Trying to do everything yourself is like trying to prepare a tax return with a crayon—possible, but not efficient. You’re a master of numbers, strategy, and compliance, but spending hours on low-value tasks is a surefire way to burn out. That’s why mastering the art of delegation is your secret weapon to reclaiming time and boosting productivity.
Delegation isn’t about giving up control; it’s about focusing your energy where it matters most. Here’s how you can delegate effectively and find the right resources to handle those time-consuming tasks.
Why Delegation Matters
As a tax professional, your expertise is invaluable. But if you’re buried in administrative tasks like data entry, appointment scheduling, bookkeeping input (yours or clients) or chasing down client documents, you’re not working at your highest value. Delegating these tasks allows you to:
- Focus on high-priority activities like tax strategy and client advisory – that also pay more.
- Reduce stress and avoid burnout during busy seasons.
- Empower others to grow their skills while lightening your load.
Delegation isn’t just a productivity hack—it’s a mindset shift that frees you to operate as the CEO of your practice.
Where to Find Help
Ready to delegate but not sure where to start? Here are some excellent resources for finding skilled professionals to handle your low-dollar duties:
- Virtual Assistant Platforms
Websites like Upwork, Zirtual, and Stealth Agents specialize in connecting you with virtual assistants who can handle tasks like email management, client communication, and document organization. These platforms allow you to hire talent on an as-needed basis, making them cost-effective for seasonal workloads. - Freelancer Marketplaces
Sites such as Fiverr, Contra, and Wing Assistant offer access to global talent pools for specialized tasks like bookkeeping or data entry. You can post jobs, review candidates’ profiles, and select the best fit for your needs. - Outsourced Accounting Firms
A company like Bench can provide dedicated bookkeeping and administrative support. They’re ideal if you want a team that already understands financial workflows and compliance requirements. - Project Management Tools
Use tools like TaxDome, Monday.com, Trello, Asana, or Jetpack Workflow to assign tasks, track progress, and ensure deadlines are met. These platforms make delegation seamless by providing visibility into who’s doing what—and when. - Local Networking Groups
Don’t overlook local talent! Attend CPA networking events or join community groups where you might find part-time assistants or interns eager for experience in the tax field. - Look to local high schools and colleges/universities
There are plenty of young kids with all kinds of skills and time willing to work for FREE or minimum wage just to get the experience of working inside a business, especially a tax firm. Check with school guidance counselors or the career office in a college or university.
How to Delegate Like a Pro
Once you’ve found the right people or platforms, here’s how to make delegation work smoothly:
- Create a List: Write down a list of all of the tasks that you are currently doing that you can pay someone $10/hr to $50 or even $100/hr (this assume you are earning more than that per hour for the work you do). These are the tasks that you should look at delegating or possibly just not do at all (but that is a whole separate discussion).
- Start Small: Delegate simple tasks first, like scheduling or organizing files, before moving on to more complex responsibilities.
- Provide Clear Instructions: Create detailed workflows or training documents so your team knows exactly what’s expected. Use tools like Scribehow.com or Loom.com to record or document the steps to the tasks/projects that you need to have done.
- Use Automation Where Possible: Tools like Zapier can automate repetitive tasks (e.g., sending reminders), reducing the need for manual oversight or even transfer data to other software.
- Trust but Verify: Check in periodically to ensure quality without micromanaging. Tools like Jetpack Workflow can help monitor progress without constant follow-ups.
The Big Picture
Delegation isn’t just about freeing up time—it’s about creating a sustainable practice where you can thrive as a leader and strategist. By offloading low-value tasks, you’ll have more energy for high-impact work that grows your business and serves your clients better.
So take a deep breath, let go of the “I have to do it all” mentality, and start building a team (or leveraging technology) that supports your success. Remember: even superheroes have sidekicks—why shouldn’t you?
Here’s to working smarter, not harder!
And a brighter future for your tax practice!
If you want to know more consider joining the Tax Resolution Academy® by clicking this link
I hope this helps.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us.
I would love to hear your thoughts, challenges, and successes in writing your very own book.
Have a GREAT day,
Cordially,
Dan
Dan Henn, CPA, CTR™
Co-Founder, Tax Resolution Academy®
Managing Member
Tax Pro Academy, LLC
P.S. Want to learn more about the Tax Resolution Academy®, go to https://community.taxresolutionacademy.com.
P.P.S. Check out our CPE classes here! Click the link to Follow our page and you will be notified when we release new classes.
