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A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Preparing for
Our Busy Season
From early fall through early January, DMLO accounting and tax professionals, administrative professionals and IT professionals are all getting ready for busy season. It takes systems that are time-tested and thoroughly evaluated every year. It takes everyone knowing their position as the firm lines up for Busy Season 2008.
Here is a look at the multitude of tasks that precede the January Kick-Off.
Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
· All tax preparers attend intensive multi-part Tax Update classes.
· All accountants attend two internal tax update classes.
· All new preparers are trained in general tax matters, business and individual tax preparation.
· Auditors attend updates on auditing standards both at internal and external classes, including the extensive new risk assessment procedures.
· Employee benefit plan auditors also attend updates at this time.
December IT Software Updates
· Updates are received and tested for firm wide tax preparation software and paperless auditing software.
· Updates are received and tested for bookkeeping and payroll software (QuickBooks, Peachtree, other accounting programs).
· Updates are received and tested for software used in the Estates and Trusts practice.
· All software updates are pushed out to all users and tweaked for individual use.
· Laptops are specifically set up to be self-contained off site.
· Training classes are held on new software as needed.
IT Hardware Updates
· Scheduled computers are replaced right before tax season.
· New staff and part-time staff are set up.
Staff Updates
· New staff are trained in firm procedures and software.
· Scheduling begins early to incorporate staff who only work during tax season and part time staff who work full time during tax season.
Administrative Preparation
· Client lists are reviewed, proofed, updated and confirmed.
· Tax Organizers are printed and mailed during the last two weeks of December.
· Supplies are inventoried and quantities ordered.
· Equipment is serviced.
Firm Management
· Extended weekday hours and new Saturday hours are scheduled, beginning January 19.
· Committee meetings and projects are completed and presented prior to busy season.
· Busy Season meals are scheduled.
· Simple diversions are planned to lighten the load during busy season.
· Visibility ads and general communications plans are set in place.
Now, the Pre-Season is ending. Let the game begin!
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