Ohio accounting independent contractor agreement template

Ohio Accounting Independent Contractor Agreement

This Accounting Independent Contractor Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of this [Date] day of [Month], [Year], by and between:

• [Client Legal Name], with a business address at [Client Business Address], Ohio, and Ohio Business Registration Number (if applicable) [Client Business Registration Number], hereinafter referred to as the “Client,”
• and
• [Contractor Legal Name], with a business address at [Contractor Business Address], Ohio, and CPA License Number (if applicable) [Contractor CPA License Number], hereinafter referred to as the “Contractor.”

1. Scope of Services

The Contractor agrees to perform the following accounting services for the Client:

• Option A: Bookkeeping services, including but not limited to [Specific Bookkeeping Tasks]. Deliverables: Monthly reconciliation reports delivered by the [Day] of each month.
• Option B: Ohio tax compliance and filings, including [Specify Ohio Tax Types, e.g., sales tax, commercial activity tax]. Deliverables: All required tax returns filed electronically by applicable deadlines.
• Option C: Payroll processing for [Number] employees. Deliverables: Accurate and timely payroll reports, tax filings, and W-2s compliant with Ohio and federal regulations.
• Option D: Financial statement preparation, including [Specify Financial Statements, e.g., Balance Sheet, Income Statement]. Deliverables: Prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) by [Date].
• Option E: Audit support, including [Specify Audit Support Tasks]. Deliverables: Documentation and assistance as reasonably requested by the Client's auditor.
• Option F: Internal controls review, including [Specify areas reviewed]. Deliverables: Written report on internal control weaknesses and recommendations for improvement by [Date].
• Option G: Business Consulting related to [Specify consulting area]. Deliverables: Written report with recommendations by [Date].

2. Location and Mode of Work

The services will be performed:

• Option A: Remotely.
• Option B: At the Client's site located at [Client Business Address], Ohio.
• Option C: Hybrid - both remotely and at the Client’s site. The Contractor will be on-site [Number] days per week/month.

The Contractor agrees to comply with all Client security protocols for accessing financial records and electronic systems. The contractor will comply with Ohio data security laws and IRS confidentiality guidelines. The Contractor may be required to travel to the Client's premises. Approved travel expenses will be reimbursed as per Section 4.

3. Independent Contractor Status

• The Contractor is an independent contractor and not an employee of the Client.
• Option A: The Contractor is solely responsible for all applicable Ohio and federal self-employment taxes, licensing, and insurance.
• Option B: Contractor confirms they maintain workers compensation insurance as required under Ohio Law

The Contractor acknowledges that the Client will not withhold any taxes from payments made to the Contractor, except as required by law. The Contractor affirms they are responsible for maintaining professional liability/E&O insurance. The Contractor is free to perform services for other clients, provided it does not create a conflict of interest with the Client.

4. Compensation and Expenses

The Client will compensate the Contractor as follows:

• Option A: Hourly rate of [Dollar Amount] per hour.
• Option B: Retainer fee of [Dollar Amount] per month.
• Option C: Per-project fee of [Dollar Amount] for [Description of Project].
• Option D: By deliverable, as follows: [Specify Deliverables and Associated Fees].

Invoices will be submitted [Frequency, e.g., monthly, upon completion] and must include supporting documentation. Payment is due within [Number] days of invoice receipt. Late payments will accrue interest at a rate of [Percentage]% per month, as permitted by Ohio law. Approved expenses, such as travel, will be reimbursed upon submission of receipts. Sales tax, if applicable, will be handled as per Ohio law.

5. Intellectual Property

• All reports, workpapers, and deliverables created by the Contractor for the Client shall be the exclusive property of the Client.
• Client financial data and records remain the exclusive property of the Client.

6. Confidentiality and Data Protection

• The Contractor agrees to keep all Client information confidential and comply with all applicable Ohio and federal privacy statutes, including the Ohio Data Protection Act.
• The Contractor shall not disclose any Client information to any third party without the Client's prior written consent.
• Upon termination of this Agreement, the Contractor will promptly return or destroy all Client data and information in accordance with the Client's instructions.

7. Term and Termination

• This Agreement shall commence on [Start Date] and continue until [End Date], unless terminated earlier as provided herein.
• Option A: Either party may terminate this Agreement for cause upon [Number] days written notice. Cause includes but is not limited to breach of contract, negligence, or violation of professional standards.
• Option B: Either party may terminate this Agreement without cause upon [Number] days written notice.

Upon termination, the Contractor will provide a final reconciliation and handover all Client records.

8. Breach and Indemnification

• In the event of a breach of this Agreement by the Contractor, the Contractor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Client from any and all losses, damages, and expenses arising from such breach.
• The Contractor's liability under this Agreement shall be limited to [Dollar Amount].

9. Compliance and Quality of Work

• The Contractor shall adhere to all applicable Ohio Board of Accountancy rules and AICPA/NASBA standards.
• The Contractor shall comply with all applicable anti-fraud, anti-money laundering, and continuing professional education requirements as mandated in Ohio.
• The Contractor warrants that all services will be performed in a professional and competent manner.

10. Conflicts of Interest and Non-Solicitation

• The Contractor shall disclose any potential conflicts of interest with Ohio-based businesses to the Client.
• Option A: During the term of this Agreement and for a period of [Number] months following its termination, the Contractor shall not solicit the Client's employees or customers located in Ohio.
• Option B: This agreement does not include a non-solicitation clause.

11. Assignment and Delegation

The Contractor shall not assign or delegate any of its obligations under this Agreement without the Client's prior written consent.

12. Dispute Resolution

• Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved through good faith negotiation.
• If negotiation fails, the parties agree to submit the dispute to mediation in [City], Ohio.
• If mediation fails, the parties agree to submit the dispute to binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

13. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

• This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.
• The exclusive jurisdiction and venue for any legal action arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be the state and federal courts located in [County] County, Ohio.

14. Document Retention and Cooperation

• The Contractor agrees to retain all workpapers and documentation related to the services performed under this Agreement in accordance with the Ohio Board of Accountancy’s guidance.
• The Contractor shall cooperate fully with the Client in the event of any audit or regulatory inquiry.

15. Compliance with Client Policies

The Contractor agrees to comply with any Client-specific internal control or ethical policies provided to the Contractor.

16. Representations and Warranties

The Contractor represents and warrants that they possess all necessary qualifications, licenses, and certifications to perform the services under this Agreement in Ohio.

17. Licenses and Certifications

The Contractor represents that they maintain all professional licenses and certifications required in Ohio during the contract.

18. Entire Agreement and Amendments

• This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof.
• This Agreement may be amended only by a writing signed by both parties. The agreement will be reviewed every [Time Period].

19. Electronic Signatures

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Facsimile or electronic signatures shall be deemed equivalent to original signatures.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

____________________________

[Client Legal Name]

By: [Client Signature]

Name: [Client Printed Name]

Title: [Client Title]

____________________________

[Contractor Legal Name]

By: [Contractor Signature]

Name: [Contractor Printed Name]

Title: [Contractor Title]