Becoming a freelance accountant is super exciting. You get to escape the exhausting 9-to-5 race and become your own boss. That said, freelancing comes with its own fair share of challenges, managing multiple clients being one of them.
Before you feel overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. Here are five things you can do to balance multiple clients as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) freelancer.
1. Set Realistic Expectations
One thing is a given — being a CPA is not a walk in the park. From preparing financial statements to preparing taxes and conducting audits, CPAs do a lot. And as a freelancer, these responsibilities are tripled in number as you deal with multiple clients and their businesses.
The best thing you can do is set realistic expectations with yourself. Before you accept a gig, figure out how much time you need to complete it. Then, add on a few days as a buffer. This will help you deal with potential emergencies so you don’t feel pressured to finish a task or project.
Look into available Tampa CPA jobs on Intuit to find suitable opportunities.
2. Create a Routine
It might sound a little clichéd, but having a routine for your workday can be super helpful. Here are some tips you can follow:
- Create a dedicated workspace to mentally switch into “work mode.”
- Set a consistent work schedule. Establish specific work hours to create a clear boundary between work and personal life.
- Set aside specific days for client meetings.
- Dedicate at least two hours every day to do your own marketing and administration tasks.
3. Leverage a Project Manager Software
As a freelance CPA, you are bound to deal with a load of information and data. But that doesn’t mean you have to drown in paperwork and Excel sheets. A project management software is the best way to keep track of every single task.
It allows you to create different projects and assign them to respective clients. You can also break down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks. Set clear timelines and use the time tracker to monitor your billable hours for each project and to create invoices.
Project management software not only helps you stay organized but also allows you to collaborate with clients.
4. Focus on One Task At a Time
There is a fine line between multitasking and multiple things occupying your brain with no means to an end. Even if you can rapidly switch between two tasks, it’s difficult to excel at both of them.
This is why it’s important to focus on one task at a time. Whether it’s preparing an audit report or figuring out taxes for a client, dedicate complete attention.
5. Pick and Choose Your Projects
Many freelancers believe they should accept any project coming their way. In reality, this is not as beneficial as often portrayed.
Thoroughly vet a new contract or project before committing to it. You should carefully check the requirements and time constraints. Then, consider how it’ll fit into your existing work schedule.
