As professionals in the accounting industry, it’s common for accountants to go above and beyond in their efforts to maintain positive relationships with clients. However, this often leads to an unspoken challenge: how much extra work should an accountant take on to keep clients happy, without compromising their own workload, financial boundaries, or professional integrity?

According to a recent study by AccountingWEB, 72% of accountants report feeling pressure from clients to take on additional, uncontracted tasks—such as financial advice or handling administrative duties outside the scope of their original agreement. While it’s essential to maintain strong client relationships, it’s equally important to recognize when those relationships begin to push the boundaries of what was initially agreed upon.

Understanding the Scope of Work

The foundation of any successful working relationship with a client is a clear contractual agreement outlining the scope of work. This contract acts as a safeguard for both the accountant and the client, ensuring mutual understanding regarding the services provided and the agreed-upon fees. However, as time progresses, accountants may find themselves willingly stepping outside these boundaries to accommodate clients who request additional tasks or services.

When Extra Work Turns into Overwork

One of the most common challenges accountants face is the request for services that weren’t initially planned. This can include offering business consulting, answering complex financial questions outside of regular engagements, or providing last-minute updates before tax deadlines. While being flexible and accommodating can help strengthen client relationships, it can quickly lead to overwork.

The impact of this can be significant. According to a survey by Accountancy Age, 60% of accountants say they often experience burnout as a result of taking on additional, unplanned tasks. With the increasing demands of modern clients, accountants must draw a clear line to protect their work-life balance and avoid unnecessary stress.

The Financial Implications of Taking on Extra Work

From a financial perspective, taking on additional work without adjusting the contract terms or charging extra fees can be detrimental. While it may seem like a way to keep clients satisfied, failing to adjust pricing for unanticipated tasks can erode profit margins, especially when tasks are outside the standard scope.

The same AccountingWEB study revealed that 38% of accountants feel that taking on extra work without renegotiating fees has a direct impact on their profitability. For instance, small tasks like last-minute document retrieval may seem insignificant, but they can add up over time and reduce the accountant’s overall earnings.

Drawing the Line: How to Set Boundaries with Clients

So, where should accountants draw the line? Here are several strategies that can help set clear boundaries without damaging client relationships:

• Clearly Defined Contracts: When beginning a new engagement, make sure to outline all services that will be provided, including any limitations on additional work. Clients will appreciate the transparency, and it can help prevent misunderstandings down the line.

• Establish a Clear Communication Process: Let clients know from the outset what type of work falls within the contract and what will incur extra charges. If a client requests additional work, take the opportunity to explain the potential costs involved.

• Use Time Tracking Tools: Using tools to track time spent on various tasks helps you to easily identify when you are going beyond the original scope. This can serve as an effective reference point when you need to renegotiate terms or address overwork.

• Offer Premium Packages for Additional Services: If you find that clients frequently request additional services, consider offering tiered packages that allow clients to opt into higher-level services at an extra cost. This offers clients flexibility while ensuring your time is compensated.

• Communicate Your Limits: It’s essential to be upfront about your availability and workload. If a client’s requests are becoming too frequent or outside the scope, let them know politely but firmly when you are unable to accommodate additional work.

The Benefits of Setting Boundaries

While it may feel uncomfortable to set limits at first, doing so can ultimately lead to stronger, more professional relationships. Clients will respect your time and value the clarity you provide. Additionally, by setting boundaries, accountants can ensure they maintain a manageable workload and avoid burnout, which improves both their mental well-being and the quality of the services they provide.

In conclusion, maintaining a balance between providing exceptional client service and protecting your professional boundaries is crucial for long-term success. Accountants must recognize when a relationship begins to push the boundaries and have the confidence to draw the line where necessary. By setting clear expectations and communicating openly, accountants can foster both healthy client relationships and a sustainable workload.