Why am I signing an Engagement Agreement?
It is a requirement of our professional association (The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia & New Zealand) that all work undertaken is covered by an up-to-date and relevant Engagement Agreement detailing the scope of services/work to be done, terms & conditions and a breakdown of the fees for these services.
Why do you want a Digital signature?
Electronic signatures are a far more efficient way to collect your Engagement Agreement and allow you to sign anywhere without the use of a printer, paper or scanner saving time. This process automates the document flow and stores documents electronically not to mention being environmentally friendly.
Can I print and sign this proposal manually?
While we’d prefer that you sign the proposal with the digital signature tool, if you really want to you can print a copy of this proposal by clicking on the “view PDF” link in the bottom right of the “terms” section of your online Engagement Agreement and print and sign and then scan and return. We would of course highly encourage you to sign the document electronically to save time, simplify and automate this process as well as being environmentally friendly.
Do I get a copy of the signed/approved Engagement Agreement for my own records?
Yes, as soon as you sign and accept your agreement, you will be emailed a copy of the Engagement Agreement as a downloadable PDF for you to store wherever you like.
What if I need you to change the proposal before I accept it?
No problem. Just let us know using the “Ask a Question” button on the on-line Engagement Services Platform home page and we will be able to make changes to your proposal and re-send it to you for your further review and approval before you accept.
Why does the email look different to the ones I normally receive from you?
The email containing a link to your electronic Engagement proposal is sent directly from our “Practice Ignition” workflow management software and not through our Outlook client email system. This email has our branding, but is a system generated no reply email address “no-reply@practiceignition.com”. If you wish to reply back to us on the proposal, then please use the “Ask a Question” button on the Engagement Services Platform home page and leave your comment/query or alternatively send an email to your account manager. We will reply to your query by reply email and if needed update the Engagement proposal and re-send to you.
What does the Payment Summary mean?
The summary shows you:
- The services we will perform for you during the period of Engagement as stated on your online Engagement Agreement (click on each service to expand them for more detail).
- The fee for each service in the Engagement Agreement (included services)
- How frequently you will be asked to pay for the services performed
What does On Completion mean?
The fees for these services will be collected once you have received the documents been notified and agreed, and that the work is complete and finalised.
What does “Recurring” mean?
The fees for these services will be collected once a month on the first day of the month throughout the Engagement Agreement services period as set out in the Payment Summary
What does “On Acceptance” mean?
Services under “On Acceptance” will be invoiced and collected on your accepting the Engagement Agreement. Please note under an “On Acceptance” proposal you must enter you payment details.
E-COMMERCE AUTO PAYMENT OPTION (If Selected)
Why are you asking for payment details?
As part of our new Engagement proposal system we will issue on-line engagement proposals and invoices and this process will automate and streamline our job management, workflow, documentation, invoicing, collections and reconciliation processes. For you the process is much simpler and easier to follow with the services being detailed with a breakdown of costs for these services and the invoice and payment process thereafter being automated. You will only have to re-enter details if you wish to change your personal information.
Will I have to enter my payment details?
Yes and the process is quite simple. You simply enter your bank or credit card details once and we will take care of all the invoicing and payments meaning you don’t have to set up any direct debits or attend to EFT payment of individual invoices. Please note you will receive copies of all invoices and receipts for payment so there is complete transparency of the transactions. It also means no awkward phone calls from us re overdue invoices. This process automates the invoicing and payment processes in line with the signed Engagement Agreement.
How are my payment details stored? Is the payment system safe?
When you enter your payment information it is stored securely and safely in compliance with PCI DSS standards (bank level security and in an encrypted format). There is no manual storing by us or by Practice Ignition of your bank account details. No one has access to your payment details including us. Our payment system provides a secure automated direct payment system which will automatically collect one time (ie for on completion jobs) or monthly payments (ie for annual engagement fees paid over 12 months).
Can I change the payment method anytime?
Yes you can. Please contact us if needed and we would be happy to help you. Please note we collect payment for monthly services on the first day of each month. If you wish to change your payment method and you are on monthly instalments then please contact us at least 24 prior to the first of the month to ensure your next monthly payment will be taken from your preferred payment method.