Client Onboarding for Accountants
Tax returns, engagement letters, identity documents — the intake process for a new accounting client involves sensitive data and strict deadlines. Portico collects everything in one secure flow, so you can start the engagement instead of chasing paperwork.
You need W-2s, bank statements, prior year returns, and ID verification. Clients send some via email, forget others, and text you a photo of their driver's license.
Clients email tax documents, share passwords in plain text, and drop Social Security numbers into unencrypted forms. You know it's a compliance risk, but your current workflow does not offer a better option.
You send the intake form in one tool, the engagement letter in DocuSign, and the fee schedule in a third. Three touchpoints for the client, three tools for you to manage.
January through April, you're onboarding dozens of clients simultaneously. The manual intake process that works for 3 clients per month collapses at 30.
Intake questionnaire, document uploads, engagement letter signature, and retainer payment in a single encrypted flow. Clients complete everything in one session.
AES-256 encryption, tamper-proof audit trail, GDPR-ready consent flows. Sensitive documents are handled with the security your profession demands.
Individual filers see different questions than business entities. New clients get the full intake; returning clients confirm what's changed.
Item-specific reminders: "You still need to upload your prior year return and sign the engagement letter." Handles 30 clients as easily as 3.
Filter by status, deadline, or client type. See exactly which documents are outstanding without checking email.
How it works
Pre-built with intake questionnaire, document checklist, engagement letter signature, and fee collection. Customize for your firm in 5 minutes.
Branded email with a magic link. No account creation needed. The client clicks and begins.
Forms, documents, signatures, and payments — all encrypted, all in one flow. Auto-save means they can close and resume anytime.
Dashboard shows who's complete, who's stalled, and what's still needed. Automated reminders handle the follow-up.
Features
Request tax returns, bank statements, ID verification, and formation documents. Type restrictions, multi-file uploads, per-file approve/reject.
Engagement letters and consent forms signed inline. Legally binding, timestamped, stored with the client record. No separate DocuSign needed.
Conditional logic shows the right questions for each client type. Individual, sole proprietor, LLC, S-Corp — one template handles all.
Item-specific follow-up emails until every document is submitted. Configurable sequences that handle seasonal volume without manual effort.
Consent flows, encrypted storage, audit trail, data export, and right to erasure. Built for professionals who handle regulated client data.
Onboard clients in 9 languages across 46 countries. Serve international clients without language barriers.
Pre-built with intake questionnaire, document checklist, engagement letter, and fee collection. Customize for your firm in 5 minutes.
Use the Accounting TemplateStart free. Send your first secure onboarding in under 10 minutes.
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