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008-25 - Teresa D. Johnson - Contractz.. 1 C 0 R P R A T Teresa D. Johnson CPA, Inc. November 22, 2024 Noah Crocker, Finance Director City of Port Orchard 216 Prospect Street Port Orchard, WA 98366 Dear Noah: Teresa D Johnson CPA, Inc ("firm," "we," "us," or "our") is pleased to provide the City of Port Orchard ("you" or "your") with the professional services described below. This letter, and the attached Terms and Conditions Addendum and any other attachments incorporated herein (collectively, "Agreement"), confirm our understanding of the terms and objectives of our engagement and the nature and limitations of the services we will provide. The engagement between you and our firm will be governed by the terms of this Agreement. Engagement Objective and Scope The objective of this engagement is to assist you with: • Reading client prepared financial statements for the City and completing a Cash basis checklist to ensure that the financial statements are presented in accordance with BARS (technical review) • Assistance with implementing compensated absences BARS revised reporting requirements. Our recommendations and advice are dependent upon the timeliness, accuracy and completeness of the representations and information that we receive from you. Accordingly, inaccurate or incomplete representations may result in inaccurate advice or inappropriate recommendations, and critical recommendations may not be identified. If information changes during the course of the engagement, you must provide us with the updated information and representations on a timely basis, as the change in information may affect our recommendations. This engagement is limited to the professional services outlined above. Page 1 or 12 CPA Firm Responsibilities We will perform our services in accordance with the Statement on Standards for Consulting Services issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("AICPA"). Such services do not constitute an audit, review, or any other attestation service as those services are defined in AICPA literature applicable to such engagements. Accordingly, these services will not result in the issuance of a written communication to third parties by Teresa D Johnson CPA, Inc regarding financial data or internal controls, expressing an opinion or conclusion or obtaining or providing any form of assurance. The above professional services will be performed based on information you provide to us. We will perform our services under the assumption that all information you submit is true, complete and accurate according to documents and other information retained in your files or communications from you. We will not verify or audit this information. Our engagement does not include any procedures designed to detect errors, fraud, theft, or other wrongdoing. Therefore, our engagement cannot be relied upon to disclose such matters. In addition, we are not responsible for identifying or communicating deficiencies in your internal controls, unless otherwise specified in the scope of this Agreement. You are responsible for developing and implementing internal controls applicable to your operations. Teresa D Johnson, CPA Inc, in its sole professional judgment, reserves the right to refuse to take any action that could be construed as making management decisions or performing management functions on your behalf. Engagement Deliverables We anticipate issuing the following deliverables in connection with our services: • Email communication regarding improvements or corrections discovered during read of the client prepared financial statements. We will provide draft deliverable(s) to you for review and comment, prior to final delivery. Any advice and recommendations included in the deliverable(s) will be based upon information you provide. The deliverable(s) presented as part of this engagement are solely for the internal use of your management and the board of directors. It is not to be distributed to third parties other than those noted herein, in whole or in part, or used for any other purpose. After we provide you with the deliverable(s), we shall have no obligation to update or revise the observations or conclusions reflected in our deliverable(s) if new information, future events or changes in applicable laws and regulations affect the observations or conclusions reflected in those deliverables. You understand and agree that our services may include advice and recommendations based upon our knowledge, training and experience. However, at all times, the decisions related to implementation of the advice and recommendations we provide are solely your responsibility. We encourage you to consider our PHONE 300.904.0972 EVAIL TER ESA(,!)TDJ C PA.COM 6 0 1 2 N w 10 4` °i s, r c e t Q$ R i d g e f i e l d W a s h i n g t o n 01 4 9 6 42 Page 2 of 12 recommendations and advice and implement what you believe is best for your company. if you ask us to assist you in implementing any advice or recommendation, we will confirm this representation in a separate agreement. If, for any reason, we are unable to complete the engagement, we will not issue a deliverable(s). Client Responsibilities Your Support We require the support of your personnel in order to achieve timely completion of the engagement, Support includes, but is not limited to, making personnel available to us, providing access to or collecting all relevant documents (paper or electronic), providing timely responses to questions, including requests for your decisions, devoting sufficient resources necessary to help achieve the engagement objectives, and the coordination of meetings. Failure to provide such support in a timely manner may negatively affect our ability to fulfill the requirements in the Engagement Objective and Scope and Engagement Deliverables sections above within the agreed -upon timeframe. Project Management You will designate a member of your management who possesses suitable skill, knowledge, or experience (the "Project Sponsor") to oversee the services and conduct of this engagement, including coordination of your resources and review of draft deliverables. You authorize us to accept instructions from the Project Sponsor for this engagement. You have designated Rebecca Zick as Project Sponsor for this engagement. The Project Sponsor is responsible for: • maintaining appropriate oversight of our client service team; • timely reviewing and approving the deliverables prepared by our fine during the engagement; • reporting the results of our services within your reporting structure, including the board of directors or others charged with governance; and • evaluating observations and recommendations that arise from the services. You agree that your personnel assigned to this project are responsible for reviewing any draft deliverables provided by our firm on a timely basis. Management Functions Your management agrees to: • make all management decisions and perform all management functions, • evaluate the adequacy and results of the services performed; • accept responsibility for the results of the services, including decisions regarding the implementation of any recommendations provided by us; and !BONE 3 6 0 9 0 4 0 9 7 EMA1L TF P F S A ,TPJCPA.00N1 6 0 1 2 N W 1 6 9' ° S t r e e t L% R i d g c f i c I d W a s h i n g t o n L�g 9 R 6 4 2 Page 3 of 12 • establish and maintain internal controls relevant to your organization, including monitoring ongoing activity related to their operation. You agree that your management and employees are responsible for the accuracy and reliability of information provided to us, including but not limited to, the proper recording of transactions, the safekeeping of assets, and the accuracy of the financial statements. Timing of Engagement We expect to begin services on or about January 1, 2025. The timing of our work is dependent upon the timely receipt of the information we request from you, including timely responses to any questions we may ask. Our services will conclude upon the earliest occurrence of one (1) of the following events: • December 31, 2025 • as of the date of our closure letter; or • written notification by either party that the engagement is terminated. Professional Fees and Billings Our professional fee for the compilation services outlined above is estimated to be $5,260. Services will be billed monthly at the standard billing rate of $263 per hour. This fee is based upon the complexity of the expected work to be performed, our professional time and out-of-pocket expenses. Circumstances may arise that impact our estimated fee such as, but not limited to, (1) timeliness, accuracy, or completeness of the information you provide to us; (2) changes in your personnel or operations that impact our services; (3) mutually agreed changes in the scope of this engagement; or (4) other unanticipated items that arise during our engagement and that require additional time in order to complete the agreed -upon services. In the event that this estimate will be exceeded, we will obtain pre - approval prior to performing additional services. If the information that you provide or we request is not submitted in a timely manner, or it is incomplete or unusable, we reserve the right to delay services and charge additional fees and expenses. Termination and Other Terms We reserve the right to withdraw from the engagement without completing services for any reason, including, but not limited to, non-payment of fees, your failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement, or as we determine professional standards require. If our work is suspended or terminated, you agree that we will not be responsible for your failure to meet governmental and other deadlines, or for any liability, including but not limited to, penalties or interest that may be assessed against you resulting from your failure to meet such deadlines. If this Agreement is terminated before services are completed, you agree to compensate us for the services performed and expenses incurred through the effective date of termination. reoxe 3 6 0. 9 0 4. 0 9 7 R M A I L iFR ESAE�TDJCT'ACI)A4 6 Q l 2 T` W l c, 9' F' S t r e c c C99 R i d g c r i c l d W a s h i n g t o n e8 9 9 6 4 2 Page 4 of 12 You may request that we perform additional services not contemplated by this engagement letter. If this occurs, we will communicate with you regarding the scope and estimated cost of these additional services. Engagements for additional services may necessitate that we amend this letter or issue a separate engagement letter to reflect the obligations of both parties. In the absence of any other written communications from us documenting additional services, our services will be limited to and governed by the terms of this engagement letter. We appreciate the opportunity to be of service to City of Port Orchard, This Agreement, including the Terms and Conditions Addendum, represents the entire agreement of the parties and supersedes all previous oral, written, or other understandings and agreements between the parties. Any modification to the terms of this Agreement must be made in writing acknowledged by both parties. Please date and execute this Agreement and return it to us to acknowledge your acceptance. We will not initiate services until we receive the executed Agreement. Very truly yours, Teresa D.Johnson roved: Client Contact Date: PnoIgR 3 6 0. 9 0 4. 0 9 7 2 PMAIL TER ESAce T 0 1 C P A . C 0 M 6 1) 1 2 \ w 1 G 9' ' S t r e e t e8 R i d g c f i c I d W a s h i n g t o n (S 9 S 6 4 2 Page 5 of 12 Terms and Conditions Addendum for Teresa D Johnson CPA, Inc Overview This addendum to the engagement letter describes our standard terms and conditions ("Terms and Conditions") related to our provision of services to you. This addendum, and the accompanying engagement letter, comprise your agreement with us ("Agreement"). if there is any inconsistency between the engagement letter and this Terms and Conditions Addendum, the engagement letter will prevail to the extent of the inconsistency. For the purposes of this Terms and Conditions Addendum, any reference to "firm," "we," "us," or "our" is a reference to Teresa D Johnson CPA, Inc, and any reference to "you," or "your" is a reference to the party or parties that have engaged us to provide services. References to "Agreement" mean the engagement letter or other written document describing the scope of services, any other attachments incorporated therein, and this Terms and Conditions Addendum. Electronic Data Communication and Storage In the interest of facilitating our services to you, we may send data over the Internet, temporarily store electronic data via computer software applications hosted remotely on the Internet, or utilize cloud -based storage. Your confidential electronic data may be transmitted or stored using these methods. In using these data communication and storage methods, our firm employs measures designed to maintain data security. We use reasonable efforts to keep such communications and electronic data secure in accordance with our obligations under applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards. You recognize and accept that we have no control over the unauthorized interception or breach of any communications or electronic data once it has been transmitted or if it has been subject to unauthorized access while stored, notwithstanding all reasonable security measures employed by us. You consent to our use of these electronic devices and applications during this engagement. If you transmit your confidential information to us in a manner other than via a secure portal, you accept responsibility for any and all unauthorized access to your confidential information. If you request that we transmit confidential information to you in a manner other than via a secure portal, you agree that we are not responsible for any liability associated therewith, including but not limited to, (a) any loss or damage of any nature, whether direct or indirect, that may arise as a result of our sending confidential information in a manner other than a secure portal, and (b) any damages arising as a result of any virus being passed on or with, or arising from any alteration of, any email message. P80NE i 6 0. 9 0 4. 0 9 7 2 EMAIL TFRESA@Tt1J C P A . C 0 N1 6 0 1 2 N W 1 6 9`1, s t, e e t CS R i d g c f i c 1 d W a s It i n g t o n CS 9 R 6 4 2 Page 6 of 12 Newsletters and Similar Communications We may send newsletters, emails, explanations of technical developments or similar communications to you. These communications are of a general nature and should not be construed as professional advice. We may not send all such communications to you. These communications do not constitute a client relationship with you, nor do they constitute advice or an undertaking on our part to monitor issues for you. Independent Contractor When providing services to your company, we will be functioning as an independent contractor and in no event will we or any of our employees be an officer of you, nor will our relationship be that of joint venturers, partners, employer and employee, principal and agent, or any similar relationship giving rise to a fiduciary duty to you. Our obligations under this agreement are solely obligations of Teresa D Johnson CPA, Inc, and no partner, principal, employee or agent of Teresa D Johnson CPA, Inc shall be subjected to any personal liability whatsoever to you or any person or entity. Disclaimer of Legal and Investment Advice Our services under this Agreement do not constitute legal or investment advice unless specifically engaged to provide investment advice in the Engagement Objective and ,Scope section of this Agreement. We recommend that you retain legal counsel and investment advisors to provide such advice. Referrals In the course of providing services to you, you may request referrals to products or professionals such as attorneys, brokers, or investment advisors. We may identify professional(s) or product(s) for your consideration. However, you are responsible for evaluating, selecting, and retaining any professional or product and determining if the professional or product meets your needs. You agree that we will not oversee the activities of and have no responsibility for the work product of any professional or the suitability of any product we refer to you or that you separately retain. Further, we are not responsible for any services we perform that fail to meet the intended outcomes as a result of relying on the services of other professionals or products you may retain. Brokerage or Investment Advisory Statenzents If you provide our firm with copies of brokerage (or investment advisory) statements and/or read- only access to your accounts, we will use the information solely for the purpose described in the Engagement Objective and Scope section of the engagement letter. We will rely on the accuracy of the information provided in the statements and will not undertake any action to verify this information. We will not monitor transactions, investment activity, provide investment advice, or PHONE i 5 0. 9 0 4. 0 9 7 2 EMAIL T F n ES A10TDJC PA.00N1 5 0 1 2 N W 1 6 9' ^ 5 t r c c t ['n R i d g c f i c l d Was h i n g t o n U3 9 R 6 4 2 Page 7of12 supervise the actions of the entity or individuals entering into transactions or investment activities on your behalf. We recommend that you receive and carefully review all statements upon receipt and direct any questions regarding account activity to your banker, broker or investment advisor. Limitations on Oral and Email Communications We may discuss with you our views regarding the treatment of certain items or decisions you may encounter. We may also provide you with information in an email. Any advice or information delivered orally or in an email (rather than through a memorandum delivered as an email attachment) will be based upon limited research and a limited discussion and analysis of the underlying facts. Additional research or a more complete review of the facts may affect our analysis and conclusions. Due to these limitations and the related risks, it may or may not be appropriate to proceed with a decision solely on the basis of any oral or email communication from us. You accept all responsibility, except to the extent caused by our gross negligence or willful misconduct, for any liability, including but not limited to additional tax, penalties or interest resulting from your decision (i) not to have us perform the research and analysis necessary to reach a more definitive conclusion and (ii) to instead rely on an oral or email communication. The limitation in this paragraph will not apply to an item of written advice that is a deliverable of a separate engagement. If you wish to engage us to provide formal advice on a matter on which we have communicated orally or by email, we will confirm this service in a separate engagement letter. Management Responsibilities While Teresa D Johnson CPA, Inc can provide assistance and recommendations, you are responsible for management decisions and functions, and for designating an individual with suitable skill, knowledge or experience to oversee any services that Teresa D Johnson CPA, Inc provides. You arc responsible for evaluating the adequacy and results of the services performed and accepting responsibility for such services. You are ultimately responsible for establishing and maintaining internal controls, including monitoring ongoing activities. Conflicts of Interest If we, in our sole discretion, believe a conflict has arisen affecting our ability to deliver services to you in accordance with either the ethical standards of our firm or the ethical standards of our profession, we may be required to suspend or terminate our services without issuing our work product. PHONE 360.904.0972 EMAIL TF..RESA00TDjCPA.COn1 6 0 l 2 N W 1 6 4` " S c r e c t W R i d g c f i c l d W a s h i n g e o n " 9 8 6 4 2 Page 8 of 12 Records Management Record Retention and Ownership We will return any original records and documents you provide to us. Our copies of your records and documents are solely for our documentation purposes and are not a substitute for your own record -keeping obligations under any applicable laws or regulations. You are responsible for maintaining complete and accurate books and records, which may include financial statements, schedules, tax returns and other deliverables provided to you by us. Professional standards may preclude us from being the sole repository of your original data, records, or information. Workpapers and other items created by us to support the delivery of our services are our property and will remain in our control. We will consider requests for copies of workpapers and other items created by us in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct. Our workpapers will be maintained by us and any applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Working Paper Requests by Regulators and Others State, federal and foreign regulators may request access to or copies of certain workpapers pursuant to applicable legal or regulatory requirements. Requests also may arise with respect to peer review, an ethics investigation, the sale of your organization, or the sale of our accounting practice. We may also receive a summons or subpoena requiring us to produce documents from this engagement or testify about this engagement. if requested, access to such workpapers or other information will be provided under the supervision of firm personnel. Regulators may request copies of selected workpapers to distribute the copies or information contained therein to others, including other governmental agencies. If we receive a request for copies of selected workpapers, or a summons or subpoena, provided that we are not prohibited from doing so by applicable laws or regulations, we agree to inform you of such request as soon as practicable. You may, within the time permitted for our firm to respond to any request, initiate such legal action as you deem appropriate, at your sole expense, to attempt to limit the disclosure of information. If you take no action within the time permitted for us to respond, or if your action does not result in a judicial order protecting us from supplying requested information, we may construe your inaction or failure as consent to comply with the request. If we are not a party to the proceeding in which your information is sought, you agree to reimburse us for our professional time and expenses, as well as the fees and expenses of our legal counsel, incurred in responding to such requests. Summons or Subpoenas All information you provide to us in connection with this engagement will be maintained by us on a confidential basis. If we receive a summons or subpoena which our legal counsel determines requires us to produce documents from this engagement or testify about this engagement, provided that we are not prohibited from doing so by applicable laws or regulations, we agree to inform you of such summons or subpoena as soon as practicable. You may, within the time permitted for our firm to respond to any request, initiate such legal action as you deem appropriate, at your sole expense, to PHONE 6 0 9 0 4. 0 9 7 2 EMAIL TER F S A@ T D ]CPA . C O M 6 0 1 2 N W 1 6 9'" S t, c c t (X R i d g c f i c I d W a s It i n g t o n f$ 9 R 6 4 2 Page 9of12 attempt to limit discovery. If you take no action within the time permitted for us to respond, or if your action does not result in a judicial order protecting us from supplying requested infonnation, we may construe your inaction or failure as consent to comply with the request. If we are not a party to the proceeding in which the information is sought, you agree to reimburse us for our professional time and expenses, as well as the fees and expenses of our legal counsel, incurred in responding to such requests. Confidentiality In providing services to you, we may require information that is considered confidential and may include Personally Identifiable Information (PII), i.e. information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual's' identity such as address, bank account and social security infonnation. We will maintain all client information, including PIT, on a confidential basis and have a duty to do so based on the standards promulgated by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants as well as applicable laws and regulations. You assume the risk of loss if you provide us with information, including PIT, which differs from the information we request in order to provide services to you in accordance with the Agreement. Mediation If a dispute arises out of or relates to the Agreement, including the scope of services contained herein, or the breach thereof, and if the dispute cannot be settled through negotiation, the parties agree first to try to settle the dispute by mediation administered by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") under the AAA Accounting and Related Services Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures before resorting to arbitration, litigation, or some other dispute resolution procedure. The mediator will be selected by mutual agreement of the parties. If the parties cannot agree on a mediator, a mediator shall be designated by the AAA. The mediation will be treated as a settlement discussion and, therefore, all discussions during the mediation will be confidential. The mediator may not testify for either party in any later proceeding related to the dispute. No recording or transcript shall be made of the mediation proceedings. The costs of any mediation proceedings shall be shared equally by all parties. Any costs of legal representation shall be borne by the hiring party. This provision shall not apply to any dispute of fees owed, billed or due Limitation of Liability and Damages Our liability for all claims, damages, and costs arising from this engagement is limited to the total amount of fees paid by you to us for services rendered under this agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this agreement, we shall not be liable for any lost profits, indirect, special, incidental, punitive or consequential damages of any nature whatsoever with respect to this agreement or our services. B30NI I 5 0_ 9 0 4_ 0 9 7 2 HHAIL T F R ESACOTD JCI A.00N1 6 0 1 2 N W 1 G 9 ` " S[ r C C 1 C$ R i d g c f i c I d W a s h i n g t o n W 9 9 b 4 2 Page 10 of 12 Indeninl f ication You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold us, including our shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, and representatives harmless from and against any and all damages, claims, losses, fees, assessments, interest charges, or penalties, including reasonable attorneys', incurred by or charges to us as a result of any claim, cause of action, or assessment whatsoever arising out of or related to, directly or indirectly, your misrepresentations to us, your withholding or concealment of information from us, or your breach of the terms of this Agreement, excepting only claims arising out of the gross negligence or intentional acts of us. The provisions of this paragraph shall apply regardless of the nature of the claim. Insurance Teresa D Johnson, CPA Inc shall, during the term of the engagement and for 3 years after termination of same by either you or us, maintain in full force and effect, accountants professional liability insurance coverage from an insurance carrier or carriers licensed to conduct business in the state of Washington. As of the policy effective date, such insurance carrier(s) shall be rated A - (Excellent), by A.M. Best with a Financial Size Category of Class VII or greater. Premiums for said insurance policy shall be paid by Teresa D Johnson CPA, Inc. Upon your written request, Teresa D Johnson CPA, Inc shall furnish certificates of insurance for the required insurance coverage. Such certificate of insurance shall indicate the minimum limits of liability per claim and in the aggregate as required by you. Proprietary Information You acknowledge that proprietary information, documents, materials, management techniques and other intellectual property are a material source of the services we perform and were developed prior to our association with you. Any new forms, software, documents or intellectual property we develop during this engagement for your use shall belong to us, and you shall have the limited right to use them solely within your business. All reports, templates, manuals, forms, checklists, questionnaires, letters, agreements and other documents which we make available to you are confidential and proprietary to us. Neither you, nor any of your agents, will copy, electronically store, reproduce or make available to anyone other than your personnel, any such documents. This provision will apply to all materials whether in digital, "hard copy" format or other medium. Force Majeure Neither party shall be held liable for any delays resulting from circumstances or causes beyond our reasonable control, including, without limitation, fire or other casualty, act of God, strike or labor dispute, war or other violence, epidemics or pandemics as defined by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or any law, order or requirement of any governmental agency or authority. However, no Force Majeure event shall excuse the client of any obligation to pay any outstanding invoice or fee or from any indemnification obligation under this Agreement. "0"I 3 6 0 9 0 4 0 9 7 2 SNAIL TER FSAC�`TDJC PA.00N1 6 0 1 2 N N4 1 6 9'' S i r e e t el R i d g c f i e I d W a s h i n g t o n C9 9 R 6 4 2 Page 11 of 12 Electronic Signatures and Counterparts Each party hereto agrees that any electronic signature intended to replicate a written signature, shall be presumed valid, and we may reasonably rely upon it. For purposes hereof, "electronic signature" includes, but is not limited to, a scanned copy of a manual signature, an electronic copy of a manual signature affixed to a document, a signature incorporated into a document utilizing touchscreen capabilities, or a digital signature. Documents may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be considered an original instrument, but all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement. Assignment All parties acknowledge and agree that the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the parties' successors and assigns, subject to applicable laws and regulations. Severahility If any portion of this Agreement is deemed invalid or unenforceable, said finding shall not operate to invalidate the remainder of the terms set forth in this Agreement. PHONE 36l} 90 i 11972 RUAIL TER E S A V T D J C. PA.00N1 6 0 1 2 N w 1 6 9`, S[! C C I (M R i d g c f i c 1 d W a s h i n g t o n M 9 R h 4 2 Page 12 of 12