Start every client relationship on the right foot.
This simple checklist will help you confidently onboard new clients — making the process easier for your team and smoother for your clients.
Why Onboarding Matters More Than You Think
A clear, structured onboarding process builds trust from day one. When your client knows what to expect — and your team knows what to do — it sets the tone for a long, professional, and productive relationship.
Tidyflow’s checklist approach gives you:
- Consistency across all new clients
- Less back-and-forth chasing documents
- Clear roles and responsibilities
- Faster turnaround time
- A better client experience
What’s Included in the Client Onboarding Checklist
This checklist covers every major step in the onboarding process — from first contact to getting everything up and running. It’s fully customizable to fit your unique workflow, service offering, or client type.
📋 The Checklist: Step-by-Step
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Welcome & Introduction
☐ Send a warm, personalised welcome email
☐ Share what they can expect next (with a clear timeline)
☐ Provide contact details for their main point of contact
☐ Send and collect the signed engagement letter -
Collect Key Info & Documents
☐ Request business details (names, entity type, etc.)
☐ Ask for access to previous records (Xero, QuickBooks, etc.)
☐ Set up secure file sharing and upload links
☐ Confirm what services you’ll be handling -
Set Things Up Internally
☐ Create their profile or workspace in Tidyflow
☐ Assign internal team members to the client
☐ Add the client to your shared calendar or task board
☐ Set up automations or recurring reminders (if needed) -
Tools & Access
☐ Invite them to your client portal (if applicable)
☐ Provide any login credentials or tool links
☐ Walk them through how to upload files or complete tasks
☐ Answer any tech or setup-related questions -
Schedule a Kickoff
☐ Book a 15–30 min call to walk through the process
☐ Go over expectations, communication frequency, and deliverables
☐ Let them know how to reach you if they need support
☐ Share what’s coming next (first milestone or deadline) -
Final Touches & Follow-Up
☐ Double-check that everything has been submitted
☐ Send a “you’re all set” email confirming onboarding is complete
☐ Move them into their ongoing workflow
☐ Gather internal notes or lessons learned from the process
Make It Your Own in Tidyflow
This checklist is flexible. Use it as-is, or tweak it to fit:
- New vs returning clients
- Different services (bookkeeping, tax, advisory)
- Monthly vs once-off engagements
- Solo practitioners or large firm workflows
With Tidyflow, you can easily turn your checklist into a repeatable workflow — assign tasks, set deadlines, automate reminders, and collaborate with your team or clients all in one place.