Resolve a Fee Dispute Using Fee Mediation

The Chartered Professional Accountants Act, CPA Alberta Bylaws, and Rules of Professional Conduct do not allow CPA Alberta to decide how much a member may charge for services. However, to help clients and members settle a disagreement, CPA Alberta offers a fee mediation service.

The fee mediation service provides a process to resolve fee disputes between members and clients. It is informal and not binding.

The fee mediation service is FREE, provided that both parties enter into the written fee resolution agreement, with all collection action ceasing. Both parties in a dispute must make a written request for fee mediation services.

Fee mediation

CPA Alberta provides a fee mediation service at no cost. Before requesting the service, the parties should make a genuine attempt to settle the dispute themselves. Mediation of fee disputes can be requested by either a client or a CPA. By engaging in this process, a mediator will be appointed at no cost to resolve the fee dispute. 

A client wishing to use the fee mediation service must make a request in writing. The Fee Mediation Form may be used, or a separate letter may be sent if preferred. In either case, the information required includes the following:

  • a request that CPA Alberta appoint a mediator,
  • the name of the Chartered Professional Accountant(s) with whom there is a dispute,
  • an outline of the actions taken to resolve the dispute (briefly, please), and
  • a confirmation that, to the client's knowledge, the matter is not before the courts. If this confirmation cannot be given because legal action has commenced, it is sometimes possible to postpone legal action until mediation has been attempted. In such a case, there must be consent to the postponement, in writing, from all the parties concerned, and a copy of the written consent given to CPA Alberta.

After being advised of the complaint, the Chartered Professional Accountant will inform CPA Alberta if he/she wishes to use the service. If the service is to be requested, the CPA must send a letter to CPA Alberta which will include the following:

  • a request that CPA Alberta appoint a mediator,
  • an outline of the problem, naming the client, stating the service rendered, the amount of the fee in dispute, and the problems as the CPA sees them,
  • an outline of actions taken to resolve the dispute, and
  • a confirmation that, to the CPA's knowledge, the matter is not before the courts. If this confirmation cannot be given because legal action has commenced, it is sometimes possible to postpone legal
  • action until mediation has been attempted. In such a case, there must be consent to the postponement, in writing, from all parties concerned, and a copy of the written consent given to CPA Alberta.

If the CPA is not willing to use the fee mediation service, CPA Alberta will so advise the client, and CPA Alberta can take no further action.

If the CPA agrees to use the mediation service, the Manager, Member Engagement or designee will appoint one or more persons to mediate the matter.

The person appointed to mediate the matter will discuss the problems with each party and attempt to resolve the dispute.

A written mediation report will not be made available to either the client or the CPA.

 

 

 

 

Share this page