Is Communication the Achilles Heel of Accountants?

Hi everyone,

Did you know that 29% of employees cite inadequate communication as the primary cause of project failure?

Let me ask you something, do you often find yourself feeling like you're speaking a different language when you try to communicate with your clients? Many accountants face the same struggle of bridging the communication gap between accounting jargon and client comprehension.

Well, don’t worry! We've got some handy tips to help you bridge the gap and level up your client communication skills. Let's dive in!

1. Speak Their Language

Drop the accounting jargon and speak in terms your clients understand. Remember, not everyone is familiar with acronyms like GAAP and FIFO, so it’s sensible to be straightforward.

If you ever feel like you’re in a fix, use analogies and real-life examples to break down those complex concepts. Think of it like explaining memes to your grandma. Keep it real, keep it simple!

2. Listen Up

Communication isn't just about talking; it's also about listening. Take the time to really understand your clients' needs, concerns, and goals.

In fact, research shows that when individuals feel listened to, their motivation to perform better improves by nearly are 5 times!

Here, the trick is to ask open-ended questions and actively listen to their responses. This shows that you value their input and are committed to finding solutions that work for them. Remember Rihanna didn’t say, “Take a Bow!” for no reason.

3. Embrace Technology

Goodbye, carrier pigeons. Hello, Zoom calls!

Embrace the wonders of technology to make communication a breeze. Use emails, messaging apps, or video conferencing tools to stay connected with your clients. Not only does this save time, but it also allows for more frequent and efficient communication.

Today’s time is all about having a virtual coffee chat—minus the coffee stains!

4. Be Proactive

The world of business is a never-ending prom night, and no one likes a wallflower.

So, don't wait for your clients to reach out to you, take the lead and stay in touch regularly.

Provide timely updates on their financial status, upcoming deadlines, and any changes in regulations that may affect them. Show them that you're on the ball and ready to tackle anything that comes your way!

So, there you have it, four simple yet effective ways to amp up your client communication and strengthen your relationships.

Would you like to know more about how you and your team can boost client communication at your firm? Read our blog and tap into deeper insights.

­­_­­­­­­Visit our website here or need help with your own offshore journey? Book a call.

Best,

Arun Mehra