CPAs should say no more often. Here’s why

CPAs are problem-solvers at heart. They take on difficult projects with pride and give their all for their clients. While these are great attributes, it is hard to argue with the idea that many CPAs take on a bit too much, saying yes to every assignment from their bosses or request from a client. It is a problem that affects many professions, which is why it’s no surprise that 75% of respondents reported feeling burned out in a recent survey.

It’s time to start saying no more often to the onslaught of requests that come your way. Not only can this change in attitude help address feelings of burnout, but it can make work more profitable for CPAs and their firms. Here’s why — and how — CPAs should learn to say no.

Prioritize your time

Whether you know it or not, you are already saying no all the time. The question is, are you saying no to the right things? Every time you don’t have time for something, whether it is a family activity, spending time on a hobby, or accepting a project, you are saying no to all those things. Saying no to the right requests means prioritizing your time and projects and making sure you have the time and energy for what matters most.

Prioritizing projects and clients means rejecting some, delegating others, and finding new ways to address some. Bring in technology like automation and cloud computing to reduce data entry tasks and others that can be taken over by machine learning. Automating where possible gives CPAs the ability to give priority to the work that requires their knowledge and skill.

Turn down clients for increased revenue

When you’re starting out, it’s hard to let any client slip through the cracks. You may find yourself bending over backward to take any client and do whatever they need. Of course, as you progress in your career, you know some clients take up more time and effort than others, without the increased reward. Some clients may not appreciate the time or skill you offer them. Others may need more than your firm can really offer them, and trying to keep up with their demands expends too many resources.

Being more choosy about the clients you accept means saying no to some — or many. CPAs should continually evaluate whether current or potential clients are the best fit and be willing to cut loose when needed. But it can also mean your work has more personal and monetary value in the long run.

Prove your value

It is easy to believe that you are more valuable to your employer and your clients if you jump when they say “jump.” Actually, just the opposite is true. Someone who agrees to every request that comes their way does not increase their value but decreases it. As Warren Buffett once said, “The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.”

The person who carefully considers every request and is selective with what they take on is indispensable. Understand the value of your time and expertise and make sure your clients and firm know that value as well.

Know how to say no

There is an art to turning down clients, coworkers and employers. Of course, you are not looking to alienate everyone around you. Instead, you want to show that rejecting an idea is in everyone’s best interests.

Make it clear why you are saying no to a project, a new client or even an old one. Ensure everyone is on the same page about how to achieve the best results. Being selective about what you take on and what you turn down will leave you, your clients and your firm in the best position.

Saying no isn’t easy for everyone, especially if you’ve always tried to accept every request. It may take some work to change how you do business, but your personal and professional life will thrive if you are successful.