NUMBER CRUNCHIN’ NEWS
March 2000,  Page 2

links to: Page 1   Page 3

Excerpts from an article in the January California Tax Education Council Bulletin seemed to be apt for all bookkeepers, whether or not they prepare taxes, so I thought to include it here:

Follow these basic rules:

Establish rapport by –

  • Treating the client in a professional manner starting with the first interview. …..(do) not use the interview to demonstrate (your) great knowledge but be open to what the client has to say.

  • Listening and encouraging the client to talk.

  • Questioning client respectfully.

  • Reserving judgment.

  • Making client appreciate difficult aspects.

  • Consulting regularly client needs.

  • Returning calls promptly. 

  • Explaining fees and detailed billings with backup itemization.

  • Handling errors promptly.  Client’s confidence will rise.

  • Getting client involved with feedback and input

 

Engagement letters are recommended and they should contain –

  • Introduction 

  • Scope of Work

  • Excluded work

  •  Responsibility of client and preparer

  • Fee basis

  •  Closing

 

It is hard to reject an engagement, but there are reasons to do so:

  • Capacity 

  • Time constraints

  • Complexity beyond expertise 

  • Client with bad attitude, vengeful, dishonest or demanding 

  • Client whose engagement has been rejected by others.

In addition to the basic recommendation …be mindful of time management.  Some considerations in developing a system are:

  • Organize each day in advance

  • Schedule work on a priority basis

  • Give jobs deadlines and adhere to them

  • Develop a follow-up system.

  • Do not allow little tasks to build up

  • Work is no excuse for poor time management.

  • Time to relax…. Yes!

By Jacqueline Marazzi, CTEC Board Member

 

JJJJJJJ

  Two boll weevils grew up in South Carolina. One went to
Hollywood and became a famous actor. The other stayed behind in
the cotton field and never amounted to much. The second one, naturally, became known as the lesser of two weevils.

Keyboard Shortcuts-Windows

If you want to find a specific string of text on your current page:
Ctrl + F -- Opens the find dialogue box

To close an open window without clicking the close box:
Ctrl + W -- Closes the active window

ALT + TAB -- Cycles through open applications
CTRL + ESC -- Brings up Start menu
ALT + F4 -- Shuts down the selected program.
CTRL + Z -- Undo
CTRL + Y -- Redo
CTRL + A -- Select All
And finally...
F1 -- Help
From Kim Komando Newsletter 11/11/00              

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COME AND LEARN

 

In keeping with Board policy and the stated purpose of the organization to provide an exchange of information and further the education of our members, the Newsletter Committee will maintain a calendar listing of educational opportunities available to members and the public.   This listing will contain information that you send in.  Please send your contributions to the editor prior to the fifth of the month to have them included in that month’s newsletter!