The first quarter of the year will typically be the busy season for accounting firms, and if  you count extension filing, there’s a mini bonus busy season in the fall. 

Does busy season get better for you each year? Or does it cause the same stress you feel each time it comes around? 

In times of stress or increased activity, problems are often exacerbated. For instance, one study found that more than half of accounting firms worry about keeping up with regulatory changes, and more than a third of firms worry about finding, retaining, and training new employees. If these problems exist in the “normal” times, how much more will these impede your firm during the busiest time of year? 

This year, and every year after, doesn’t have to bring the same headaches as the past tax filing seasons. That is, if you set yourself up for the highest chance of success ahead of the busy battle. An earlier pre-busy season start builds stronger team cohesion while fostering an optimal working flow and cadence — all before the busy season. 

Improved Operational process and working cadence 

The first step toward getting an early start, comes through the operations and processes within your firm’s busy season team. This includes processes like: 

• Onboarding: Finding experienced talent is even more difficult than just getting the talent. Yet, it’s necessary, especially before Q1 2023. 
• Training: Once the payroll and paperwork is done, it’s time to get new team members up-to-speed on the services you offer. 

• Time for hands-on experience: In addition to seeing how to do things, your recruits need practical experience with the firm’s methodology and tools. 

Of course, training is a big piece of the puzzle. Starting early means your firm is better staffed and better equipped to handle incoming client work. However, there are other benefits to staffing in advance of your need. For example, you’ll have an opportunity to work closely with each new hire. This time allows you to identify strengths and weaknesses, core competencies, as well as look for key skills before you need them. 

Trained, ready for action, and more apt to stay 

There are also client-facing benefits to staffing well and earlier than normal. After all, training whilst in mid-battle is still a battle. We wouldn't send a paratrooper off a plane without them first knowing how to use our parachute. 

A well-trained team makes an impression, both through effective communication and work completed on time.  

As a leader in a firm or owner of your own accounting business, early preparation also improves your leadership skills. For the team and your clients, your commitment to the process is on display. When staff see you’re prepared and training them for success, they’ll know you have their best interests at heart, and that you are committed to supporting a healthy work-life balance. Overall, you’ll have a better chance of retaining staff before next season’s cycle by creating a better environment during a time known for its stress. 

Preventing burnout is part of the preparation 

Lastly, preparation opens up time to rest and recharge. You’re not running around like a squirrel before winter, gathering food. Instead, the team is training at a good pace, getting the rest they need, allowing you to take on a different type of preparation—preparing yourself. 

Hopefully, you agree on the importance of early preparation before the coming 2023 audit season. SAPRO works with firms to ensure they’re ready for anything that comes their way, providing firms with specialized tax professionals, custom-trained for the right methodologies, workflows, and services. More importantly, SAPRO team members are onboarded, trained and prepared to step in and assist your teams whenever you need them. 

With SAPRO, you gain the ability to have highly skilled professionals work directly for you, as part of your team, without the need to hire them yourself. If you get that early start we’ve been talking about, the team will have plenty of time for that hands-on experience for your firm. 

Planning drives performance 

Ready to begin? Schedule a discovery call with us today, and let this busy season be manageable and possibly even enjoyable,  with time to relax and prepare for your upcoming season.