Get Work Done - Issue #8
Strategic task timing as a productivity hack plus a special Workflow Summit you'd rather not miss
Welcome to "Get Work Done," where we dive into the nitty-gritty of running accounting and bookkeeping firms efficiently. This isn't your average newsletter – we're all about down-to-earth tips and insights that cut through the complexities, helping you streamline processes, embrace practical tech solutions, and boost your team's productivity.
Brought to you by Financial Cents and delivered to your inbox every 2 weeks.
Small change, big difference
It’s 11 a.m. on Monday. The two-hour weekly debrief meeting is over, but you can’t seem to do anything else for the rest of the day.
Bummer!
You’ve noticed this trend over and over again. You just seem to concentrate better and work efficiently in the morning hours. But when meetings replace focused work time at those hours, you struggle for the rest of the day.
Here’s one small change that can make a big difference, helping you take back control of your day so you can be more productive:
Adopt a strategic approach to scheduling that matches your natural energy levels. It’s not just about the tasks you do, but when and how you do them. You can use the science of circadian rhythms to boost your overall effectiveness and productivity by syncing tasks with your peak performance times.
One practical way of doing this is to have meetings only on specific days of the week or only at certain hours. This will help you regain time to focus on strategic tasks to help you grow your firm.
Are you already doing this? Share your learnings in the comment section.
Special Event: Workflow Summit
Nope, this isn’t WorkflowCon, Financial Cents’ signature virtual workflow conference that takes place over 2 days in October.
Workflow Summit is a special one-day event happening on July 9 to really dive deep into the world of AI and automation for accountants and bookkeepers.
Brought to you by Financial Cents, this event will feature Kellie Parks, Mark Wickersham, Heather Satterley, and Courtney McKay speaking on varying topics related to workflow, AI, and automation.
Only 600 spots are available.
Firm spotl💡ght
Accounting Therapy was founded in 1996 by Shea O’Neal to serve QuickBooks® users with bookkeeping services. In 1998, Shea's daughter, Alexis Sadler, joined the team. She was 17 and ready to learn everything about bookkeeping. With more hands on deck, the family business evolved into a thriving company supporting entrepreneurs at any stage of business.
The firm has grown from a mom-and-daughter team to a crew of 8 and growing, taking a creative approach to everything they do.
In this episode of the Accounting Flow Podcast, Alexis shares her firm’s strategies for building a healthy and engaging culture including implementing the EOS framework.
Take a listen below:
Excerpts below:
Roman Villard (Host):
Tell me about creativity and how you’ve done things differently than other firms.
Alexis Sadler:
So I believe that our team is very different from a lot of other accounting firms. We are very colorful; we’re very fun. We’re very goofy. I mean, if you go to our website, we have superheroes on our website. We’re not the typical accountant, if you will, we try to keep it fun. And we try to be real people that somebody’s not afraid to come to us and ask us that silly question they need help with. We implemented EOS a while ago, the Entrepreneurial Operating System. And we do a lot of quarterly rallies where we get together, and each team will kind of do some goofy skit or game or something like that. We try to do things that keep us all together and in the same culture and happiness, and it just exudes out into our customers. They get to experience the happiness and the fun in working with an accountant, which isn’t generally fun.
H🔥t topics
How Cloud-based services and software are giving small businesses an affordable way to grow their operations
In a deeply insightful article for business.com, Mark Fairlie, Senior Analyst and expert on Business Ownership discusses everything you need to know about cloud-based services and 12 ways they can benefit businesses.
He starts by breaking down the 5 main types of services Cloud providers offer:
Infrastructure as a service (IaaS): These providers rent out storage disks, facilities, IT networks, and servers.
Software as a service (SaaS): SaaS companies offer predefined services to end users, such as top accounting software and online document storage.
Platform as a service (PaaS): These companies offer database management, operating systems, and development tools for creating new services and apps.
Desktop as a service (DaaS): DaaS is like the Network Computer idea from 1996, in which your files and programs are run from a remote location. (However, it’s not the same as remote desktop software.)
Business process as a service (BPaaS): This involves automating tasks such as advertising, marketing, procurement, and payroll.
According to Mark, Some of the benefits of cloud services include improved productivity, keeping business data up to date, security, business scalability, automation, and much more.
Flex Report Q2 2024: Navigating the Future of Flexible Work
The Flex Report Q2 2024 provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolving landscape of flexible work arrangements, offering invaluable insights for business leaders, HR professionals, and remote workers. This quarter's edition delves into emerging trends, best practices, and the latest data shaping the future of work.
Key findings include:
Structured Hybrid is now the most common model for US companies.
89% of Structured Hybrid companies require 2-3 days per week in the office.
97% of Technology companies offer work location flexibility. Insurance and Media round out the top three.
Massachusetts is the most flexible state, with 91% of companies offering some work location flexibility.
San Jose, San Francisco, and Austin are the top three most flexible metros.
Larger companies continue to shift toward Structured Hybrid.
With expert commentary, case studies, and actionable recommendations, the Flex Report Q2 2024 is an essential resource for anyone looking to navigate and thrive in the future of flexible work. Don’t miss out on these critical insights—ensure your organization is prepared for what lies ahead.
Swipe this workflow template
Get the Step-by-Step Accounts Payable Checklist Template to easily track invoices, automate calculations & improve cash flow management for your clients.
Meme
Considering the number of OOOs circulating in the last couple of weeks 😂
FOMO events
JUNE 3 - 6
AICPA® & CIMA® ENGAGE 24 at Las Vegas
*Financial Cents will exhibit at AICPA and give away $500 daily in our raffle draws! Visit booth #1035 to connect with us, enter the draw, and get swag 😉.
JUNE 7
Networking Tips & Tricks featuring Rich Kane
JUNE 12
June 16 - 19
Scaling New Heights 2024 at Orlando, Florida
*Financial Cents will exhibit at SNH and give away $500 daily in our raffle draws! Visit booth #182/183 to connect with us, enter the draw, and get swag 😉.
Noteworthy
Feeling Stuck? 5 Reasons Your Accounting Firm Isn’t Growing and How to Fix It: You’re sitting in your office, surrounded by stacks of paperwork and endless spreadsheets, wondering why your accounting firm isn’t scaling to new heights. Well, you’re not alone. A staggering number of accounting firms hit a growth plateau at some point in their journey. But why does it matter? The consequences are more than just a dip in profits. Stagnant growth can lead to a domino effect of troubles: dwindling profitability, a revolving door of talent as employees seek greener pastures, and the looming threat of being overshadowed by competitors in the market. Here are 5 reasons why you may be experiencing this and how to fix it.
Clearing the Mental Ledger: How Bookkeepers Can Declutter Their Minds - Bookkeeping requires intense concentration and mental endurance. The constant pressure of managing financial transactions, balancing budgets, and meeting tight deadlines can accumulate mental clutter, reducing productivity and affecting overall well-being. In this article, pure bookkeeping explores effective strategies to help bookkeepers declutter their minds, enhance focus, and maintain mental clarity.
Is overworking Killing Accountants? The Deadly Truth About Long Hours: In the most recent episode of The Accounting Podcast, Blake Oliver and David Leary highlight the health risks of working long hours and discuss the need for better work-life balance in accounting firms based on a recent WHO report. Learn why reducing work hours is crucial for preventing accountants from fleeing the profession and protecting their well-being in this 4-minute clip.
Until next time,
