Hello, my followers! Do you have busy season during
off season time (it is summer after all, isn't it?!) ? Well, I have. I have to
perform audit of 8 statutory financial statements during this summer, then the
audit and review of listed companies. I am not complaining, I am just saying:
"Busy!". And here is my next article for you about the busy season
time tips.
Intro
Busy Season for auditors means long hours,
tight deadlines, and constant pressure. It can be exhausting for even the most
experienced accountants. The busy season for auditors normally starts from
around mid-January and lasts till the end of March.
Here
are few tips that will help you to get through the busy season in a successful
manner.
Start your day
earlier
Starting to work
early in the morning can save you some time for a calm sleep in the night that
will make you refresh for the next day. Although late sitting is a norm and not
an exception during the busy season for auditors, but starting your day earlier
can actually help you manage your tasks more efficiently.
Take advantage of
travel time to the office: While on the way to office if you are not driving,
you can easily check your e-mails, prioritize your most important tasks and
preplan the schedule for the whole day.
Set Agenda for meetings
Plan
your meetings well ahead of time by setting agenda for each meeting so as to avoid
missing out on any important issue that needs to be discussed and clarified
from the client.
Make a To-Do List
At
the end of every day make a To-Do List for the next day. Things that are left
undone today should be given priority the next day so as to avoid backlog of
activities.
Delegate Work
Activities
that can be handled by subordinates should be handed over to them in a timely
manner to free up yourself for handling more productive tasks.
Keep office and
personal time separate
Busy season does not mean you should ignore your
family, health and other recreational activities. Exercise regularly. Do take
breaks on the weekends and enjoy passing time with family and friends which
will help you to be more effective at work. .
Apply the “Pay
time” Sale Concept
Pay time is the time during the day
when clients are available; normally it is from 9:00 a.m. in the morning to
6:00 p.m. in the evening. No pay time is when you would not be able to reach out
to them. Use no pay time for responding to e-mails, writing, research, or for
any other marketing activity that does not directly lead to a paycheck. (Kelley C. Long, CPA, personal financial
coach)
Additional Thoughts
The
thought of busy season can bring some stress but if you mentally prepare
yourself and try to weigh the positives and the negatives you can tackle it
with ease and full of productivity. Do plan a trip at the end of the busy
season that will keep you motivated throughout the tough busy working season
and will also re-energize you at the end of it.
