Free Severance Agreement Template for Accountants
A Severance Agreement is offered when an employee is laid off or terminated. In exchange for severance pay, the employee signs a release of claims against the company. For employees 40+, the OWBPA requires specific waiver language. This version is tailored for accountants — covering the specific clauses and considerations that matter most in the industry.
Severance Agreement — Template Preview
For AccountantsSeverance Agreement
For use in Accountants
1. Position
[COMPANY] is pleased to offer [CANDIDATE] the position of [TITLE], reporting to [MANAGER]. The role focuses on [responsibilities] within Company's accountants operations.
2. Start Date & Location
Anticipated start date: [DATE]. Primary work location: [LOCATION / REMOTE]. Any change in location requires mutual agreement.
3. Compensation
Base salary: $[AMOUNT] per year, paid on Company's regular payroll schedule. Eligible for [bonus / commission] up to [%] of base, paid [annually / quarterly] based on performance criteria established by Company.
4. Equity
Subject to Board approval, you will receive a grant of [SHARES] shares of Company common stock or options at the then-current fair market value, vesting over four (4) years with a one-year cliff.
5. Benefits
You will be eligible for Company's standard benefits, which currently include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.
6. At-Will Employment
Your employment is at-will. Either you or Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice. This offer letter does not create a contract of employment for any specific duration.
7. Contingencies
This offer is contingent on: (a) satisfactory completion of a background check, (b) verification of your right to work in the United States, and (c) your signature on Company's standard Confidentiality and IP Assignment Agreement.
Industry-specific considerations for accountants
Beyond the standard severance agreement clauses, here are the specific items accountants typically need to address before signing:
- Engagement letter requirement (AICPA)
- Privileged communication (not as protected as attorney-client)
- Tax position disclosure
- Document retention (7+ years)
Typical pricing in accountants
$150–$500/hr or fixed-fee tax returns.
How to use this template — 3 steps
Customize
Use our eSign tool to drop in your real names, dates, scope and fees. The template handles the legal scaffolding; you fill in the specifics for your accountants engagement.
Add signature fields
Drag-drop signature, date, initials, and text fields onto the document. Assign each field to the correct signer (yourself, the client, or both).
Send for signature
Enter the other party's name and email, hit Send. They receive a signing link via email — no account required. You get notified the second they sign.
Customization tips before you send
- • Replace every [BRACKETED] placeholder with real values — names, dates, dollar amounts, percentages.
- • Set the governing law to your state — usually where you live or do business.
- • Confirm the one-time term length matches your project.
- • If this is a high-stakes contract (over ~$50K, or anything involving regulated activity), have a licensed attorney in your state spend 30 minutes on a review.
FAQ — Severance Agreement for Accountants
Do accountants really need a Severance Agreement?+
Yes — and especially in accountants, where client relationships are the core asset. A signed severance agreement protects both sides if something goes wrong — and most disputes can be solved by simply pointing at the signed contract.
What's different about a Severance Agreement for accountants?+
Compared to a generic severance agreement, the accountants version typically adds clauses around: Engagement letter requirement (AICPA); Privileged communication (not as protected as attorney-client); Tax position disclosure.
Is this Severance Agreement legally binding once signed?+
Yes. Under the federal ESIGN Act and state UETA laws, an electronic signature is just as legally binding as a wet-ink signature for almost all commercial contracts. Our eSign tool produces a SHA-256 audit trail proving who signed, when, and from where — so the contract is defensible in court.
Can I edit this template?+
Yes — and you should. The template covers the typical scope, but every accountants engagement has unique details (rates, scope, deadlines). Use our eSign tool to drop in your actual project details before sending the contract for signature.
How do I sign this online?+
Click "Edit & sign online — free" below. Our eSign tool opens with a blank document; upload your customized contract PDF, drag-drop signature/date fields, and email it to the other party. They sign from any device — no account needed for signers.
Are there specific regulatory requirements for accountants?+
Yes. Accountants are subject to industry-specific regulations that affect contract terms. Always confirm your version complies with applicable licensing rules, disclosure requirements, and consumer protection laws in your state. When in doubt, have a licensed attorney review.
Other contracts accountants commonly need
Ready to sign?
Open the Severance Agreement in our free eSign tool, customize it for your accountants engagement, and send it for signature in under 2 minutes.
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