Firm checklists and procedures in Cimplico Workpapers are fully customisable, giving you the flexibility to use them in a way that works best for your firm. However, adopting consistent best practices can help streamline workflows, improve review processes, and encourage uniformity across your team. Below are our recommendations for managing checklists and procedures effectively.
Key Best Practices
1. Split tasks into smaller, manageable items
Break down tasks into smaller procedure and checklist items to make them easier to manage and review.
❌ Don’t group together multiple actions. For instance:
“Attach bank statement and bank reconciliation report.”
✅ Instead split into individual tasks. For instance:
“Attach bank statement.”
“Attach bank reconciliation report.”
This approach ensures tasks are marked off as they’re individually completed, preventing delays and also making it easier to indicate if one task is not applicable.
2. Promote uniformity across your firm
While different managers or partners may have their preferences, avoid creating separate checklists and procedures for each person. Instead, aim for a standardised set of processes to encourage consistency across the firm.
✅ Use one checklist template and one procedure template for each job type for all partners and managers.
3. Use clear and consistent task wording
Write checklist and procedure items as actionable tasks to make them more digestible and easier to follow.
❌ Don’t write tasks as questions or use vague wording. For instance:
"Engagement Agreement"
“Has an engagement agreement been signed?”
✅ Instead:
“Ensure engagement agreement has been signed.”
Using consistent task-based wording ensures uniformity and improves clarity for everyone in your team.
4. Choose general, broad language where possible
Avoid overly specific language to make checklists and procedures reusable across different clients, years, and industries.
❌ Don’t:
“Ensure Superannuation Guarantee has been calculated at 11%.”
✅ Instead:
“Ensure Superannuation Guarantee has been calculated at the relevant rate set by the ATO for the financial year.”
This approach keeps your templates flexible and reduces the need to update them annually or for specific industries.
5. Adopt a mindset of continuous improvement
Checklists and procedures should evolve over time. If you or your reviewers frequently add the same items or points during a review, it’s a clear sign to incorporate them as a permanent checklist or procedure item.
✅ Regularly review and refine your templates to reflect your firm’s needs and improve efficiency.
Final Thoughts
By following these best practices, you can create streamlined, effective checklists and procedures that suit your firm’s workflows. While templates are fully customisable, a consistent and thoughtful approach will ensure they remain manageable and beneficial for your entire team.