Freelance bookkeeping contract template

This agreement is made on [Date] between [Your Name / Business Name] (the "Contractor") and [Client Name / Company] (the "Client").

The Contractor is an independent contractor, not an employee of the Client.

The Contractor will maintain the Client's books in [QuickBooks / Xero]: categorizing up to [number] transactions per month, reconciling [bank, card, and payment] accounts, and delivering a monthly report pack by the [15th].

Cleanup of periods before this agreement starts is a separate, one-time project quoted after review.

The Client provides statements, receipts, and answers to open questions by the [5th] of each month. The monthly close deadline moves day for day when materials arrive late.

The Contractor asks rather than guesses: uncategorized items the Client has not clarified after [two] reminders are parked in a holding account and flagged on the report.

The total fee for the work is [Amount]. A non-refundable deposit of [Amount or %] is due before work begins, and the balance is due [on delivery / per the schedule below].

Invoices are payable within [14] days. Late payments may incur a fee of [1.5%] per month on the outstanding balance.

Any expenses (stock assets, plugins, printing, travel) are billed to the Client at cost and agreed in advance.

Work outside the scope described above is not included. If the Client requests additional work, the Contractor will provide a written estimate, and that work begins once the Client approves it in writing.

The Client will provide all content, access, feedback, and approvals needed to complete the work, in a timely manner.

If the project is delayed by more than [30] days due to a lack of Client response or materials, the Contractor may pause the project and invoice for work completed to date.

The Client's financial information is confidential and is used only to perform this work. Confidentiality survives the end of this agreement.

The books and records belong to the Client and are exportable at any time, including on exit.

This engagement is bookkeeping only: it is not tax preparation, tax advice, audit, or legal advice. The Contractor will coordinate with the Client's accountant at year end.

Each party will keep the other's confidential information private and use it only to carry out this agreement.

The Contractor may show the finished work in a portfolio or case study unless the Client asks in writing to keep it private.

Either party may end this agreement with [14] days written notice. If the Client cancels, the deposit is non-refundable and the Client pays for all work completed up to the cancellation date.

If the Contractor cancels, any pre-paid amount for work not yet delivered is refunded.

The Contractor's total liability under this agreement is limited to the total fees paid by the Client. Neither party is liable for indirect or consequential losses.

The work is provided without warranties beyond those stated here.

The Contractor controls how and when the work is done, uses their own tools, and is responsible for their own taxes and insurance. Nothing here creates an employment, partnership, or agency relationship.

This agreement is governed by the laws of [Your State / Country]. Any dispute will be handled in the courts of that location.

Contractor: ______________________________ Date: ____________

Client: __________________________________ Date: ____________