As a small business owner, your financial professionals—whether they are accountants, bookkeepers, fractional CFOs, or tax preparers—work tirelessly to support you. If you’ve chosen to stay with them, it’s probably because they’re meeting your expectations and providing valuable services. But have you ever asked yourself, “Am I a good client to my accountant or bookkeeper?”
After years of experience with many exceptional clients, I’ve compiled some key attributes that can help you foster a productive relationship with your financial team:
RESPOND TO QUESTIONS PROMPTLY
When your accountant or bookkeeper reaches out to you with questions, respond within a reasonable time. Delays in communication can slow down important processes, and it’s much easier for them to provide you with the best service when they aren’t chasing you for answers.
BE PATIENT WITH THEIR RESPONSE TIME
Understand that your finance professionals juggle multiple clients and tight deadlines. While good accountants strive to respond quickly, it’s essential to have reasonable expectations about response times. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out, but remember they may not always be available right away – just like you sometimes.
RESPECT THEIR DOWNTIME
Take a pause before sending emails or texts late at night or on weekends. While they may be willing to answer (and might even be working), it’s important to respect their downtime. If possible, schedule communications for regular business hours to help maintain a healthy work-life balance for them and for you. There will of course be projects and deadlines where this does not apply.
STAY WITHIN THE SCOPE OF YOUR SERVICES AGREEMENT
If you find yourself needing additional services, don’t hesitate to ask. However, understand that these may come with additional fees. It’s no secret that small requests can add up in terms of time and resources. Your finance professional will want to help, but it’s only fair they may need to be compensated for their efforts.
RESPECT THEIR FEES
Remember your accountant or bookkeeper has invested considerable time and money into their training and expertise. While you may have some background knowledge from an accounting class or QuickBooks training, this doesn’t diminish the value they provide. If you believe you’re paying too much, consider the quality of service you’re receiving—it's often worth every penny. But consider that accountants aren’t good at asking for fee increases so chances are you are not paying enough.
COMMUNICATE PROACTIVELY
Keep your financial professionals informed about any changes in your business that might affect your books. Proactive communication helps avoid confusion later and allows for faster completion with less questions.
PAY THEM PROMPTLY
Just as you expect timely payments from your customers, your finance professionals appreciate the same courtesy. Timely payments foster a stronger partnership and encourage continued quality service.
By embodying these client qualities, you can cultivate a strong, collaborative relationship with your financial team. Remember, your accountant and bookkeeper are your partners in success—don’t take them for granted! Together, you can build a solid foundation for your business’s financial health.
P.S. tap the photo
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