Request only records needed for the engagement and agree a secure transfer method. Document the start date, prior-period responsibilities, reporting schedule, and client approval process. Flag incomplete or inconsistent records before preparing reports.
Use an onboarding checklist for business structure, reporting needs, accounting period, existing records, software, deadlines, and authorised contacts. Agree a secure document-transfer method and list missing items without requesting passwords in ordinary chat. Confirm the scope, fee basis, responsibilities, and first delivery date in writing. Verify tax and regulatory obligations for that client instead of assuming all small businesses have identical needs.
Create a missing-records list with owners and due dates so onboarding gaps do not become silent assumptions.
Agree a secure upload route and explain which documents are missing, their due dates, and how they affect the first report. Verify authorised contacts before discussing business records. Keep onboarding status visible to the client so no one assumes a filing is ready when key information is absent.
Clarify any tax or advisory work that is outside scope. Use KobStore to show your bookkeeping service and onboarding details; create a page.
