The document provides a concise, instructional guide for creating operational checklists distinct from standard operating procedures (SOPs). It emphasizes that checklists are for experienced staff to ensure critical steps are not missed, recommending five to ten clear, pass/fail items. The guide outlines a reusable template covering checklist name, owner, trigger/schedule, and location, plus a section for escalation criteria. Two concrete examples illustrate the template in practice: a New Client Onboarding (Delivery) checklist and a Weekly Close checklist, each detailing specific items and escalation triggers. The guide also stresses that detailed procedural knowledge remains in SOPs, while checklists focus solely on verification of completed actions.
Topics
Purpose and Distinction: Checklists vs SOPs
Explains that checklists are verification tools for experienced staff, not detailed procedural documents, aiming to prevent missed critical steps.
Core Checklist Template Structure
Defines the four mandatory fields—Checklist name, Owner, When it runs, Where it lives—forming the backbone of every checklist.
Item Guidelines: Count, Clarity, and Checkability
Recommends limiting items to five‑ten, each being a clear pass/fail action; items exceeding ten belong in the SOP.
Escalation Protocol: When to Involve a Human
Specifies a brief section for defining one or two scenarios where the checklist taker should stop and seek human assistance.
Example 1: New Client Onboarding Delivery Checklist
A concrete illustration applying the template to client onboarding, listing six verification steps and escalation triggers related to deposits or custom start dates.
Example 2: Weekly Close Checklist
Demonstrates the template for a weekly financial close process, detailing seven items and escalation conditions for overdue invoices or client complaints.