Which clients are a good fit?

Businesses with 5 to 100 people where someone spends hours a week retyping, matching or chasing things. If you've ever thought "they really should automate that," that's the client.

Do we have to sell anything?

No. An introduction is enough. We'll be honest with your client, including when automation isn't worth it for them.

What do we get when a client doesn't buy?

Nothing is owed, and nothing changes with your client. There's no cost or obligation to your firm either way.

Can we see what you're doing in our client's books?

Yes. Everything we do in their books is recorded under our own user, and we'll walk you through any automation that affects your work.

For accountants and bookkeepers

Refer a client. Earn 10% for as long as they stay.

You see every client's manual mess before anyone else does. Send them to us and we pay your firm 10% of everything that client pays us, every month they remain a client. Not a one-time thank-you.

Become a referral partner See the disclosure letter

How a referral works

You make one introduction. We do the rest and keep you informed.

You introduce us
An email to your client with us copied, or send them to the booking page and ask them to mention your firm. Either way, the introduction is recorded in writing.
We take it from there
A free 20-minute call, then a review if it makes sense. You're copied on anything that touches the chart of accounts or how the books are kept.
You're paid every quarter
A statement listing each referred client and what they paid, with your 10%, within 30 days of each quarter's end.

The terms, in full

10% of gross fees paid by each client you refer: reviews, builds and monthly plans, before tax.
For the life of the account. As long as the client is current with us, you're paid. If they leave and come back within 12 months, it picks up again.
Paid quarterly by e-transfer in Canada or ACH in the US, in the currency the client pays.
The first written introduction counts. If two firms refer the same client, the earlier introduction gets the fee.
A one-page partner agreement sets this out. No minimums, no exclusivity, no cost to join.

What we won't do

Offer your client accounting, bookkeeping, tax or advisory work. Ever.
Change how the books are structured without you.
Recommend another accountant or bookkeeper.
Contact your clients without your introduction.

Cleaner, more complete records make your engagement easier, not smaller.

Your professional rules

Most accounting bodies allow referral fees for non-assurance clients, provided the client is told in writing. In Canada that's covered by the provincial CPA codes, such as Rule 216 in Ontario. In the US, by the AICPA Code's rules on commissions and referral fees, and your state board's.

We don't pay referral fees on clients for whom your firm performs audits, reviews or other assurance or attest work. Introduce those clients if it helps them, but there's no fee.
We give you a disclosure letter, below, that names the arrangement and how the fee is calculated.
Bookkeepers who aren't members of a professional body are welcome too. The disclosure letter is still good practice.

This is a summary to help you check, not legal advice. Your own body's code is what governs.

The disclosure letter

Copy it, put it on your letterhead, and send it with your introduction.

Dear [client name],

I'm recommending Workflow Clerk to help automate some of the routine administrative work in your business, such as [for example, entering supplier bills].

So that you have the full picture: [firm name] has a referral arrangement with Workflow Clerk. If you become their client, they will pay [firm name] a referral fee of 10% of the fees you pay them, for as long as you remain their client. This does not change what you pay Workflow Clerk.

Workflow Clerk is an independent business. [Firm name] does not supervise their work and is not responsible for it. You are free to choose any provider, or none, and this recommendation does not affect our engagement with you in any way.

If you have any questions about this arrangement, please ask me.

[Your name]
[Firm name]

Partner questions

Which clients are a good fit?: Businesses with 5 to 100 people where someone spends hours a week retyping, matching or chasing things. If you've ever thought "they really should automate that," that's the client.
Do we have to sell anything?: No. An introduction is enough. We'll be honest with your client, including when automation isn't worth it for them.
What do we get when a client doesn't buy?: Nothing is owed, and nothing changes with your client. There's no cost or obligation to your firm either way.
Can we see what you're doing in our client's books?: Yes. Everything we do in their books is recorded under our own user, and we'll walk you through any automation that affects your work.

Become a referral partner

Tell us a little about your firm. We'll reply within one business day with the one-page agreement and a time to talk, if you'd like one.

Or email hello@workflowclerk.com.