Free Accountant Timesheet Template
Accountants work across multiple client engagements simultaneously, making timesheet discipline essential for accurate billing and workload management. Hours need to be allocated to the correct client and engagement code so that invoices reflect the actual work completed. During peak periods such as year-end and tax season, a detailed timesheet also helps firms manage capacity and identify overruns early.
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What should an accountant put on a timesheet?
An accountant timesheet records the hours spent on each client and engagement, with the date, the task, and the time worked. Note the client name, the engagement type, and whether the work is billable. Dated, descriptive entries let the firm bill accurately and explain a fee if a client queries it.
Typical line items
- Date of work
- Client and engagement reference
- Task (accounts prep, tax computation, bookkeeping)
- Hours worked
- Billable or non-billable flag
- Hourly rate
- Staff member
- Running total for the period
How the work is charged
Accountants usually log hours against each client and engagement, often in fractions of an hour. The timesheet feeds the fee, whether the work is billed hourly or set against a fixed engagement budget.
Payment terms and deposits
A timesheet supports an invoice rather than collecting payment itself. Firms often bill recorded time monthly or on completion of a piece of work, so keep entries dated and clearly described for client review.
Tax and compliance
If you are registered for sales tax or VAT, that applies on the invoice the timesheet supports, not the timesheet itself. Rules vary by place, so confirm what applies to your practice.
Frequently asked questions
How do I handle timesheet entries for work that spans multiple client engagements in one day?
Create a separate line item for each client and engagement. Switch between entries as you move between tasks during the day. Many accounting firms use time-tracking software that lets you start and stop timers per engagement code, which makes this easier in practice.
Should I include time spent chasing missing client documents?
Yes, chasing documents and managing client communication is billable time. Record it with a clear description such as 'follow-up with client for missing bank statements for Q4 reconciliation'. Clients who provide documents promptly are easier to bill because this time shrinks.
Do I need to keep timesheets even for fixed-fee engagements?
Yes. Even when you bill a fixed fee, tracking actual time tells you whether that engagement was profitable and helps you price future fixed-fee work accurately. It also protects you if a client disputes the scope or requests additional work beyond the agreed fee.
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Read the complete timesheet guide to see how to log hours and turn a tracked timesheet into an invoice.
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