There are many factors for accountants to consider to improve risk management within their firm but here are some key suggestions for reducing your exposure to professional indemnity claims.
Issue engagement letters and follow the terms they contain.
Confirm all new instructions in writing and keep the client abreast of the costs. Make it clear what you will advise on and what you won’t advise on.
Record and follow up all advice in writing.
Keep clear notes of all key meetings and conversations.
Ensure your own diary system is kept up to date and have a centralised diary so that if an employee is absent their work will be picked up. Missed deadlines are still the cause of many professional indemnity claims.
Advise clients of the risks if they fail to meet deadlines. Missed tax deadlines are a key area of concern.
Keep up to date with trends and developments in your area of expertise.
Don’t advise on subjects you are not familiar with.
Don’t get too close to your clients as relationships quickly fall apart if problems arise. Likewise, ensure you vet all new clients - if a potential client has changed accountants regularly then there is usually a reason for it.
Carry out regular file audits and peer reviews; this should be done up to senior partner level.
Make sure that there are adequate financial controls in place. The ICAEW has both a Finance and Management Faculty and a Financial Services Faculty which provide relevant information and reports. Keeping up to date in this area is an important aspect of good risk management..
Have a clear procedure for dealing with conflicts of interest.
Have clearly defined IT and document management policies. Ask yourself: Do you have adequate security measures in place? Is there an internet use policy? And are electronic files and memory sticks secured from unauthorised access?
Know your professional indemnity policy. The ICAEW website contains copies of the minimum approved policy wordings together with notes detailing any changes to the minimum wording. Also, be aware of your claims reporting obligations under the policy and make sure that all staff are aware of their duty to report potential claims and circumstances which may give rise to a claim.
Make sure that the activities you carry out are covered by your professional indemnity policy. If you are engaging in different areas of business or dealing with clients in foreign jurisdictions make sure that your professional indemnity policy will respond if a claim is made against you.
Take full advantage of the support provided to you by the ICAEW. Their website contains a wealth of information on professional indemnity insurance ranging from providing a list of the participating insurers to what to do if you cease practicing, or need to enter the assigned risks pool. The website also has very detailed notes on managing your exposure to professional liability.
Finally, it is worth emphasising how important good risk management is. Dealing with a professional indemnity claim can be costly and time consuming and most insurers will require you to be actively involved in the process. If a claim goes to mediation or trial you could be looking at hundreds of working hours being lost and in this economic climate that is not an appealing prospect.
To find out more about how risk management can help your business please call 0117 929 3344 or email enquiry.professions@bluefingroup.co.uk, alternatively arrange a meeting with one of our risk management specialists.
Return to news list
