How to Address Changes to Accounting Clients
Policies and procedures are constantly being adjusted and changed in the accounting world. Legislative changes force new rules and regulations that clients and advisers must be aware of to properly comply. Internal changes may result from staff changes, fee adjustments or computer processing. Keeping accounting clients apprised of changes keeps clients in compliance with rules and prevents bad surprises.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Create a website that discusses legislative changes such as tax and reporting regulations. Write a blog that covers the major issues clients may hear about in the news but not fully understand. Being on the web gives clients a place to go to get trusted information without burdening your office with an influx of calls.
-
2
Send a newsletter via email or regular mail for clients talking about strategies to stay more organized and ways to be best prepared for upcoming reviews and tax preparation. Use newsletters to welcome and introduce new staff, people whom clients may need to speak with at their next appointment.
-
-
3
Include company policy changes with statements if clients will receive them in a timely fashion. If you just sent quarterly statements out and need to inform clients of a new fee schedule, change in location or other time-sensitive changes, send a separate mailer outlining the adjustments.
-
4
Invite clients to attend a seminar that reviews new legislation, strategies or protocol.
-
5
Call clients who may be directly affected by changes. Not every client is affected by every change; focus your time and energy on those who will be affected the most. Explain succinctly that there are changes and invite the clients to come in to review accounts.
-
6
Review client portfolios at least once annually, specifically focusing on how any changes personally affect clients.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
