Initial Review
Every engagement begins with an Initial Review of your bookkeeping, filings, records and government accounts. We identify outstanding issues and define the work required.
A complete picture of your current position
The review establishes what is current, what is missing and what requires follow-up.
- Bookkeeping records
- Prior tax returns
- GST/HST and QST accounts (where applicable)
- Payroll accounts (where applicable)
- CRA and Revenu Québec correspondence
- Corporate records (if incorporated)
- Accounting software review
- Outstanding filing obligations
- PSB risk screening, where relevant
Every business has a different history
Prior tax returns may have errors. Government accounts may carry outstanding balances or unresolved correspondence. Bookkeeping may be incomplete or categorized incorrectly. Corporate records may not reflect the current ownership or officer structure. These are common situations, not exceptional ones.
The review gives us a factual basis for defining scope, priorities and fees.
It also protects you. Starting an engagement without a clear picture of the file means pricing based on assumptions. The Initial Review replaces assumptions with facts.
What to expect after you submit your documents
The Initial Review is completed after all requested documents have been received. If we are not the right fit, you still receive a written findings summary at the conclusion of the review.
Start with a 15-minute introduction
The Initial Review begins after a 15-minute introduction. In that conversation, we discuss your business, your current accounting and tax situation, and whether this is the right fit to work together. If we decide to proceed, we send a document checklist and a short engagement agreement for the review.
Book a 15-minute introductionFrequently asked questions
How is this different from the complimentary review?
The complimentary review is a high-level second opinion. The Initial Review is a more detailed onboarding assessment used to define scope and next steps.
Why review the file before ongoing work begins?
To establish actual obligations, risks and priorities before agreeing on ongoing work.
What documents are required for the Initial Review?
The Initial Review typically requires bookkeeping records, prior tax returns, CRA account access, government correspondence, and corporate records where applicable. After the 15-minute introduction, we send a specific document checklist based on your business structure and situation.
What happens after the Initial Review?
We agree on scope and fees, then organize agreed actions and upcoming obligations in the Client Workspace.