Task & Time Keeping Tips

Every day in public accounting should be planned. There is an old adage “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”.  So today start out by:

1. Making a to-do list of the tasks you need to accomplish
2. To the right, place the amount of time you think that task should take
3. Now to the left of each item place an:
   1. A for an item needing to be done right away, a
   2. B for something that may be done tomorrow and a
   3. C next to the items that could be done next week
4. Next, prioritize you’re A items A1, A2, A3, etc. and B1, B2, B3, etc., and C1, C2, C3, etc.

Now you are able to make the most of your day.  Stick to your plan and you will find yourself being more productive.

Other marks that may be helpful:

• For items completed, place a checkmark. Items that were deleted should be marked with an x. Items that were not accomplished and need to be carried over to tomorrow, place an →.
• For delegated items place a → and the initials of the individual you delegated it to.  So for my to-do list, if I have →RF, it means I have delegated that item to Ray Fuentes. This helps me remember Ray is responsible and I need to follow up with Ray.

As for keeping your time, you may find these helpful shortcuts:

• Use TT and TF when making notes of Telephone To or Telephone From.  Example TT RF would mean Telephone to Ray Fuentes.
• Use ET and EF when making notes of Email To and Email From.  Example EF RF would mean Email From Ray Fuentes.
• Use OCW when documenting an office conference with someone.  Example OWC RF would mean office conference with Ray Fuentes.

Contact Us

Remember, we are in public accounting and we need to maintain the highest standards of work and as efficiently and as effectively as possible.  Making a to-do list may slow your morning down, but it will pay-off in the end as it will keep you focused on what to do next. If you need help making your day the most efficient, give your mentor or me a call, and together we will help you achieve more.