“Only two things in life are certain,” Marc Albaum tells his clients. “I can help you with the other one.”
These days, his clients include guests at the Andaz Wall Street hotel, last-minute filers who for one reason or another neglected to file thus far and are taking advantage of the hotel’s “Accountant in Residence” program.
Albaum has been ensconced in a luxury suite at the hotel since the beginning of the week.
Because it’s not that far from his year-round office, his regular clients have no problem coming to the Andaz to get their taxes done.
“They are impressed,” said Albaum. “The suite has a ‘wow’ factor, and has impressed everyone so far.”
Probably more importantly, Albaum’s wife has given her stamp of approval. “She loves staying at a luxury hotel,” he said.
Under the program, Albaum resides in the hotel and files taxes for hotel guests free of charge from April 8 through the 15th. His office features 1,465 square feet of loft-style living space, including a master bedroom and bath with a soaking tub, a half bath, living areas, dining room and kitchen. A 10-foot wide valet closet with LCD televisions on both sides divides the bedroom and living room, allowing Albaum to separate his office from the living quarters. It’s called the Buttonwood Suite (aka the Presidential Suite), and it features nine-foot windows boasting views of the East River.
“Many of our Wall Street guests are constantly pressed for time, so we wanted to offer an experience that will cater to their busy lifestyle,” explained Jeffrey Miller, general manager at the Andaz Wall Street. “We’re excited that Marc, as our accountant in residence, will be able to help our guests meet their tax deadline while traveling.”
Although this is a first both for Albaum and for Andaz Wall Street, the Andaz 5th Avenue is currently hosting an Artist in Residence program as part of their art series.
Here’s how it works: hotel guests who want to have their returns prepared must email Albaum at the hotel’s Web site with 72 hours advance notice to secure an hour-long appointment.
Surprisingly, most of them come prepared. “So far, all of the guests have prepared their records ahead of time,” said Albaum. “They brought along all the necessary information and documentation.”
Despite the luxurious bed and the kitchen accompanying the suite, chances are he won’t be using either one very much. Combining his own practice with servicing the hotel guests during tax week will cut into his snooze time, while the meals offered by the hotel will render use of the kitchen unnecessary. “I learned to do without sleep a long time ago during tax season,” he said. “And I won’t have to worry about cooking—this is the first week in my career that gourmet cuisine will be catered to me during this busy time.”
Until now, what I knew about the Andaz was that its bar has a great reputation. Since it’s only a few blocks away, I might wander down there in a week or so and try to convince them to institute an Accounting Journalist in Residence program for next tax season.
