Accounting & Bookkeeping & Small Business Forum

[Guest]

I've been in accounting for 5 years and am approching burnout, mainly due to dealing with dishonest clients. many have asked me how to "hide" their income, include personal expenses, etc. Any experiences with this and how to maintain ethics?

[Guest]

You pass on any dishonest client and maintain your integrity. Simply let them know that you will not involve yourself in anything illegal or underhanded and while you value their custom, it would be better for them to find help elsewhere.

Your burnout may be attributed to feeling guilty.

Keep your chin up, there are more honest then dishonest people in this world. You can still make a decent income and sleep at night dealig with the honest ones.

Cheers, Kym

[Guest]

Ditto.

You don't have to deal with those that are dishonest...if you educate them to understand that their past practice has misinformed them and they still choose to stay their course...don't be a part of it...Sleeping comfortably knowing you did the right thing is worth far much more than you'll ever earn from those clients. Don't let them burn you out...there are plenty of people/businesses out there that just want to do the right thing....you're the expert they need!!!

Karen

[Guest]

One of the toughest things for small startup accounting firms is that people ask you to lie for them.

First, it isn't legal to lie on a tax return.

Second, if they provide you with false information, it's usually impossible to do their financial statements, unless excess dealings with cash.

Third, the last person was right on the money. Tell the client "I am resigning you for your desire to lie or to ask me to lie." If they back off from petty stuff, retain them, they might become a great client. Otherwise, move on.

The best way to get off on the right foot with a client is to charge a small retainer, the bad clients will walk now.

[Guest]

Try to weed them out at first if you can without being too rude. Then educate them so they will know what is acceptable and what isn't. Let them know to begin with what your ethics are. If they won't be honest then drop them, immediately if you can. there are honest people out there you can do buisness with.

Terry

[Guest]

Hi Amy
The first thing I let a potential client know is the policy of my firm. One of the first things I tell them is that my firm will not tolerate any dishonesty among other things. I let them know that if I find that there is deception that they will be sent a warning letter. If the deception continues I send them a letter telling them that I no longer wish to do business with them and that they should come to my office and pick up their records. Unfortunately you will run into these types of people out there. That is why I decided to start letting clients know up front. Since doing this I have not had a problem with anyone asking me to be dishonest. However those that think of being dishonest usually end up not becoming a client in the first place which does save you a lot of headaches. I hope this helps.

[Guest]

Ms. Amy,

From a professional standpoint, I would simply return any documents belonging to the client and end the relationship. Your credibility will be in question if there is fallout/or the situation is made public.