CPA Advisory Support – Scope of Services (Proposed)

Client overview

[Client Name] is seeking a CPA to provide light-touch advisory support to supplement internal operations. The goal is to establish a structured, low-burden relationship where the CPA serves as a knowledgeable resource for accounting, compliance, and general financial questions.

This is not a bookkeeping or full-service engagement.

Scope of services

The CPA would provide:

  1. Advisory Q&A (Primary Component)
    • Respond to accounting, tax, and compliance-related questions submitted by a designated internal point of contact
    • Questions will be consolidated and filtered internally (no direct staff outreach)
    • Responses may be provided via email or scheduled call, at CPA’s discretion
  2. Periodic check-in (Optional but Preferred)
    • One scheduled call per month (or quarter), up to [30–60 minutes]
    • General review of financial processes, compliance considerations, and emerging questions or concerns
  3. Limited review / guidance
    • High-level review and commentary (as needed) on financial reports, accounting treatment questions, and process or internal control considerations
    • Note: This does not include preparation, audit, or formal sign-off.

Explicit exclusions

To ensure clarity and avoid scope ambiguity, the following are not included unless separately agreed:

  • Bookkeeping or transaction entry
  • Payroll processing
  • Tax return preparation or filing
  • Audit, review, or compilation services
  • Direct communication with multiple staff members
  • Real-time / on-demand availability

Communication structure

All communication flows through: [Designated Contact Name/Role]

Questions will be organized, non-urgent unless specified, and consolidated before sending.

Expected response time: [e.g., 24–72 hours, mutually agreed]

Engagement structure (flexible options)

We are open to structuring this engagement in a way that aligns with your firm’s preferences, including:

  • Monthly retainer (preferred)
  • Hourly billing with monthly cap
  • Prepaid hour bank

Estimated level of effort

Anticipated usage: [e.g., 2–6 hours per month]

Designed to be predictable, low-interruption, and well-scoped.

Objective

To establish a professional, clearly defined advisory relationship that minimizes administrative burden on the CPA, provides the client with reliable access to expert guidance, and maintains appropriate professional boundaries and risk management.

Next steps

If this structure aligns with your practice, we would welcome a brief introductory call to discuss fit, expectations, and pricing.