Fees Mediation - FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can use fees mediation?
   Clients and practising Chartered Accountants wishing to resolve fee disputes, provided they agree to the terms of the process, may use fees mediation.
2. What happens at the mediation stage?
   Through informal meetings or discussions, a volunteer Chartered Accountant reviews the dispute with each party and attempts to find an acceptable solution.
3. What is the cost of mediation?
   The mediation service is free.
4. If mediation is not successful, what then?
   Occasionally, even though most fee disputes are resolved with mediation, a more comprehensive approach is required. Arbitration can be requested, if both parties agree.
5. What happens at the arbitration stage?
   An independent panel reviews the mediator's report and any written submissions from the parties. The Chartered Accountant and client are invited to a meeting at the Institute offices to make additional comments. After deliberating, the panel recommends a settlement amount.
6. What is the cost of arbitration?
   The cost of the arbitration service is $250 for each party, per half-day of panel meetings. It is expected that most panel meetings would last one-half day.
7. Why is the arbitration stage non-binding?
   The Institute does not have the statutory authority to bind either party to an arbitrated settlement. This does not preclude the parties from agreeing between them to be bound by the arbitration process.
8. Who is on the arbitration panel?
   A public representative and a volunteer Chartered Accountant from each of public practice and industry comprise the panel.
9. Who else can appear before the arbitration panel?
   Because of its informality, this process does not provide for representation by legal counsel. With the approval of the panel's chair, other representatives will be allowed to attend the panel meeting.  An organization's controller or bookkeeper would normally be acceptable, as would the Chartered Accountant's field staff. A successor Chartered Accountant would not normally appear; nor would any other "expert witness."
10. What happens after the meeting?
    Each party is advised by letter of the panel's recommendation of a settlement amount with reasons.
11. How do I access fees mediation?
    First, contact the other party to see if the service is acceptable. Then, notify  Donna Genova , CA , Fees Mediation Service Co-ordinator, at the Institute and request authorization letters. Once these letters have been signed and returned, by each of you, a mediator will contact you.

For further information: 

Printed on Wed, May 16, 2012 - 3:8:22 EDT
http://www.icao.on.ca/CAfirms/PracticeMatters/FeesMediation/1007page1077.aspx

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