CPA CAM handoff scripts
This short note joins two people.
Use it after the client agrees. Name each person's role. State what files may follow.
CAS uses data to back the firm's advice.
This CPA.com guide explains that scope.
This page gives no legal answers.
Pick the right route
| Trigger | First route | CPA role |
|---|---|---|
| Legal rights question | Counsel | Supply facts and workpapers |
| Renewal or market issue | Tenant broker | Supply cost facts |
| Mixed legal and market issue | Joint introduction | Define separate roles |
An older ethics paper splits client privacy, files, handoffs, and fees. Check current state rules before sending.
Counsel-first script
Subject: Meet CAM counsel
Jordan, you asked to meet Lee. Lee handles lease law. Our firm will give accounting facts only.
The CAM statement has changed. We have no legal answer. No one pays us for this handoff.
Lee, please confirm your scope first. We will send approved files after your reply.
Broker-first script
Subject: Meet a lease broker
Jordan, you asked to meet Morgan. Morgan helps clients with lease terms. Our firm will keep the CAM work.
The client wants facts before a lease talk. No one pays us for this handoff.
Morgan, please confirm your role. We will send approved facts after client consent.
Joint script
Subject: Meet the CAM team
Jordan asked for this team. Lee will take legal questions. Morgan will take lease talks.
Our firm will give the workpapers. We will not give legal advice. No one pays us for these handoffs.
Each person should confirm scope. Then Jordan can approve any file release.
Use this release list
| Check | Required answer |
|---|---|
| Client consent | Written approval exists |
| Recipient scope | Each role is confirmed |
| File set | Only needed files are listed |
| Privilege | Counsel decides its handling |
| Conflicts | Each professional checks them |
| Compensation | None tied to the introduction |
An old scope article warns about mixed CPA and legal roles. Use that lesson only. Check current rules yourself.
Example stop
Assume a client sees a sharp CAM jump.
The CPA has the statement.
The client has not said yes to file sharing.
Stop before the handoff. Ask for written consent first. Do not send the lease or answers.
Run the handoff desk
Open one handoff record after the client says yes. This record keeps each role clear. It also shows what the CPA sent.
Log the intake
| Field | What to record | Owner check |
|---|---|---|
| Client request | The help the client asked for | Quote the request |
| CPA role | Facts and workpapers the firm will supply | Name the CPA owner |
| Counsel role | Legal questions counsel may take | Counsel confirms scope |
| Broker role | Market or lease talks the broker may take | Broker confirms scope |
| Consent | Date and words of client approval | Keep the written note |
| Payment | Any fee tied to the handoff | State none when true |
| Conflict check | Each outside review still needed | Name each open check |
| File owner | Person who can release each file | Keep one owner list |
Do not treat a reply-all message as full consent. The note should name each person. It should also name the files.
Build the file list
Start with the smallest useful set. A broker may need cost facts. Counsel may need the signed lease. The CPA should not send every file by habit.
| File | Why it may help | Release test |
|---|---|---|
| Signed lease | Shows the base charge terms | Client named this file |
| Amendments | Show later changes | The full signed set exists |
| CAM statement | Shows billed lines and period | The period is clear |
| Backup | Shows support already received | Client may share it |
| Workpaper | Shows the CPA fact trail | Partner approved the draft |
| Prior message | Shows a past request or reply | No private item is hidden |
Check the document request SOP first. Then send the files. Mark each missing item as a gap. Do not fill gaps from memory.
Confirm each handoff
The new adviser should accept the role in writing. Then the CPA can send the approved set. Keep the acceptance with the client note.
| Gate | Pass | Hold |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Adviser accepts the named work | Role still sounds broad |
| Consent | Client approved person and files | Approval covers only a call |
| Conflict | Adviser cleared the next step | Check remains open |
| Custody | File source and owner are known | Copy has no clear source |
| Deadline | Owner logged any known date | Date still needs legal review |
| Message | CPA facts stay separate from advice | Roles mix in one answer |
If one gate fails, pause that part only. The client can still meet the adviser. The files should wait.
Close the record
Save the consent, role replies, sent-file list, and final note together. Add the date of each send. Add the name of each sender.
The CPA should also note the next owner. Counsel may own a legal question. A broker may own a market talk. The CPA still owns the accounting facts.
Check the partner signoff sheet. Then send the CAM work. The client scope guide can shape the next review.
Ask five close questions:
- Did the client approve each person?
- Did each person accept one clear role?
- Did the file list match the consent?
- Did the CPA avoid legal answers?
- Is the next owner named?
Where CAMAudit fits
CAMAudit supports the firm's later review. It does not make or pay for handoffs.
The new adviser says yes.
The CPA keeps the CAM role.
The tool flags items. It cites sources.
Accounting firms get a branded CAM audit.
Review each dispute letter draft before use. It is not legal advice. Have counsel review before sending.
The partner firm reviews and signs the final branded report.
The handoff record starts the firm's review-and-sign gate.
Related guides
A clean handoff names the next owner. Practice Growth maps the full growth path. The accounting firm plan keeps the CPA in charge. The CPA resource shelf holds the supporting tools. Use the service line checklist before the firm takes a new file.
Use the newsletter calendar for email. Use the LinkedIn calendar for posts. Check the capacity plan before intake grows.
See the white-label audit guide. The service launch guide covers the full offer.
Return the handoff to CPA work. Use the firm page.