Accountants can be a bit misunderstood, often seen as number crunchers in the back room who give a thumbs up or a thumbs down to grand plans for the business. In reality, they are the sneaky heroes who know businesses inside and out and understand what companies need to thrive. It is critical for CPAs to help their clients see who they really are: integral members of the team, working tirelessly to help the business succeed.
In order for accountants to step into this role, they need to build relationships of trust with their clients. As
Get to know your clients
Although you have a business relationship with your clients, it helps to really
Be a mind reader
A great CPA is proactive, not just reactive. Clients want a financial advisor who doesn’t just keep the books and help with payroll. As a trusted advisor in the business, a CPA must be able to understand lessons from the past, as well as foresee the future. Clients are counting on their CPA to know about every available option to assist them. Stay up to date on issues that can impact your clients’ businesses, such as the PPP loans and loan forgiveness that were issued to help companies struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly
Give real-time feedback
If you want clients to call you whenever they need help, you’ll need to have answers ready for them when needed. While you can’t always be a mind reader, you can be responsive and adaptable. As clients present you with new ideas and questions, make sure you are able to step up and respond. Luckily, as clients’ needs adjust, so does the technology available to CPAs. Take advantage of this technology so you can address client needs on the fly. Using cloud technology and customized dashboards, CPAs can input data in real time and be ready to give results at the drop of a hat.
Show clients you care
Your clients want someone who is always in their corner, working toward the success of their business. Show them that you aren’t just about your bottom line and that you actually care about their success.
CPAs aren’t number crunchers behind the curtain — they are real humans that are there for their clients when they need them. Building a trusting relationship with clients ensures they know who to turn to when they need advice — or to share a victory.