The
Accounting Dilemma: Sorting It Out
Communication
between accountant and builder can be difficult and frustrating.
You need some simple guidelines for improving communication to turn
this administrative burden into an aggressive and effective marketing
relationship.
- Who
is your accountant? You should know who the individual is in order
to work well with your accountant, and to ensure that you're getting
the help you need and deserve.
- What
is the accounting role? If you know what your accountant is expected
to do for you, then you have the means for determining how well
that relationship is working. If you haven't defined the role,
you have no way to tell. (If you don't know where you're going,
any road will get you there.)
- Distinctions:
bookkeeper and accountant. Many builders simply don't know the
difference in these roles. By understanding a few important dividing
lines, you will better understand how these roles work together
and with the builder.
- Questions
you should be asking. What do you need to know, and what should
you be asking your accountant?
- Answers
you should be getting. Is your accountant serving you well? You
want to be sure your accountant is giving you all that you need,
or you should find a new accountant who will work with you.
- Is
your accountant working out? If not, then what? Are you happy
with your accountant? If so, how can you continue your success?
If not, how do you find a new accountant? What criteria should
you use to locate more effective help?
- The
accounting program: keeping it simple. Simple is always better.
The widespread belief that higher complexity in the work you do
also requires a more complex system is not necessarily true. It
is more effective to export simplicity to higher levels of work
and reporting.
|