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Client Management Overview

This section explains how to manage client relationships in the Accountant Portal, from inviting clients to managing their access levels and connections.

Client Management in the Accountant Portal​

The Accountant Portal provides comprehensive tools to manage your client relationships, whether you bill clients directly (Bill Us model) or clients pay their own subscriptions (Client Pays model).

Key capabilities:

  • Invite clients to your practice
  • Accept or reject client invitations
  • Manage client connections and access
  • Control client data visibility
  • Monitor client account status
  • Disconnect client relationships when needed

Two Client Connection Models​

How you connect with clients depends on which billing model you select for each relationship.

Bill Us Model​

You invite clients and manage their billing through your practice subscription.

How it works:

  1. Generate unique invitation link for client
  2. Share link with client via email or messaging
  3. Client creates account using your link
  4. Client account automatically connects to your practice
  5. You pay for client's subscription through your practice billing

Best for:

  • Clients who want you to handle everything
  • Bundled service packages
  • Clients requiring minimal system access
  • Practices managing many small clients

Learn more: Bill Us Model

Client Pays Model​

Clients create their own accounts and invite you, paying for their own subscriptions.

How it works:

  1. Generate unique invitation link for potential clients
  2. Share link on website, email signature, or marketing materials
  3. Client creates account using your link
  4. Client completes setup and sends you invitation
  5. You accept or reject invitation in portal
  6. Client pays their own subscription directly to Fiskl

Best for:

  • Clients wanting control of their accounts
  • Larger clients with in-house teams
  • Clients who may switch accountants
  • Practices wanting flexible client relationships

Learn more: Client Pays Model

Client Management Workflow​

Inviting Clients (Bill Us Model)​

  1. Generate invitation link in portal
  2. Assign to branch where client will be managed
  3. Share link with client
  4. Client creates account using your link
  5. Automatic connection to your practice
  6. Begin working in client's account immediately

Accepting Invitations (Client Pays Model)​

  1. Client creates account using your link
  2. Client sends invitation to connect
  3. Review invitation in portal sidebar
  4. Accept or reject based on capacity and fit
  5. Begin working in client's account
  6. Client pays their own subscription

Managing Connections​

Once connected, manage your client relationships:

  • Monitor client account status and activity
  • Control access levels for team members
  • View client billing and subscription details
  • Disconnect relationships when needed
  • Transfer clients between branches
  • Track client engagement and usage

Client Access Levels​

Control how much access clients have to their own accounts and what they can see.

Access level options:

  • Full Access - Client manages everything with you
  • View Only - Client can view but not edit
  • No Access - You manage everything, client cannot log in
  • Custom Access - Select specific features client can access

Common access patterns:

High-touch clients (Full Access):

  • Client handles daily transactions
  • You review and adjust monthly
  • Client runs basic reports
  • You provide strategic guidance

Low-touch clients (No Access):

  • You handle all data entry
  • You manage all transactions
  • Client receives reports only
  • You provide complete service

Collaborative clients (Custom Access):

  • Client enters invoices and expenses
  • You handle reconciliation and reporting
  • Client views specific reports
  • You maintain chart of accounts

Learn more: Client Access Levels

Client Connection Management​

Monitor and manage all aspects of your client connections.

Connection details:

  • Connection date and method (Bill Us or Client Pays)
  • Assigned branch and team members
  • Client subscription status and plan
  • Access level settings
  • Last login and activity
  • Connected integrations (banking, payments)

Connection actions:

  • Edit client information
  • Change branch assignment
  • Modify access levels
  • Adjust team member assignments
  • Disconnect relationship
  • Reconnect disconnected clients

Learn more: Client Connections

Inviting Multiple Clients​

The portal supports efficient bulk client invitation workflows.

Single invitation link:

  • Generate one link per branch
  • Share link on website or marketing materials
  • Reuse link for multiple clients
  • Track which clients used which link
  • Update link settings anytime

Custom invitation links:

  • Create multiple links for different purposes
  • Label links for tracking (e.g., "Website", "Email Campaign", "Referral")
  • Assign links to specific branches
  • Set expiration dates if needed
  • Monitor link performance

Client List and Dashboard​

View and manage all clients from the central client list.

Client list features:

  • Search by client name or company
  • Filter by branch, status, or billing model
  • Sort by connection date, name, or activity
  • Quick actions (open account, edit settings, disconnect)
  • Bulk operations for multiple clients
  • Export client list

Dashboard metrics:

  • Total clients connected
  • Clients by billing model
  • Clients by branch
  • Recent client activity
  • Pending invitations count
  • New clients this month

Client Notifications​

Stay informed about client invitation activity.

Notification types:

  • New client invitation received (Client Pays)
  • Client accepted invitation (Bill Us)
  • Client login activity
  • Client subscription changes
  • Client integration connections
  • Client disconnection requests

Notification preferences:

  • Email notifications (on/off)
  • In-portal notifications
  • Notification frequency
  • Specific event selection

Client Security and Privacy​

The portal maintains strict separation between client data.

Security measures:

  • Each client account is isolated
  • Team members see only assigned clients
  • Access levels control visibility
  • Activity logs track all actions
  • Two-factor authentication available
  • Secure data encryption

Client data privacy:

  • You cannot see clients of other branches (unless Super Admin)
  • Clients cannot see other clients
  • Team members need explicit assignment
  • Disconnecting removes access immediately
  • Audit trails maintain accountability

Client Onboarding​

Once connected, begin working with your new client.

Initial setup checklist:

  1. Review client account

    • Verify company information
    • Check tax settings
    • Review chart of accounts
    • Confirm fiscal year

  2. Connect banking

    • Set up bank connections
    • Import historical transactions
    • Configure reconciliation rules

  3. Configure features

    • Set up invoicing templates
    • Configure expense categories
    • Enable needed integrations
    • Customize reports

  4. Establish workflow

    • Define communication channels
    • Set expectations for response times
    • Schedule regular check-ins
    • Assign team members

  5. Train client (if needed)

    • Show them their access level features
    • Explain what they should do vs. what you do
    • Provide documentation links
    • Schedule follow-up training

Best Practices​

Invitation management:

  • Respond to Client Pays invitations within 24-48 hours
  • Generate branch-specific links for organization
  • Track invitation link performance
  • Update links when team structure changes
  • Document rejection reasons for analysis

Access level decisions:

  • Start with minimal access, increase as needed
  • Match access level to service agreement
  • Review access quarterly
  • Document access level rationale
  • Train clients on their access capabilities

Client organization:

  • Assign clients to appropriate branches
  • Keep team assignments updated
  • Document client preferences and needs
  • Tag clients for easy filtering
  • Regular client list cleanup

Communication:

  • Set clear expectations during invitation
  • Confirm successful connections
  • Provide onboarding documentation
  • Schedule initial meeting after connection
  • Maintain regular communication rhythm

Disconnecting Clients​

When client relationships end, disconnect properly.

Disconnection scenarios:

  • Client switches to another accountant
  • Client business closes
  • Service agreement ends
  • Client requests disconnection
  • Non-payment or breach of terms

Disconnection process:

  1. Prepare for disconnection

    • Complete outstanding work
    • Generate final reports
    • Export client data if requested
    • Document reason for disconnection

  2. Disconnect in portal

    • Navigate to client settings
    • Select disconnect option
    • Confirm disconnection
    • Add internal notes

  3. Post-disconnection

    • Access removed immediately
    • Billing adjusts automatically (Bill Us model)
    • Client retains their account (Client Pays model)
    • Historical records preserved for your compliance

Learn more: Client Connections

Common Use Cases​

Small Practice (1-10 clients)​

  • Use Bill Us model for simplicity
  • Single branch for all clients
  • Full access for most clients
  • Direct communication with all clients
  • Personal invitation process

Medium Practice (10-50 clients)​

  • Mixed billing models based on client preference
  • Multiple branches by service type or team
  • Varied access levels by client need
  • Team member assignments per client
  • Standardized invitation links

Large Practice (50+ clients)​

  • Strategic billing model selection
  • Branch structure by industry or team
  • Strict access level policies
  • Dedicated team assignments
  • Automated invitation workflows

Need More Help?​

Invite clients to you: Inviting Clients

Accept client invitations: Accepting Client Invitations

Manage connections: Client Connections

Configure access: Client Access Levels

Understand billing models: Billing Models Overview

Available Guides​