Steps
- Measure last season. Hours by client and by work type: bookkeeping, close, schedules, returns, review.
- Separate preparation from judgement. Preparation work is what you can move or hand off.
- Move work earlier. Get client books reconciled through the third quarter before the year-end rush.
- Line up support early. Start offshore support six to eight weeks before the peak, so the test batch and checklists are done.
- Protect review time. Plan reviewer hours explicitly; they are the real constraint.
- Review after the season. Compare planned and actual hours and update next year’s plan.
General information only, not legal, tax, audit or professional-conduct advice. Rules, standards and software features change, so confirm the position that applies to your firm before you act. See our disclaimer.
