Separate earned work from customer cash
A retainer or advance can relate to future obligations, while completed work may remain unbilled. The accounting policy and contract terms determine recognition. We maintain the supporting schedule so the accountant can review the difference.
Purchase-order limits, client approvals and recoverable expenses belong with the engagement record. A cost incurred by the firm is not automatically an amount the customer has agreed to reimburse.
Give recurring costs a review point
Software, subcontractors and shared staff can grow gradually without a clear owner. Monthly reports can show those commitments beside collections and upcoming payroll. Taxable bookkeeping and other affected professional-service purchases also need the correct dated PST treatment.
Illustrative example: a client approval holds up billing
A Surrey design consultant completes a $9,500 stage but needs the customer’s revised purchase order. The billing queue identifies that action separately from the $6,000 already invoiced and overdue. Combining the two as overdue receivables would prompt the wrong conversation.
Questions about this work
Can you prepare unbilled-work schedules?
Yes, using the agreed method and engagement evidence. Recognition and valuation policy remain the accountant’s responsibility.
Are you providing regulated trust-account services?
That requires a separately verified scope. General operating bookkeeping does not imply authority to handle regulated client money.
Put this into practice
Sources and current guidance
A practical next step
Bring the records you have.
We can identify missing information, agree on the scope and organize the next bookkeeping step.
Request a bookkeeping review