1 /5 HPF: Beware! I would not recommend Geilings Grimwood due to significant issues with their billing transparency. According to the code of practice for accountants, engagement letters should clearly outline fees and billing arrangements, including how fees are calculated (e.g., hourly rates, fixed prices) and when billing schedules will be provided. Geilings Grimwood have still failed to provide this clarity on the breakdown of their charges.
Please be careful when agreeing to their terms and conditions, as the contract I was given simply says, Fees are based on the amount of time and the level of the staff required to complete the engagement.
This vague language allows them to charge for any emailing you, speaking to you on the phone, sending you a fax, or any other non-specific tasks they deem billable. This is not disclosed to you at any time; you will simply be sent a bill noting vague descriptions such as discussions and telephone attendances.
There was no clear indication of what these rates are or how they are even calculated, allowing them to add whatever they want without you being able to understand how the charges or fees youre being billed for actually work.
I believe this is a breach of the Code of Practice, and I am currently lodging a formal complaint with the governing body.
Potential clients should be cautious and ensure they receive detailed billing explanations to avoid large, unjustified invoices and similar experiences.
