379 How To Handle The Client That’s Too Much Work!
Dec 6, 2024
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Discover the challenges of dealing with disorganized clients and the importance of setting realistic expectations. Dive into client-provider relationships, emphasizing transparency and innovative financial tools. Learn how to align client engagements and empower your team to enhance productivity. Explore strategies for evaluating client satisfaction and modernizing rural accounting firms to attract younger clientele. Effective communication and operational efficiency are key to better service delivery.
Adopting a phased approach for improving disorganized client processes allows accounting professionals to manage expectations and transitions effectively.
Standardizing accounting practices through an internal service library enhances efficiency and consistency, even within custom client engagements.
Deep dives
Dealing with Overwhelming Clients
Managing clients who are disorganized can lead to significant challenges for accounting professionals. It is important to recognize the initial workload that might be required when stepping into a client's chaotic process, and to avoid the temptation to make everything perfect immediately. Instead, adopting a phased approach where improvements can be made over time allows for realistic expectations and smoother transitions. Acknowledge that some projects may necessitate ongoing efforts and adjustments to reach the required standard without compromising service quality.
Reevaluating Team Dynamics and Responsibilities
In some cases, client projects may be better managed internally rather than solely delegating tasks to the accounting firm. Understanding the client’s team capabilities can reveal that they may be more equipped to handle specific responsibilities, thus simplifying the workflow. It is beneficial to reassess engagement dynamics and determine whether certain aspects should be returned to clients for efficiency. Such introspection can lead to optimizing collective efforts and improving the overall quality of service provided.
Effective Communication During Negotiations
When renegotiating the terms of engagement with clients, framing the conversation constructively can greatly reduce tension. Instead of approaching discussions with ultimatums, an open-ended dialogue about the state of the relationship can facilitate a more productive outcome. Clarifying responsibilities and ensuring both parties are aligned on goals creates a better environment for discussing necessary changes. This technique not only fosters transparency but can provide new insights into the client's needs and your firm's offerings.
Standardizing Bespoke Services for Better Efficiency
Standardization in accounting practices is essential, even when working with custom engagements that feel inherently unique. Establishing an internal service library helps in curating standard procedures for various tasks, allowing team members to understand best practices and ensuring consistency across client projects. By developing this framework, firms can reduce reliance on individual expertise and create systems that are easier to follow. Incrementally moving towards a more standardized process enhances efficiency without compromising the personalized service clients expect.
Check out the David Parell Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lulu-cheng-meservey-the-pr-class-you-didnt-know-you-needed/id1700171470?i=1000626935566 Here’s the Service Library video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8rQzr3ogkM&
🫠 Are you stuck in a legacy firm? Over 100 progressive firms are looking for accountants like you on Jason’s job placement platform: https://jason.careers/
🗣️ Continue the discussion on social! Twitter https://twitter.com/JStaatsCPA LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jstaats/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@jasoncpa
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