Robin Thieme

I am a partner in a CPA firm. I feel our business is one of client service. I am here to help my clients. Whether that is helping them by doing their taxes, understanding their taxes, making tax less scary, doing tax planning, working with their financial advisors to help mitigate taxes, or just talking them off the ledge - I am in service to my clients. Last year we "lost" 4 people - all for very good reasons, no bridges burned and potentially two coming back to work when they can. We have been unable to find and hire replacements. (We do have two interns this year who are doing a helluva good job!) This year we implemented new software for how we prepare our corporate returns. In addition to that we implemented new software for how we prepare our individual returns. (Because why not...) Ideally, both new solutions will reduce our staffing needs in the future. There is a learning curve though and we're all learning. Currently (as of 4/2/24 10:34 CDT) in my workflow queue I have: - 16 returns almost done, waiting on client info or are scheduled. - 1 movie audit - 14 returns to review and get out the door - 31 returns to prepare, and of those 4 are corporates that need to be done in order to complete the personals These are the returns that were in by our deadline of 3/15. In addition, I have roughly 70 returns that will need to be extended, of which, at least 1/2 will need extension payments. I am also the partner who handles intern questions and HR questions within our firm. I also handle my own client questions when they call or email. Which, all together, is multiple times throughout the day. I am 50 years old. I also have a husband and a dog. And a mom, and a brother and in-laws. And, I have friends (I think, still, anyway). At this time of year, I find myself stretched thin. It's not just the actual work (I know people who have a LOT more). It's the expectations. It's trying to balance all the expectations. My husband's expectation of being able to spend time with his wife. My interns' expectations of needing to ask questions and not be a bother. My staff's expectations of being able to ask questions and get help. My clients' expectations of getting their taxes done and their questions answered. AND trying to handle their unspoken expectations around if they are going to owe and how much or not and their personal issues around taxes in the first place. My own expectations for myself that I do good work and help the people who need help. So, when a client emails me with the expectation that their need will go straight to the top of my to-do list, that's hard. When a client calls and says my fee was too high and they don't want to pay it, it hurts. I don't need my clients to be perfect. I don't need my clients to like everything I tell them. I don't need my clients to enjoy taxes. Hell - I don't even need my clients to like ME. But, I would like to point out that everyone working in a client services position is worthy of respect. That the time someone puts into doing something for you is worth respecting. To remind you that we are people.