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?
Replies (8)
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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!
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.
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.
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.