Why a checklist matters
A service bureau can involve multiple offices, users, roles, and workflows. A written readiness checklist helps the operator identify gaps before they become recurring operational problems.
This guide is an operational starting point, not legal or regulatory advice. Requirements depend on the activities, agreements, software, jurisdictions, and responsibilities involved.
Access and permissions
Document each role in the organization and decide what access that role actually requires. Review administrator access, ERO controls, preparer permissions, support access, and procedures for removing or changing access when responsibilities change.
Training and documentation
Maintain clear onboarding and training expectations. Document procedures for software use, workflow, due diligence, security, issue escalation, and support. Training should be repeatable rather than dependent on informal explanations.
Information security
Review how sensitive information is accessed, transmitted, stored, and discussed. Limit access according to role, maintain written security procedures, and make security part of onboarding rather than an afterthought.
Office onboarding and monitoring
Define what must be completed before an office goes live. Establish who reviews readiness, what information is required, how questions are handled, and what happens when an office does not follow established procedures.
Support and escalation
Create clear support channels and escalation levels. Offices should know where to go for software questions, operational questions, account issues, and matters that require a higher level of review.
Review before growth
Revisit the checklist as the network changes. BRG Firm's Service Bureau approach emphasizes infrastructure and readiness so expansion is supported by documented systems.
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