Terms & Conditions
Professional service terms governing our relationship with clients. These terms ensure clarity, protect both parties, and maintain professional standards.
Last updated: September 1, 2025
Table of Contents
Acceptance of Terms
By engaging Messo & Associates for professional services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
Agreement Formation: These terms become effective upon:
- • Signing an engagement letter
- • Verbal agreement to proceed with services
- • Commencement of any professional services
- • Payment of fees or retainer
Professional Services
Core Services
- • Financial statement preparation and auditing
- • Tax preparation, planning, and compliance
- • Business registration and licensing
- • Bookkeeping and accounting services
- • Management consulting and training
Service Standards
- • Compliance with Kenya accounting standards
- • Adherence to CPA professional ethics
- • Timely delivery within agreed timeframes
- • Quality assurance and review processes
- • Continuing professional development
Professional Guarantee: All services are performed in accordance with applicable professional standards and regulatory requirements in Kenya.
Client Responsibilities
To ensure quality service delivery, clients are expected to fulfill the following responsibilities:
Information & Documentation
- • Provide accurate and complete financial records
- • Submit documents in a timely manner
- • Maintain organized books and records
- • Disclose all relevant business transactions
- • Notify us of changes affecting services
Compliance & Cooperation
- • Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
- • Respond promptly to requests for information
- • Provide access to relevant personnel
- • Implement recommended improvements
- • Make timely payments for services
Important: Failure to provide accurate information may result in service delays, additional fees, or termination of engagement.
Fees & Payment
Fee Structure
- • Hourly Rates: Based on complexity and seniority
- • Fixed Fees: For routine services and compliance
- • Retainer Fees: For ongoing advisory services
- • Project-Based: For specific engagements
Payment Terms
- • Due Date: Net 30 days from invoice date
- • Methods: Bank transfer, check, mobile money
- • Currency: Kenya Shillings (KES)
- • Late Fees: 2% per month on overdue amounts
Collection Policy: Overdue accounts may result in suspension of services and engagement of collection agencies. Client remains responsible for all collection costs.
Confidentiality
We maintain the highest standards of confidentiality in accordance with professional ethics and applicable laws governing certified public accountants.
Our Commitment
- • Strict adherence to CPA confidentiality rules
- • Secure handling of all client information
- • Limited access on need-to-know basis
- • Confidentiality agreements with all staff
- • Secure document storage and disposal
Permitted Disclosures
- • Legal or regulatory requirements
- • Court orders or subpoenas
- • Professional review or quality control
- • With your written consent
- • Defense of professional claims
Professional Privilege: Client communications enjoy similar protection to attorney-client privilege under professional accounting standards.
Limitation of Liability
Scope of Liability
Our liability is limited to the scope of services provided and professional standards applicable to certified public accountants in Kenya. We maintain professional indemnity insurance to protect both parties.
Coverage Includes
- • Professional negligence claims
- • Errors in professional judgment
- • Document preparation mistakes
- • Failure to meet professional standards
Exclusions
- • Client's failure to follow advice
- • Decisions based on incomplete information
- • Changes in laws or regulations
- • Third-party actions or fraud
Maximum Liability: Our total liability shall not exceed the fees paid for the specific service that gave rise to the claim, or KES 1,000,000, whichever is lower.
Termination
By Client
- • 30 days written notice for ongoing services
- • Immediate termination for completed projects
- • Payment due for services rendered
- • Return of documents upon request
By Messo & Associates
- • Non-payment of fees (after 60 days)
- • Conflict of interest situations
- • Client non-cooperation
- • Ethical or legal concerns
Post-Termination Obligations
- • Complete work-in-progress (at client's option)
- • Provide files and documents to client or successor
- • Maintain confidentiality permanently
- • Assist with transition to new advisors
Document Retention: We retain working papers for 7 years as required by professional standards, after which they may be destroyed.
Contact Information
For questions about these Terms & Conditions, to discuss specific service needs, or to address any concerns, please contact us:
Legal Disputes
These terms are governed by Kenyan law. Any disputes shall be resolved through arbitration in Kakamega County, Kenya, in accordance with the Arbitration Act.