End of Contract Checklist

Use this checklist in the final weeks of a contract to make sure nothing slips through the cracks. A smooth handover protects your professional reputation and makes the transition to your next role as painless as possible.

Administrative Tasks

• Submit your final timesheet or invoice.
• Return all company equipment, including laptops, phones, and access cards.
• Complete any required exit paperwork.
• Confirm that final payment terms and dates are clear in writing.
• Request a reference letter or recommendation whilst the work is fresh in your client's mind.

Knowledge Transfer

• Document any ongoing work or projects so that the team can pick up where you left off.
• Hand over access credentials to the relevant team members.
• Complete all project documentation and notes.
• Brief your replacement or the wider team on the current status of any active work.
• Organise and transfer any work files to the appropriate shared location.

Professional Relationships

• Connect with colleagues on LinkedIn before you lose easy access to their profiles.
• Exchange personal contact details with key contacts.
• Thank team members and stakeholders for their time and collaboration.
• Leave positive feedback or reviews if the client or team requests it.
• Maintain these professional relationships — they are a valuable source of future opportunities and referrals.

Data and Security

• Delete any company data from personal devices.
• Return or transfer any company files to the appropriate owner.
• Ensure your access to company systems and accounts has been revoked.
• Clear any saved passwords for company sites from your browser.
• Review and ensure compliance with any NDAs or data protection agreements you signed.

Financial and Legal

• Confirm the final payment date and amount with your client or agency.
• Keep copies of all contracts and invoices for your records.
• Update your tax records and expense logs.
• Review and file any required tax documents for the current period.
• Confirm the end date for any insurance or benefits that were tied to the contract.

Next Steps

• Update your CV with the skills and responsibilities from this contract.
• Begin networking for your next opportunity — do not wait until you are between contracts.
• Schedule any time off you need before starting a new engagement.
• Plan your transition if you are moving directly into a new role.
• Take time to reflect on what went well and what you would do differently next time.