Mr. Charles W. Hall, CPA, CA of Vancouver, BC was retained by a client to prepare financial statements and the corporate tax return for the client’s company, to prepare the client’s personal tax return and amend the personal return for the prior year. The client had a significant tax liability. Mr. Hall did not perform the work expeditiously and did not communicate promptly with the client. After the client terminated the engagement, Mr. Hall did not return the client’s unused retainer on a timely basis, and did not promptly respond to communications from the successor accountant.
The Investigation Committee determined that Mr. Hall contravened the following Rules of the CPABC Code of Professional Conduct:
201.1 - Maintenance of the good reputation of the profession
202.1 - Integrity and due care
212.1 - Handling of trust funds and other property
303.1 - Provision of client information
The Committee recommended that Mr. Hall:
- Accept a reprimand;
- Pay a fine of $5,000; and
- Pay expenses of $6,060.
The Committee took into consideration that Mr. Hall has since returned the client’s retainer.