The documents and information will vary with the different businesses depending on the accounting software systems; whether the accountant has online access to the data file, type of accounting engagement (review or non-review) etc.
Your accountant may send you a letter around the time of your fiscal year end outlining the documents and information. If not, then a telephone call would be feasible.
A general guide would be as follows:
- Copy of incorporation documents for new companies
- Copy of the prior year’s financial statements and tax returns if applicable and your business had another accountant.
- Copy of trial balance (PDF format and printout) used for discussion with accountant.
- Copy of general ledger activity for year (PDF)
- Bank reconciliations
- Accounts receivable listing (note any doubtful or bad accounts)
- Accounts payable listing
- Note any owner contributions to business during year (cash and other assets)
- Copy of documentation regarding purchase of new equipment during the year along with related financing documents.
- Details of any equipment disposed during the year.
- Details of any new bank loans acquired during fiscal year
- Copy of all CRA correspondence during the year including the balances in all tax accounts.
- Any changes in ownership (new shareholders)
- Any changes in mailing addresses and business addresses.