may be contacted during business hours on [daytime telephone number].
Yours sincerely
Feedback anyone? Thanks
How about
"The main reason for the reference is to make sure we have been operating (company name) since July 2010 and that I am the director in the company overseeing operations and that you have been associated with the company and have known me since the begining in your capacity as the accountant of my company". I am thinking about the following bland letter
Just saying 'we have acted for x ltd as accountants since incorporation on y and so & so has been our main point of contact in her capacity as z director' ?
Difficult to know what they want re fit & proper without seeing what they / she actually said but this answers her main reason bit....
Type of business activity?
Presumably the client's business is not in a sector which falls under some special regulatory regime (like advising on investments under Financial Services & Markets Act 2000)?
David
We do it in the negative sense
When we get that kind of thing, rather than saying that X is of good character or fit & proper, we turn it round to say that we know of no reason to believe that X isn't of good character nor fit & proper. It gives far better defence as we're not confirming they are - we're confirming we don't know of anything to suggest they're not. Any lawyer or court would have a far harder job proving we knew otherwise, rather than us having to defend ourselves to say they were - it diverts the burden of proof which can only be a good thing. It should mean the same to the recipient.
Thanks for the response that I found of great help.
David - Good cautionary point. The client is not not in a sector which falls under some special regulatory regime.
I like Ken's approach combined with New Moon's standard paragraph.
On reflection, next time I will ask the client to get the business who want's a reference to write to me.
Do people charge for providing a reference? So far I have not been charging. They do take time, I think a charge should be made. I am thnking alog the lines of £50 or £75 +VAT. Would that be reasonable?
Thanks
Good standing
When providing a"professional reference" for offshore financial institutions we found the following was all that was required:
" We have acted for xxxx of (give full address) since xx/xx/xx and confirm they are clients of good standing"
Sufficiently vague and what the hell does "good standing" actually mean?
Understand the purpose of the reference, it is not a recommendation or endorsement, it is merely to confirm the client exists and is an ordinary economically active member of society. You are being asked to provide reassurance of identity and address and active involvement with her company. There is no requirement to provide any confidential information and I would avoid saying anything else.
Charging for References
I think it depends whether you charge an all-inclusive fee or a very low one which doesn't include sundry extras like writing references.
I do the latter and the only freebies I give away are the odd bit of telephone/email advice. I think £75+VAT would be fine, especially as you sometimes get follow-up queries you have to deal with.
Vat
I would like please someone tell me in a sole trader profit and loss account , the figures for sales and cost of sales should be inclusive of vat or net? I appreciate that.