Is it possible for accountants and bookkeepers to have an harmonious working relationship?
Cloud technology paves the way for bookkeepers to change roles so they can keep up with the advancements of technology. While there are plenty of benefits that changing roles can provide, it can also create challenges when it comes to establishing working relationship with accountants. The roles that each party plays differ but problems take place as both accountants and bookkeepers do not know where to draw the line. When a good working relationship cannot be established, it is the client that suffers at the end of the day.
Common issues between accountants and bookkeepers:
• One or both parties can have disputes over territory because of the purpose of protecting their role. Disputes often create an unhealthy competition and both parties are unperturbed to the fact that the client is also affected.
• Bookkeepers have not fully understood what their limitations are and it can create a ripple effect on the quality of their work. There are instances when bookkeepers still accept jobs even though they do not have appropriate skills and experience and instead of accomplishing a satisfactory task, the result is the exact opposite.
• Bookkeeping can also be affected if the accountants do not make an effort to communicate with the bookkeeper. The same situation applies to a bookkeeper who does not inform the accountant about issues concerning the task. Aside from the confusion that it creates, there will also be plenty of room for mistakes.
While it is not impossible for accountants and bookkeepers to work together, a little effort is required to promote positive results.
• Bookkeepers and accountants should know where to establish clear boundaries. It is impossible to maintain a good working relationship if there is no clear agreement as to what role each should play. Looking after the client’s welfare is necessary and it also prevents disputes over territory.
• Both parties must understand the kind of task they are trying to work on. If one of them lacks the required skills and experience, it is impossible to complete an error-free task. If bookkeepers or accountants are not familiar with the task, it is necessary to seek advice.
• The lines of communication must always be open because if the concerns or issues come up, bookkeepers and accountants can discuss the proper resolution to the issue.
• When bookkeepers and accountants are working together, the first thing that they need to keep in mind is the client’s welfare. They have to act in the client’s best interests. They must work together to think about what will improve the client’s business. When both parties are cooperative, it is easy to achieve one common goal.
Without a doubt, a bookkeeper and an accountant play an important role for a business owner to succeed. One cannot perform without the other because bookkeepers and accountants are responsible for keeping the client’s finances in check. When there are problems with the finances, both parties can discuss what needs to be done. It is never impossible for bookkeepers and accountants to work in harmony if there is cooperation.
