Agree what is moving and from which date
Write down the entity, financial year and services being transferred. Bookkeeping, GST, income tax and company filings may have different completion positions. Identify who handles work already in progress so a task is neither missed nor performed twice. A statutory auditor change has separate appointment and professional requirements; this operational checklist does not complete that process.
Preserve the original accounting records
Keep an untouched backup before corrections begin, together with readable trial balance and ledger exports. Record the accounting software, period covered and latest entry date. If more than one file or branch exists, list each one. A summary spreadsheet may help the discussion but should not be the only surviving record of the books.
- Accounting backup and agreed exports
- Prior signed financial statements and supporting schedules
- Bank statements and reconciliation workings
- Customer, supplier, loan and fixed-asset details
Record the actual filing position
Build a period-wise list of filings with acknowledgements where available. Separately identify pending filings, payments, notices and questions. Do not assume that payment of a professional invoice proves a statutory filing is complete. Ask what evidence exists and what still needs to be obtained.
Explain opening balances and unresolved items
An unexplained customer, supplier or suspense balance can follow the business into the next year. Hand over the supporting invoices, settlement workings and management explanations. Keep disputed or unsupported items visible for review. The incoming team should understand the evidence before proposing changes; matching a total is not enough.
Set up a secure, clear working arrangement
Agree the document channel, point of contact, responsibilities and fees for reviewing historical records. Keep account ownership and recovery details under the business’s control. Do not place passwords or OTPs in a public enquiry form. Ask the incoming professional which access method is appropriate and how the handover will be acknowledged.
Your preparation checklist
Tick what you already have. You can still contact us if something is missing.
Examples are illustrative. General guidance, not a conclusion on your particular facts. Requirements and available routes should be checked for your business and period.