PITA client

PITA client

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I've posted about this client before ie. on paper good client, good fees for work involved but actually a PITA, everything is late, records are rubbish, loads of personal transactions. You all advised me to bin him and run for the hills.  In  the meantime he has found a new accountant - problem solved. 

I've got £2k of fixed mthly fees o/s (annual fee £4k).  Now I haven't finished all of his statutory accts/CT work as despite numerous reminders he hasn't sent it to me.

What's fair? I've done all of the book keeping (queries and list of missing info with client) & payroll/RTI work.  The Oct 2014 y/e accts and tax work hasn't been done but I have scheduled the work in but he only notified me last week he was changing accountant.  I could write off £1k and be happy enough.  Is that reasonable or do I have MUG written across my forehead?

Should I reply to the incoming accountant before I get paid?

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Replies (8)

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By User deleted
28th Jul 2014 18:57

For starters

As a starting point I'd do the professional clearance part of the reply and tell the new sucker that you'll be delighted to provide the handover info once the o/s fees have been paid - this way they know the client is a crap payer and if you word your extreme joy at waving goodbye carefully enough they'll take the hint that the client is a PITA. Don't forget to wish the new unlucky [***] the best of British because he'll need it.  

Then work out exactly how much the client owes you for what you have done in the way of bookkeeping & payroll, deduct what they've paid to date and invoice them for the rest. If they don't pay threaten legal action. And don't do any handover info until you know what you're getting.  

You've obviously done plenty of work so you deserve to get paid. You don't need to be a mug, you just need to be assertive (which is rich coming from me but I only occasionally take my own advice). Until he's paid for the bookkeeping you've done he doesn't get the results of the work. 

And if all else fails, send in the heavies!

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By ShirleyM
28th Jul 2014 19:08

Ditto what Flash says

Stick to your guns and make sure you get paid. Just be firm, don't get dragged into a long time-wasting argument, and don't allow any negotiating. State your requirements and if he keeps arguing, then just keep repeating your requirements.

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By Alexdon
28th Jul 2014 20:53

Courtesy

As a matter of courtesy you must reply to the incoming accountant, but in the manner described above.

I would write to the client stating your intention to expedite a clean handover as soon as his ties with you are cut cleanly i.e. you have been paid for any reasonable outstanding fee. A copy of this sent to the new accountant for information only wouldn't go amiss either.

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Replying to Red Leader:
Red Leader
By Red Leader
29th Jul 2014 13:17

agree with the above, and ...

Make clear that although payment of the o/s fees is essential, you will be making no charge for the handover.

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By thomas
29th Jul 2014 14:17

He paid!  Happy days!  Thanks

He paid!  Happy days!  Thanks for the wise words.. I avoid confrontations and just want an easy life.

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By ShirleyM
29th Jul 2014 15:06

Good on you

Well done. :)

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By thomas
29th Jul 2014 15:23

When I started up and picked up clients and the outgoing accountant wished me luck or words to that effect, I smiled and thought I could change them.... Now I know better.  I have another client which is exhibiting all the signs of being a PITA client. Am meeting them tomorrow and will be setting out very clearly what needs to be paid and when I can do their work and maybe even suggesting that they go elsewhere.

 

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By User deleted
29th Jul 2014 15:31

Cool!

Well done on getting payment but well done too on your attitude for tomorrow :)

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