FASTER, EASIER, SMARTER ONBOARDING
Client Onboarding
Profitability starts with onboarding. Or it should.
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Instantly identifies and renames client files as they're uploaded
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Handles the heavy lifting of writing emails, instantly polishing your tone so every message is professional and clear
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Summarizes email threads to give your staff an instant brief on all previous client conversations
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Replaces manual entry with a dynamic, automated process to gather any information and documents you need to start work
“What I like about using [Canopy's] questionnaires is that they organize all the information we need and present it clearly to the client. In the past, we’d just jot down answers on a legal pad during a meeting, which left a lot more room for error.”Wes Bynum, Founder, Bynum CPA
You know what they say about first impressions…
Client onboarding is where expectations are set and your firm's processes come to life.
Deliver a Frictionless Experience
Provide a modern, professional first impression with our highly-rated (4.9/5-star) mobile app and branded portal that allow clients to sign engagements and upload documents in seconds.
Automate Intake & Requests
Eliminate the manual back-and-forth by using dynamic organizers and automated “gentle pestering” reminders that follow up with clients until every piece of information is collected.
Standardize for Scalable Growth
Use a repeatable workflow templates and role-based assignments to ensure every new client receives a high-quality, consistent onboarding experience without increasing your administrative workload.
SMART INTAKE
Start work faster, with everything you need
Smart Intake gathers the information, documents, and approvals your team needs before work begins. Clients follow a clear, guided process so your team starts every engagement with complete and organized data.
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Custom questionnaires capture the right details for each service, built manually or generated with AI
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Document request lists clearly show what clients must provide so nothing gets missed
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AI automatically renames, classifies, and matches uploaded files to the correct client record
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Workflow tasks trigger automatically once intake steps and engagement approvals are completed
5-STAR CLIENT PORTAL
An easy client experience
Clients want to move quickly, but unclear instructions and scattered communication often slow onboarding down. Canopy streamlines the process with a guided experience that clearly shows clients what to do, where to go, and what happens next.
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Structured workflows guide clients through each requirement without confusion
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Clients receive timely prompts so nothing gets missed or delayed
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Both your team and your clients can see exactly where the engagement stands
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Questionnaires, document checklists, engagement letters, and payments are all managed in one place to keep the process moving forward
“We’re really trying to maintain a culture where, when we onboard a new client, we utilize Canopy to push as much communication as possible through Canopy.”
“The platform creates clarity across our entire client lifecycle. Assigning work, tracking progress, sharing files, and communicating with clients all happen in one system. It has noticeably improved our team’s efficiency and reduced the back and forth that used to slow us down.”
CONTROL SCOPE WITH ENGAGEMENTS
Onboarding that protects margins
Scope creep and write-offs often start during onboarding when expectations, pricing, and services aren’t clearly defined. Canopy builds scope, pricing, and approvals directly into the onboarding process so work only begins once terms are accepted. What is it they say about an ounce of prevention?
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Engagement letters, pricing, and defined service items are built into the onboarding workflow
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Reusable templates keep terms and expectations consistent for tax, bookkeeping, and advisory work
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eSignatures and upfront or recurring payments are embedded directly into the engagement flow
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Once the engagement is signed, tasks can trigger automatically so your team moves from intake to execution without delays
WORKFLOW AUTOMATION
Consistent onboarding, no matter who’s running it
If your client experience varies by team member, consistency and efficiency (and clients) will suffer. Canopy standardizes the process with structured workflows, automation, and shared visibility so every client receives the same smooth experience.
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Workflow templates ensure every client follows the same structured intake process
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Task automation and AI-assisted intake help move engagements forward faster
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All onboarding conversations are logged directly within the client record
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Real-time status visibility shows exactly where each onboarding engagement stands
Ready to get started?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t find the answer you are looking for? Reach out to our support team.
Client Onboarding in Canopy practice management software is the structured workflow that initiates client work. Client Onboarding collects intake information, documents, signed engagement letters, and payment before work begins. Smart Intake and Engagements power this process so accounting firms can start projects with everything in place.