Becoming a client:
The process of joining

How long does the process of becoming a client take?

This all depends on whether or not you have an existing accountant, how quickly you can provide us with certain documents and whether there is a special need to accelerate the process.

If you have an existing accountant, there is a formal process to go through, which generally takes a month. This can be expedited if there is a real need and provided there is co-operation by all parties.

If you do not have an existing accountant, you are known to us, can provide us with and sign up all the initial paperwork, there is no reason the process can�t be concluded within the day.

What documentary evidence or references do you need for me to become a client?

We must comply with the law in relation to money laundering, which means that you will need to provide us with documentary evidence of identity and address. This normally takes the form of your passport and a utility bill but there are other forms of suitable evidence that we can discuss with you if this is a problem.

If you are not known to us we may wish to take references and we would normally take up a credit reference with a recognised agency. We may also ask for a payment on account.

Before we actively do any work for you we will prepare a formal letter of engagement, a copy of which will be sent or passed to you to be signed and returned.

We will ask you to sign a Communications Registration Form. This will enable you to choose whether and how you would like us to send you regular newsletters, technical bulletins or other literature, which we feel will be helpful to you.

There may be other documents and formalities to deal with if they are appropriate such as the agreement and signing of a Fixed Price Agreement and signing the letters of authority for us to deal with the Inland Revenue on your behalf. Apart from these matters, however, that is it in terms of evidence and references.

What is the situation if I already have an accountant and I want to join Cassons?

If you already have an accountant or adviser but you would like to move your affairs over to us there is a simple process to go through.

First of all, you should speak to them to advise that you are appointing us. This is not absolutely necessary but you may wish to do so as a matter of courtesy, and we recommend that you do for several reasons:

It will ensure that they do not start any further work on your behalf.

It will speed up the process.

You can establish at an early stage if and how much is outstanding in fees and explain that you will deal with this promptly.

We can then write officially to enquire if your adviser knows of any professional reason why we should not start to look after your affairs. At the same time, we will ask for the provision of the necessary paperwork and information to be passed over to us.

Under certain circumstances, your accountant is entitled to a lien on your records if work has been performed on them for which payment has not been made. We recommend therefore that you pay any outstanding fees immediately.

Provided this process is adhered to, a code of conduct exists by which we will be provided with the necessary information to enable a smooth transition of your affairs over to us.