These days, CPAs, like members of every other profession during the pandemic, are struggling to keep up with social and work-life changes, while pushing profitability for their firms and trying to shine in front of both clients and colleagues. We’ve done some research, and for your information, here are six behavior patterns that successful CPAs exhibit every day.
First off, keep your eyes on the prize. Stay goal oriented. Know in advance what you want to achieve. We recommend you set S.M.A.R.T. goals.
S.M.A.R.T. goals are:
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant, and
Time-Bound.
Please note that these are wholly objective criteria. They can be calibrated, added up, assessed. They’re not subjective (did it seem okay?). The results are there in black and white. There’s no getting around whether your efforts are successful or not.
Another thing. Don’t just live in the eternal present. Plan ahead. What will tomorrow bring? Spend the last few minutes of each workday analyzing the tasks that will demand your attention the next day. Check out what meetings you have lined up and plan for a successful day ahead. Forewarned is prepared!
Be Tech-Savvy
Keep up with the latest technological advances—let the robot do the work!
Technology is there for a purpose. It functions as a labor-saving device—why perform a task manually when it can be automated? (You know, like copy and paste instead of retyping.) One of the many benefits of technology is that it increases collaboration (by bringing us together virtually) and creates new work environments that increase our work and productivity levels. The road to success is only a mouse click away.
When you’re writing a report or trying to accomplish a project via email, back up your assertions with facts. Use data to support your findings or contentions. If you use accurate and reliable data, your clients will trust you—and so with any future tax examiners!
Pace yourself. Don’t punish yourself physically. Take it easy sometimes. According to research,
the most productive CPAs and business owners schedule a few five-to-10-minute breaks scattered throughout the day to lift their mood, productivity, and attitude. Whether you’re working from home or commuting, get out of the office and take a walk. (Yeah, there’s something called fresh air out there.) Consider catching up with a coworker, or even play with a pet. We won’t tell.
Finally, get to know yourself. Be conscious of your work habits and behavior patterns. When do you work the best? When do you need a break? When should you sit down and force yourself to complete a task? When do you need to go to bed to be alert the next day? If you don’t know the answers to these questions, we advise you do a little homework. They’re important. If you understand these aspects of yourself, you can become a better accountant and a happier person.
Today CPAs are under a lot of pressure. But as you can see, there are several courses of action you can take to help you excel at your job!
Download the 6 things successful CPAs do every day infographic and find out what you should be doing daily to grow your business.
