Screen CAM matters in 30 minutes
This first call checks fit.
Screen the matter before discussing tools. Check sources, scope, dates, and decision rights.
The IIA skills guide links skills to roles. It can help assign review work. See the IIA guide.
Use this 30-minute agenda
| Time | Topic | Required answer |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 4 | Matter identity | Client, property, and parties |
| 4 to 9 | Documents | Sources held and missing |
| 9 to 13 | Contract scope | Lease period and amendments |
| 13 to 17 | Rights window | Lease deadline and notice status |
| 17 to 21 | Materiality | Client decision and amount at issue |
| 21 to 25 | Authority | Who approves scope and delivery |
| 25 to 28 | Conflicts | What checks remain |
| 28 to 30 | Next gate | One approved outcome |
SmartPath treats first calls as set steps. Its call guide supports that plan. It does not set audit rules.
Request these files
| File | Purpose | Stop condition |
|---|---|---|
| Signed lease | Defines charge terms | Signature is missing |
| Amendments | Changes original terms | Version set is unclear |
| CAM statement | Shows billed lines | Period is unclear |
| Payment history | Shows amounts paid | Records do not tie |
| Landlord backup | Supports line items | Backup remains missing |
| Prior messages | Shows prior notices | Custody is unclear |
Ask the core questions
- Who holds each original source?
- Which lease period applies?
- Are all amendments present?
- What deadline does the lease state?
- Which client decision needs support?
- Who may approve the work?
- What conflicts require review?
Example evidence hold
Assume the prospect sends a base lease. They mention later amendments. None are available.
Do not issue a proposal yet. Request the signed amendment set. Log the missing evidence and owner.
This is an example gate. It is not legal advice.
Run the call desk
Open one call record before the meeting. It should help the firm make a fit choice. It should not guess the answer.
Prepare the intake
| Field | What to capture | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Client | Legal name and main contact | Keeps the matter clear |
| Property | Address and site name | Stops location mix-ups |
| Parties | Tenant, landlord, and other advisers | Starts conflict review |
| Question | Client decision needing support | Sets the call goal |
| Period | Statement and lease period | Links facts to one term |
| Notice | Any message already sent | Shows the current record |
| Deadline | Date stated by the client | Flags a counsel question |
| Owner | Person who can approve scope | Prevents a weak handoff |
Send a short file list before the call. Use the document request SOP. Do not ask for a full data room yet.
Mark source status
Use three labels during the call. Mark a source as held, missing, or unclear. Do not call a file complete without checking it.
| Source | Held means | Missing means | Unclear means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lease | Signed copy is present | No copy is present | Signature or version is unclear |
| Amendments | Signed set is present | Client reports none held | Later change may exist |
| Statement | Period and lines are readable | No statement is present | Period or page is missing |
| Backup | Support can be traced | Support was not supplied | Source or total does not tie |
| Messages | Prior notices are saved | No notice was sent | Sender or date is unclear |
| Authority | Scope owner is named | No owner is known | Approval level needs review |
Keep the notes usable
Write facts in one list. Put open questions in a second list. Put law questions in a counsel list. This keeps a guess from looking like a fact.
| Note type | Example | Next owner |
|---|---|---|
| Observed fact | Statement shows one billed line | Staff records the page |
| Client report | Client recalls a later change | Client finds the signed copy |
| Math check | Total does not tie yet | Analyst repeats the math |
| Scope question | More sites may be involved | Partner sets the boundary |
| Legal question | Notice right needs review | Counsel gives legal guidance |
| Conflict item | Another party may be known | Firm completes its check |
Review the record with the quality control rubric. The call owner should be able to trace every next step.
Choose one gate
The end of the call needs one clear status. Do not blend several statuses into a soft maybe.
| Status | Use it when | Record next |
|---|---|---|
| Decline | Fit, conflict, or scope fails | Reason and close date |
| Evidence request | A named source blocks scope | File, owner, and due date |
| Scope draft | Core sources and authority pass | Work, fee, and reviewer |
| Counsel route | A legal answer blocks progress | Question and file set |
| Internal review | A senior choice remains | Reviewer and decision date |
After the call, send a plain recap. Name what the firm heard. Name what is missing. Name the one next gate.
Do not send a finding in that recap. Do not promise a result. The matter has only passed a fit screen.
Use the source meeting plan for the next evidence talk. Use the partner signoff sheet when work reaches review.
End with one outcome
- Decline the matter.
- Request named proof.
- Set the audit scope.
- Send legal questions to counsel.
The AICPA hosts its current rules page. Check the right rule for your firm.
Where CAMAudit fits
Once the matter passes, send the files.
The tool flags items and keeps source links.
Fixed rules keep math checks the same.
Forensic audit firms get a branded CAM audit.
Treat the dispute letter draft as a first pass. It is not legal advice. Have counsel review before sending.
Only accepted matters enter the firm's review-and-sign queue.
Build the next step
Start with Practice Growth and the contract audit plan. Find more tools on the accounting resource shelf. Use the service line checklist next. The webinar plan can bring in fit calls. Send accepted work to the review queue. Record each source in the proof chain.
The call accepts a matter. Open the service launch guide.
The call clears matter fit. Use the CPA firm page.