Accountants: 3 Steps to a Cleared Up Inbox

What if everything that’s cluttering your inbox were automatically synced and logged into the client account or contract it pertains to (so that you never had to waste time again making double entries or sending cc’s and FYIs)? If you’re currently struggling to keep tasks from falling through the cracks at work with an overflowing inbox but don’t have a smart technology platform that can streamline things for you, here are three steps you can take to clean up your email:

1. Stop using it as a tool for collaboration or FYIs with your team

If you’re using email to communicate with your team about client work and forward them status updates with accounts, you’re not only cluttering inboxes, but you’re creating an opportunity for pertinent information to fall through the cracks (as things so often do with regular email). If you want to keep your team in the loop with client work, consider a different tool or channel that’ll allow for seamless collaboration while maintaining full transparency and accountability.

2. Stop using it as a means to follow-up on tasks

Do you often mark emails as unread to remind yourself to check them later? Or, do you sometimes email yourself things you need to do? Neither are efficient or effective—they clutter your inbox and frankly, they mess up your workflow and organization. Alternatively, you should try researching tools that’ll allow you to streamline all of your to-do’s and client work into one simple place.

3. Stop using it to share attachments and notes for client work

When you use email to forward attachments and notes for client work, you’re (again) cluttering inboxes with documents and creating opportunities for things to fall through the cracks (since email lacks transparency). Without a reliable centralized place where all your work is streamlined, you'll always be digging for the information you need instead of having it right when and where you need it. On that note, you may want to explore some service retainer management platforms that’ll give you the kind of visibility and reliability you need.

If you’re curious how other accounting firms like yours were able to streamline their workflows and automate repeatable processes, have a look at this.