Efficient Service Delivery Requires Leadership

Source:  Accounting Today

The current dearth of accountants means using others to serve clients.

Whether they are accountants or not, staff want to understand how their work contributes to the firm’s goals and objectives. They want to work for firms that are disciplined in the pursuit of these goals and objectives. They also need continuous feedback on their performance.

Management roles do not necessarily require accountants to fill them, even in smaller firms. Accountants are needed to work on accounting in this time of shortage.

Partners need to focus on leadership—including training, mentoring, marketing, and sales. Instead they are frequently obsessed with their personal chargeable hours.

One tactic for dealing with the shortage of accountants is to have IT experts partner with auditors in the use of technology in performing audits.

The shortage of accountants means it is more difficult to avoid staff that is less than outstanding. Systematizing the work can compensate for this.

For the complete article, see Accounting Today, January 24, 2005 or go to