Do you recognise these prospects?

Do you recognise these prospects?

Didn't find your answer?

Quite a few posts on here are about some new prospect who for some reason has caused the accountant to post on here along the lines of "would you proceed with this prospect?"

This checklist was recently issued by ICAEW and I think it is a good sanity check:

  • If he criticises his existing accountant, is in a fee dispute or litigation with him: are you likely to find yourself in the same position a year or so down the line?
  • Does she come across as somebody who listens to advice, or someone who believes she knows it all already and just wants you to deal with routine compliance issues?
  • If he is rude or disrespectful to or about his staff or others, does that not suggest that he is likely to be the same with your staff?
  • If she is slow or reluctant to provide you with the AML documentation you require; what else will she be reluctant to provide in the future?
  • If he appears reluctant to sign and return your letter of engagement: what does that suggest about his willingness to agree the scope of the work and formalise the relationship?
  • If her accounts show a high level of creditors; is she likely to want to take extended credit from you as well?
  • If he likes to tell stories about how he has got the better of others or how he has played the system; do they cast doubt on his integrity or even honesty?

Replies (2)

Please login or register to join the discussion.

avatar
By wilcoskip
30th Oct 2013 15:57

Good stuff.

I'd add to the list: moaners and complainers.  Everything is wrong and it's all someone else's fault.  If you work with these people then sooner rather than later they'll be adding you to the list of complaints.

 

Thanks (0)
Teignmouth
By Paul Scholes
31st Oct 2013 02:35

Good list

Then, as a fail-safe, say 2-3 months after you've taken them on, if you see an email has arrived from them or they are trying to get you on the phone and you find yourself looking at the ceiling, putting the kettle on, or having to take a deep breath, then you made a mistake.

Thanks (0)